Public Life Update - April 2007

Candidates for Governor: Listen to Daviess Countians

As Kentucky gubernatorial candidates scurry across the state in the final days before the May 22, 2007 primary, most of the issues and program proposals are essentially all about the state budget, the allocation of resources, how to stretch tax dollars, and how to generate funds for an effective state government.

In conjunction with the 2006 Kentucky General Assembly, a group of citizens gathered at Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro and devoted several hours to learn about state government financial challenges, to examine various proposals and options, and to deliberate with people representing different points of view.

The forum was conducted by the Public Life Foundation of Owensboro, a non-partisan foundation that fosters citizen participation in community decisions and public policy.

Following the presentation and small group discussion format, participants shared their perspective through a questionnaire. Most of Kentucky’s budget issues and financial challenges have not changed since that time. Consequently, the perspectives and recommendations of these citizens remain valid today.

We share with the candidates what a cross-section of citizens from Kentucky’s third largest city said about the state government finances:

60 percent said that state government has a revenue problem
40 percent said that state government has a spending problem
58 percent said cut the bureaucracy
83 percent said increase the cigarette tax
50 percent said increase taxes on services
64 percent said increase taxes on the wealthy
57 percent said increase corporate net profits taxes
67 percent said eliminate loopholes and exemptions
46 percent said no to expanded gaming
61 percent said the public should be allowed to vote on gaming
93 percent said that the "no new tax" pledge signed by 50 legislators is an irresponsible act that could result in state government having inadequate resources for education and vital government services
7 percent said that the "no new tax" pledge was a responsible action that sends an important message about excessive taxation
69 percent said that tax modernization should generate additional revenue rather than no new revenue

Participants not a random sample, but reflected the community

The forum was a public meeting and all were welcomed. The 60 participants were generally better educated and more affluent than average Daviess Countians. Nonetheless, the forum attracted city and rural residents, minorities, business and union leaders, elected officials and civic leaders, nonprofit managers, educators and interested citizens – certainly a valid cross section of our community.

Better informed citizens

Participants were asked to come to judgment about budget issues and choices after having been briefed extensively and engaged in two structured discussions. This lends more credibility to the results than surveys and polls that call for instant responses from people who may or may not be informed.

Coming into the forum, only 29 percent of the participants said they were well-informed about state budget issues. Ninety percent reported that they were better informed as a result of the forum.

A fair and effective format

All but one participant reported that the material was balanced. All participants reported that the material was clear and understandable. All but one reported that the discussion format was effective. All but one recommended the forum to others.

One hundred percent said that it is important for citizens to express their views regarding the state budget.

Leaders respond

Results were shared with the Daviess County legislative delegation, key leaders in Frankfort, local-state media and opinion leaders.

Two local legislators, Rep. Joe Bowen and Rep. Tommy Thompson, responded verbally and said they would take into consideration the input from citizens who participated in the forum.

Gov. Ernie Fletcher also responded with the following letter:

Commonwealth of Kentucky
Office of the Governor

February 13, 2006

“Thank you for contacting my office regarding the public forum held recently to discuss the state budget proposal. I appreciate your taking the time to make me aware of the issue briefs and other information gathered at the meeting.

“As we work to move Kentucky in the right direction, your input is welcome. Please feel free to contact me any time an issue is important to you.”

Ernie Fletcher

Link to the State Budget Issue Brief that was used in the forum:

The State Budget :: Public Life Advocate

Saving the Executive Inn:

What, if anything, should our community do?

In our last issue, we examined possible community strategies relating to concerns over the future of the Executive Inn www.plfo.org/advocate/Volum_4_Issue_4/.

Responses

April 17, 2007

The Executive Inn Rivermont has been a proud member of the Owensboro community for nearly 30 years. As we continue to progress toward exciting new Downtown development, it is important that we make clear our position on the proposed riverfront development.

First, as a business we believe strongly in the free market system, but we also realize the importance of a strong public/private partnership, especially when addressing downtown re-development. We support active local government involvement in the development of venues, attractions and public facilities, which promote investment and growth in downtown Owensboro. We believe this is reflected in the success of events held at the Mitch McConnell Plaza.

