Tom
Lewis

What should be Hodgenville's top budget priorities, and where could the city save?

Hodgenville's budget should reflect the needs of its residents, not the wants of City Hall. My top priorities would be maintaining and improving our aging water and sewer infrastructure, ensuring our police and fire departments have the resources necessary to protect our community, and investing in improvements that make Hodgenville a better place to live, work, and raise a family. As someone with a background in business and economics, I believe every taxpayer dollar deserves accountability. We should review existing contracts, eliminate unnecessary spending, competitively bid major purchases, and prioritize projects based on necessity and long-term value. We must also aggressively pursue state and federal grants, private partnerships, and other funding opportunities to reduce the burden on local taxpayers. My philosophy is simple: Spend responsibly, invest wisely, and make every dollar work for the people of Hodgenville.

How should the city set its property tax rate?

Their pick: Lower the rate

I believe Hodgenville should gradually lower its property tax rate while protecting essential services like police, fire, and infrastructure. Homeownership is already expensive enough without government adding unnecessary financial burdens. As mayor, I would prioritize responsible budgeting, eliminating wasteful spending, reviewing contracts, and pursuing alternative funding sources. Hodgenville's future depends on growing our economy, not continually taxing existing residents. I envision attracting new businesses, restaurants, and hotels while developing Hodgenville into a regional youth sports destination, hosting travel baseball and softball tournaments at expanded parks and basketball and volleyball tournaments at an indoor facility. These investments could attract thousands of visitors, support local businesses, create jobs, and generate additional tax revenue. My long-term goal is to gradually replace property tax revenue through economic growth, allowing us to lower the rate responsibly without sacrificing essential city services.

How should the city pay for water, sewer and street upgrades?

Their pick: Speed up the upgrades

I believe Hodgenville needs to accelerate improvements to our aging water, sewer, and street infrastructure. These are essential services that should be among our city's highest priorities. Hodgenville is a small enough community that we should be able to maintain exceptional roads and streets. There is no reason we shouldn't strive to have some of the best-maintained streets in Kentucky. Infrastructure improvements are also investments in our economic future. We cannot expect to attract new businesses, restaurants, hotels, and residential development if our infrastructure cannot support that growth. We need to be prepared for economic opportunities before they arrive, not scramble to accommodate them afterward. As mayor, I would aggressively pursue state/federal grants along with private funding, prioritize projects based on need, and seek the best possible value for taxpayers. We cannot build a stronger Hodgenville on deteriorating infrastructure.

How should Hodgenville attract new business, and should it expand its city limits?

Their pick: Grow within the current limits

I believe Hodgenville should prioritize growth within our existing city limits while actively pursuing restaurants, hotels, retail stores, and businesses that create jobs and expand our tax base. Our greatest opportunities include capitalizing on tourism surrounding Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace and developing Hodgenville into a regional youth sports destination. Baseball, softball, basketball, and volleyball tournaments will bring visiting families who support our restaurants, hotels, and local businesses while discovering our lincoln heritage. While growth within our current boundaries comes first, I recognize that our irregular city limits may eventually need adjustments. I would explore strategic expansion along Lincoln Parkway, utilizing undeveloped land for larger commercial opportunities while protecting the historic character and small-town charm of downtown. We can embrace economic growth without sacrificing what makes Hodgenville special. My goal isn't to change who we are, but to build a stronger, more prosperous future for the community we love.

What should the city do with the returned downtown hotel property?

Their pick: No, focus on other priorities

I absolutely believe Hodgenville can support a hotel, but I don't believe downtown is the appropriate location. We can encourage economic growth without disrupting the historic character and small-town culture that make our community special. My vision is to attract hotel development along Lincoln Parkway, where there is room for future expansion and additional commercial growth. As we develop Hodgenville into a regional youth sports destination, families traveling for weekend baseball, softball, basketball, and volleyball tournaments will need places to stay Friday and Saturday nights. These visitors will also eat at our restaurants, shop locally, and explore attractions like Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace between games. Regarding the downtown property, I would evaluate its long-term value and potential sale while considering temporary public parking until a decision is made. Let's create demand for a hotel, then build it where it makes the most sense.

Should the mayor's salary change, and why?

Their pick: No, keep it as is

I believe the mayor's salary should remain unchanged. In fact, I am personally committed to reinvesting my mayoral salary back into the City of Hodgenville. If someone seeks the mayor's office for a paycheck, I believe they're pursuing it for the wrong reasons. I'm not running for money, publicity, recognition, or personal gain. I'm running because I love Hodgenville, believe in its potential, and have the leadership and determination to help us reach it. I want to see Hodgenville catch up with surrounding communities and ultimately surpass them. I want a thriving local economy, stronger infrastructure, more opportunities for our families, and a community where our children want to stay and build their futures. I don't need a paycheck or recognition to serve my hometown. I simply want to leave Hodgenville better than I found it.