Donna
Burke

Answered by the candidate on Oct 23, 2026

My goal for Shepherdsville is to help build a safe, well-maintained community where families can thrive, businesses can succeed, and taxpayers can trust how their money is spent. Public safety must remain a priority. I support giving our police, firefighters, and emergency personnel the resources and training they need, while maintaining accountability and responsible spending. Safe neighborhoods also depend on reliable streets, good drainage, and thoughtful traffic planning. I believe infrastructure improvements should be balanced with other city needs. We should address dangerous conditions and recurring problems first, establish clear project priorities, and maintain what we already own. Planning ahead and performing routine maintenance can help prevent more expensive repairs later. Financial responsibility is essential. I will work toward a balanced budget, adequate reserves, and careful oversight of spending, with the goal of avoiding tax increases. Before supporting major expenditures, I want clear estimates of both the initial cost and the continuing expense. Grants and partnerships should be pursued when practical, with full consideration of any matching funds or future obligations. I understand residents’ concerns about maintaining the new aquatic center. I want it to be a safe, enjoyable community asset supported by a realistic operating and maintenance plan. That means accounting for staffing, utilities, insurance, repairs, and eventual equipment replacement. Admission revenue, memberships, rentals, and partnerships should be evaluated realistically, with public reporting of revenue, expenses, and any taxpayer support required. Above all, I want residents to feel heard. Decisions should reflect careful consideration of neighborhood concerns, community benefits, and what our city can afford. My commitment is to serve with honesty, integrity, and common sense, protecting essential services while supporting responsible growth and opportunities that strengthen Shepherdsville for generations to come. I will ask questions, listen respectfully, and keep residents informed about decisions affecting their homes and livelihoods.