Second of a series on Florence City Council candidates
For our second conversation with candidates for Florence city council, we sat down with Brian Kinross, a Florence resident since 2001. The Senior Engineer for P&G has been actively involved in city issues since the infamous Aquatic Center controversy; leading the charge to keep the center open, while claiming current and former city leaders gave false information to the public when attempting to demolish the city-owned water park.
Questioning the former administration’s motives for desiring to build an amphitheater in its place, Kinross would like answers as to who may have benefitted from such a project, claiming it would’ve been a devastating financial loss to the city’s taxpayers.
Refuting claims that non-residents visiting the center were contributing to the financial burden, Kinross says the misinformation from the city was not only incorrect – it was disingenuous.
“The center needs those folks to pay for passes, because there aren’t enough Florence residents using the center to fund it. It was losing somewhere around $150,000 annually – not $300,000 as the former Mayor repeatedly claimed. Those records are public, anyone can view them.”
Estimating the now-canceled project’s cost to taxpayers at nearly $450,000 annually, for decades, the financial watchdog said the Aquatic Center’s own fund totaled $3 million dollars – essentially providing years of self-funding when combined with revenues from locker rentals, concessions and passes.
When it comes to running for Mayor in 2026, Kinross makes it clear his name will not be on the ballot. He does question the possibility of a showdown between longtime Mayor Diane Whalen and current Mayor Julie Metzger-Aubuchon, adding to the fuel that there is a rift between the local dignitaries.
Focusing on the recent 4-2 passage of an increase to the Mayoral salary (beginning in 2026) Kinross questions the conversations leading up to the vote.
“The proposal was introduced by Josh Hunt, so we have no way of knowing what or who motivated the desire to increase the pay.”
Jenna Kemper and Lesley Chambers both voted against the increase on the final vote, but Kinross says it is difficult to comprehend such a large increase for the position.
According to Kinross, the promotion of Josh Hunt to City Administrator, along with Hunt’s following proposal to increase the Mayoral salary, has many questioning the true origin of the proposal.
“It looks like Pay-to-Play. I’m not saying it is, but that is what many citizens are feeling. Those citizens deserve accountability.”
Kinross also points out the initial goal was to increase the salary of Council and the Mayor, though the proposal was split into two different proposals. Council members tabled a discussion on providing raises for their own positions. Kinross feels the issue will be raised post-election, allowing voters time to forget the increase before the next council election.
Serving in many roles within the community; through youth mentorship, religious services and leadership within the Boy Scouts of America, the first-time candidate wants to focus on setting a positive example for citizens, young and old.
“I feel like everyone needs to be involved with the decisions being made by city leaders. I support term limits, and I don’t believe elected office should be a career for anyone. Council members could better serve Florence by connecting with, listening to and empathizing with the issues and concerns that are important to residents. Bringing issues to city council meetings should be a welcoming experience, not an intimidating one.”
Speaking to financial literacy and his own ability to champion taxpayer safeguards, Kinross, holding a BS in Manufacturing Engineering from BYU and his MBA from Notre Dame, identifies as a “servant leader.”
Fluent in Portuguese, Kinross is confident he can make positive advances.
“I understand how to read financial reports and can distinguish between a good use of public funds and a bad one. I’ll also seek and consider the residents voice in my public positions. It is the citizen I will represent, not special interest groups.”
William E. Woods is a Northern Kentuckian, small business owner, and a Kentucky Colonel. He has run for public office and aims to use his two decades of business and political experience to enlighten citizens on public issues relevant to them.