(Editor’s note: This is part of a continuing series on the candidates for Florence city council.)
First-term Council Member Lesley Chambers will appear on the November 5th ballot, seeking a second term to serve citizens of Florence. Chambers, a single mother, feels the most underserved members of the community deserve assistance and to be treated with respect.
“How we coexist with our unhoused community members needs to be reevaluated and drastic changes should be considered. We must balance the safety of our residents (especially our children) and the basic human dignity of individuals that choose to live unhoused.”
Chambers insists, “The most difficult challenge we are facing as a community is housing affordability. As a city, we should be discussing ways city policy can support our residents through this crisis.”
Doubling down on what she views as “Corporate Greed” Chambers says, “Rent prices are outrageous. Too many are falling behind because there seems to be no cap on rate increases. We must do everything in our power to put a stop to the unnecessary increase on the cost of consumer goods – most notably – the increase to housing costs.”
Recent claims by candidate J. Kelly Huff that Chambers, along with Council member Jenna Kemper, would vote to defund the police, drew sharp criticism from Chambers. “I would never – never – vote to defund the Police. The Florence Police Department is a noble, effective, dedicated and multi-specialized group of individuals. I have fully supported every request in the budget for police pay and equipment.”
When it comes to community involvement, Chambers says, “the city needs elected officials who will exercise the will of the people. The residents of Florence are informed. They have legitimate questions and grievances. I actively seek the opinions of residents when considering my votes and will continue to do so if I am elected to a second term.”
To lessen the growing concern that Florence government lacks transparency and accountability, Chambers informed us she is currently working on a government transparency ordinance. Chambers says the proposal will attempt to require each piece of legislation brought before council include the name of the person responsible for the proposal.
Breaking with establishment members, Chambers said the city is overcrowded and fears the onslaught of new homes coming to the area will eventually take a toll on citizens.
“We have no room left in this city. If we allow builders to construct these new homes, we are going to severely overburden our roadways and infrastructure. It already takes forty-five minutes to get to Burlington during the rush. We need to do our job, and know when to say no.”
Complimenting her fellow members for welcoming her to the role, Chambers says longtime Council Member Mel Carroll is a true Statesman.
“He is welcoming to everyone; he has a big heart and what you see in public is what we all see behind closed doors. He cares about the underserved; he cares about protecting our green space – he is a true voice for our citizens.”
Chambers is currently advocating for the construction of a community center, which would allow for programs to assist with educational needs such as tutoring, language programs, economic training and provide a safe space for citizens to gather. Chambers feels the center is a vital need for the city, focusing on the reality that all citizens don’t have access to gathering space or community pools owned by neighborhood HOAs or Club Pools.
Ready to hit the ground running in term two, Chambers says there is much to be done.
“We meet with the Mayor quarterly to discuss city plans and operations. However, I’d like to see more engagement by citizens. There is much more we can do to benefit those living in the areas of town that are considered by many to be ignored. Those folks deserve a voice, and I hope they’ve found that with my election to council.”
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. He lives in Boone County.
Lesley Chambers has done a wonderful job in her first term on city council. She has genuine concern for the people of Florence. Join me a 50 year resident of Florence and vote for Lesley Chambers.