Editor’s Note: The NKyTribune is offering one free op-ed posting from NKY candidates in major races in which there is opposition for the November 3 General Election. All candidates may send op-ed’s of 1000 words or less to be published before November 1. The commentary should be positive about the candidate and his/her positions. Candidates are asked not to wait until the last minute — submissions will be published in the order in which they are received.
Newport isn’t just the place I live — it’s the place that’s lived in me for more than three decades. I raised my kids here, served as your Chief of Police and spent two terms as City Commissioner. So when folks ask why I’m jumping back into the ring, the short answer is simple: I still care too much to sit on the sidelines while the city I love decides its next chapter.
I’m not running to collect a bigger paycheck. In fact, one of my first goals is to reduce commissioner compensation. Public service shouldn’t be a second career with benefits; it should be a temporary duty. While we’re at it, let’s put term limits on the books so no one gets too comfortable in the chair.
Affordable housing is another passion. We’ve got too many rules written by people who already own homes, making it harder for young families, veterans, and longtime residents to stay. I want to roll back restrictive zoning and outdated building codes that price ordinary people out of their own neighborhoods.
I’d also like to encourage city employees to live in the city they serve. Nothing beats the accountability that comes from knowing the pothole you ignored is the one your own kids hit on the way to school. And speaking of neighborhoods, let’s put park and recreation staff back in the local parks—kids deserve someone who knows their names, not just a mower that shows up once a week.
I’m open to exploring a ward system so every corner of Newport has a clearer voice, and I’m willing to look hard at consolidating services where it saves money without sacrificing quality. Big-ticket decisions—like the Purple Bridge—should never happen behind closed doors. Community outreach and real transparency aren’t optional; they’re the bare minimum.
Same goes for citizen boards. We need a published application process and a public list to encourage more interest in public service among our residents. Work with the school system on everything from after-school programs to shared facilities. And above all, insist on transparency in every public affair. Sunshine is the best disinfectant, and Newport could use a little more of it.
I’ve seen this city from every angle — patrol car, commission table, and front porch. I’m ready to bring that 360-degree view back to the Board of Commissioners. Let’s keep Newport growing with integrity, a sense of humor, and the people who actually live here firmly in the driver’s seat.
I’m Robbie K. Hall. Let’s get to work.
Robbie K. Hall is a candidate for Newport City Commissioner