Bowling Green’s Mayoral Race Heats Up with Patti Minter
As Election Day approaches in Bowling Green, candidates are ramping up their campaigns and messages. Two-term state representative Patti Minter recently visited local media to share her vision, priorities, and the need for change within the city. With November 5 just around the corner, Minter is focusing on what she sees as crucial for Bowling Green’s future.
Why Run for Mayor?
Minter explained her decision to run for mayor as a matter of responsibility. She described Bowling Green as a rapidly growing city, stating, “What happens in the next four years is going to change what Bowling Green looks like in the next 25 to 50 years.” She emphasized a commitment to lead by listening, with priorities that include public safety and smart growth. Minter mentioned being honored to have the endorsement of Governor Beshear, stating it reinforces her capability and readiness.
Experience and Relationships
With four years of legislative experience under her belt, Minter spoke about her accomplishments, notably bringing in $3.5 million for road improvements and securing tornado relief funding. “I’ve learned how to negotiate, how to get to compromise, and how to get to yes,” she commented, emphasizing the importance of working across party lines. Minter believes these experiences positions her uniquely for the role of mayor.
First 100 Days as Mayor
Should she be elected, Minter’s first priority will be to increase openness and transparency at City Hall. “My predecessor worked hard to open up City Hall, but it’s become a closed society,” she stated. Minter plans to enhance public involvement by restoring public comment at City Commission meetings, which she noted had shifted to occur only after votes. She intends to reinstate “summer strolls” to promote conversation between city officials and residents, making sure to reinforce that residents’ voices are valued.
Addressing Rapid Growth
Bowling Green’s rapid growth poses both opportunities and challenges. Minter expresses concern over increasing traffic congestion and the need for housing. “The city did a housing study that stated we need to add 3,000 new units of housing every year,” she shared. She emphasized the necessity of developing infrastructure alongside housing projects to maintain the city’s quality of life. Minter advocates for smart growth to avoid becoming a suburban sprawl, striving for a community-centered approach rather than one driven solely by developers.
Homelessness Solutions
One of the pressing issues Bowling Green faces is the rise in homelessness. Minter acknowledged that this is a complex challenge but reiterated that more affordable housing is critical. She highlighted how many individuals and families end up unhoused due to skyrocketing housing costs, emphasizing that increasing the housing stock can help prevent this issue. “Smart growth will address that,” she affirmed, advocating accessible and affordable housing for all.
Supporting Workforce Development
As the city welcomes new jobs, especially with the growth at the Transpark, Minter recognizes that more must be done to ensure residents can access these opportunities. She noted that public transportation is lacking, making it hard for individuals to reach good-paying jobs in the area. Minter supports evaluating and enhancing public transit services to link residents with job sites, acknowledging the necessity of a well-planned transit system.
Prioritizing Public Safety
On concerns about crime, Minter committed to prioritizing public safety as a major issue of her platform. She advocates for community policing strategies that promote positive relationships between law enforcement and neighborhoods, believing this will lead to reduced crime rates. “Better community policing will help,” she noted, particularly in response to recent crime incidents in local neighborhoods.
Building Community Trust
Through her experiences and plans, Minter believes she can restore trust between Bowling Green’s residents and city government. “I want to ensure that my administration unlocks City Hall to the people again,” she said, promising to welcome residents into the decision-making process.
In summary, as Bowling Green approaches election day, Patti Minter aims to bring her experience, vision for growth, and commitment to community engagement forward, hoping to inspire residents to vote for her and pave the way for a more inclusive and transparent administration.
