Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton says the central Kentucky community is making progress economically, even during the coronavirus pandemic. The mayor offered her annual State of the Merged Government Address Tuesday.
Mayor Gorton talked about big job creators coming in the future; a new Baptist Health campus near Hamburg and Amazon expansion. Ironically, the pandemic has meant less out and about activity but faster construction. Gorton said the downtown convention center project is a record setter. “At it’s heart this is one of the largest publicly funded jobs projects in our history.”
The mayor spoke of moving forward with recommendations by her Commission on Racial Justice and Equality. To that end University of Kentucky Vice President for Community Engagement Lisa Higgins Hord will serve as a point person to help facilitate action. Council Member James Brown sees that as a strong signal. “I think a lot of progress can be made. When you’re intentional and you dedicate money, people, and resources toward an initiative, help move it forward,” said Brown.
More specifics on spending in all areas will come this spring when the mayor delivers her budget address.
First Term Council Member Hannah LeGris felt the mayor’s speech hit on community perseverance. “I thought that the mayor did a very good job on focusing on people, on fiscal responsibility, on equity and opportunity,” noted LeGris.
LeGris added Gorton was also pragmatic and realistic about the issues tied to the current pandemic.?
Here's Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton's State of the Merged Government Address in its entirety:
If you appreciate access to this important content during this global pandemic, please help us continue to provide public service journalism and information to Central and Eastern Kentucky communities. Please make your contribution to WEKU today.