Our efforts to attract visitors extend far beyond any direct benefits to the hotel. Our professional management and staff work daily to bring people into our community for conventions, entertainment, group travel, and more. We solicit business which benefits the entire community and most certainly any person or entity associated in any way with Downtown Owensboro.

Our booking pace for 2008 and 2009 already exceed levels for previous years. That means more conventions, more meetings, more leisure travelers, sports tournaments, concertgoers, and more visitors coming to Owensboro, Kentucky!

The Public Life Advocate April 2007 edition stated that, “Because of the Executive Inn, Owensboro-Daviess County leaders have not perceived a need to develop a municipal convention center.” This is very true. The article also correctly points out past ownerships funding of event facilities for three decades. While this has been a great benefit to the community, quite frankly this cannot continue in today’s business environment. The time has come for a true public/private partnership for the development of a new indoor multi-purpose facility in Downtown Owensboro.

We lose an enormous amount of potential business due to a lack of adequate facilities. Additional sporting tournaments, conventions, and big name entertainers would undoubtedly attract multitudes of travelers to Owensboro, Kentucky with the construction of a new facility. Such a facility would also assist with efforts to fill seasonal shifts for our Tourism industry.

In order to sustain a hotel the size of the Executive Inn in a community the size of Owensboro, there must be an “Anchor” facility to drive business into our town. Thirty years ago the Showroom Lounge, the EXPO Center and the International Rooms were more than adequate for a progressive market. Although they certainly still have value and produce revenue generating events and substantial room nights, there is no doubt that they are dated and not viable in today’s competitive marketplace. It is difficult for owners to continue to invest dollars into existing facilities without a definite progression towards new facility development along the riverfront.

That being said, we continue to use the resources we have available throughout our community to create events and “destination” drivers. An example is this past weekend “Return to Bluegrass” festival sponsored by the hotel and the upcoming “Moonlite ‘n Merle” event at the Owensboro Sportscenter August 2nd. Advance ticket and rooms sales clearly indicate a need for a larger venue to attract bigger artists and certainly fill hotels throughout the city.

We urge City, County, and State leaders to work aggressively to secure and implement a solid plan to develop an Indoor Event Center in Downtown Owensboro. It is a priority, necessary for the survival of our Tourism industry.

Finally, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss development issues regarding, the ‘Indoor Event Center’, riverfront development or other facilities that will enhance downtown Owensboro. We remain as committed to the growth and development of our community as we were when our doors opened in 1977.

Sincerely,

Executive Inn Rivermont
Management and Staff

Everyone should be concerned about the future if the future is to have any quality of life at all. The Executive Inn is merely frosting on the cake, not the cake itself. You have what I regard as a superb city in so many ways. The citizenry is gracious, friendly and natural sales people of the area. I love 'em. Your parks and green spaces are a feast. Your schools
are not taken for granted...and, in particular, Daviess County Schools are at the top of Kentucky schools, thanks to the Hager Educational Foundation and former Superintendent of Education, Stu Silberman. I think Keith Sanders is an asset in devining and developing the future Owensboro.

While you have so very much, the city still needs to be on the alert to clean up and paint up existing houses and businesses, to be aware of the need to run a strict zoning and planning board to keep the placement of homes and business compatible with each other,

The big deal is bringing in suitable corporations who can offer quality jobs to a work oriented, well educated populace. Without jobs, the death knell is quietly being sounded to maintaining the next generation of leaders.

But I have every confidence the good and wise people of Owensboro, who recognize problems in a timely manner, will solve this problem as they have in the past.

I wish all goodluck in this vital process.

Quentin Allen
Ft. Mitchell, Ky.

Other articles and issue briefs published in the Public Life Advocate on downtown/community development issues and challenges:

Ten keys to an energized downtown
Big dreams, big decisions
What will work along the riverfront?
Maximizing riverfront development: What is the best strategy?
What should county government do with its downtown property?

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