Carol Gault for Commissioner

It actually happened! I attended my first commission meeting as an acting city commissioner. I was sworn in last night at the Commission meeting to fill the unexpired term of long-time public servant Buz Smith. It was such an honor to finally take the oath and to have friends right there on hand to celebrate the occassion with me. As always, highlights of the Commission meetings are posted on the city web site by Pam Spencer, the public information officer. It just so happened last night, the ceremony got to be included, thanks to you: The electorate. Thank you, again. I look forward to working with you in the next two years to make Paducah an even better place to reside, work and play.

I have spent the last two days picking up signs and other campaign paraphernalia as election season draws to a close. Tuesday night, while excruciating as the counts were slow to come in,  was very fulfilling. Everyone worked so hard. In the end, it paid off. We finished right behind the two incumbents. I may start my new job this Tuesday. Because of everyone’s hard work, I received the top votes of the non incumbents and could possibly be sworn in to fill the vacant seat of Commissioner Buz  Smith very soon. Commissioner Smith resigned October 27 to take on his new duties with the Department of Energy. My actual term will begin in January. I want to thank everyone for your vote, your support and most of all your love and patience.

My Mother and Me Election Night, waiting for returns...

I hate to say it but in someways it is like Christmas. The anticipation. Waiting and waiting. Everyone works so hard and then finally it is here. Just like Christmas. In a few short hours the actual event, the election, will be over. And the results will be left for us who participated to “deal” with… for example, when I was little for Christmas, I wanted a 10 speed bicycle, the result, I got a 10 speed bike. Then, I had to learn to ride the 10 speed bike. There were a few bumps and bruises along the way but i learned to navigate it pretty well. When I did and I could fly on that bike, I was so proud. I was thankful too, my Dad had been a great coach! We accomplished alot together. Sometimes I think the choices we make at the poll are simple like that too, not to take anything away from the process, but we all must think how those candidates will directly affect us.

That is why if you do not do one other thing today, please excercise your right to vote! No matter what candidate you choose… simply push a button for someone you think is on your team. Not everyone in the world has that priviledge!

Less than 72 hours and the election results will start coming in…History will be made in our nation. No matter which ticket wins.

It will also be a first for me. My inaugural race will be over. Thanks to you, the electorate, it has all been a learning experience. One I have enjoyed immensely. An example of such education has come with the answers to the survey.The final question was another good example. How important are environmental issues such as a city-wide curbside recycle program? Only 33% felt as if it was not important. I think much of that answer is due to the education efforts of the grass roots group Recycle Now. I know when Merle Paschedag and a group of concerned citizens first met in a Downtown coffee shop almost three years ago - education was key. They have certainly come a long way since then. My recycle insight has grown and so has many others. It just goes to show you education and communication can move mountains. Or in this case piles of plastic, paper and aluminum. Thanks gang for keeping it green.

Do you remember Mr. Rodgers? With his sweater and sneakers, he would always ask, won’t you be my neighbor? Is it a concept some communities have forgotten? We haven’t discussed the final two questions on the survey. Question # 6 addresses neighborhood revitalization. It has been a hot topic. In the survey we asked if you felt neighborhood revitalization should be one of the city’s top  priorities. I was a little surprised that the “No’s” and the “Undecided” answers were so close in number. Only 55% responded “Yes”.  The Lowertown initiative is a creative, progressive revitalization effort. And, on its footheels comes the Fountain Avenue project. I serve as the treasurer of the citizen’s counterpart to this city effort, Midtown Allliance of Neighbors. So I may be somewhat bias. I believe we have so much potential in creating strong, diverse neighborhoods. Through the renovation of the housing stock, festivals and strong partnerships with groups such as Midtown Alliance and Fountain Avenue Methodist Church, the neighborhood is on the upswing. Young families are purchasing homes, investors are restoring property and people are truly living in the neighborhood. It is an exciting time. We have alot of work ahead but we are creating an environment where you can be a neighbor …

Nick's fab floral arrangment from Saturday!

If you did not have the opportunity to attend Toucan’s this past Saturday, you missed a spectacular event. Thanks again everyone for coming out on such a busy Saturday in Paducah.

Tomorrow morning we will start our door to door campaign. I am looking forward to being out and about in the neighborhoods. I have great volunteers that are going with me so  we can cover alot of ground. Maybe we will see you this week.

Toucan’s, 119 Market House Square. That is the place to be this Saturday, October 25, 2 to 4 p.m. No doubt about it! Nick Coovert and his crew are offering up new menu items for you to sample. And, there will be lots of good conversation too.  Delicious muffalettas, steak sandwiches and fried dill pickles are just a few items to be served.  Just in case it is a cool afternoon, Nick will also have some pumpkin spice coffee to wet your whistle. It’s all free and open to everyone! We thought this would be a superb way to discuss those many questions I have received in recent weeks. Calls have come in about everything from property taxes to my opinions on the  hiring procedures of the police and fire chiefs.  This election year has had so many hotly contested races, the commission race has understandabley been in the shadows. The candidates have only been in Q and A public forums once or twice. Therefore, I felt an open venue at Toucan’s would create an opportunity to listen to the constituents plus talk about future goals for Paducah. It will be educational (I always learn something, I love that part!) and I know the food will be tasty. Nick usually has tricks up his sleeves, too - tonight he was preparing for next week’s Halloween event, Market Square Massacre.  - See you Saturday…

Jessica Byasee and Carol G. at 20/30 group D.O.C. talk - Doe's Eat Place.

The twenty thirty group sponsors current event discussions on a regular basis and this past Monday night area candidates met with the group. I had a fantastic time and discussed issues that face young adults such as affordable housing, job opportunities and expanding cultural attractions. This Thursday, 10/23, the West End Neighborhood Association will sponsor a discussion among the two candidates for Mayor with Bill Bartleman as host. This event will be held at the First Christian Church on Audubon. This event begins at 7:00 p.m. - hope to see you there.

Did you know Barkley Regional Airport offers 90 one connection destinations? In our recent questionnaire 66% of the people asked felt an investment in the airport would help with job growth. I too think this would be a wise investment. Only where do we find the dollars to do so? According to the Chamber of Commerce study earlier this year, the airport provided an economic impact of $43.4 million. That is quite a number. It seems as we become more dependent on a world economy our community will become more dependent on air travel. The more, the better and better means more accessible. We will need a second carrier. 24% of those responded felt it would not enhance job opportunities with the others undecided. I know during my stint at Main Street, air travel accessibility was often a concern I heard from investors. The majority of people I worked with were entrepreneurs openining businesses with 20 or less employeess. Most did not have mulitiple locations but had needs for travel. As a regional hub, we have a large demand for service. The Chamber study also addresses that issue. Barkley Regional Airport has been a success, we just have room to grow.

Sixteen days and counting. We continue to plant those yard signs and ask for votes… I plan to attend  another event tomorrow night, (Monday) at Doe’s Eat Place . I will join the twenty thirty group as candidates mingle to discuss current events at their D.O.C. talk just prior to Monday Night Football. The very gracious Mary Thorsby of ilistpaducah just posted some party pix of our last event this past Wednesday at the P.A.P.A. gallery in Downtown. We had great food and chatted with lots of interesting consituents. Below is a snapshot of me (with my new short hair, yes it’s me, just in case you were wondering) and Dr. Christi Bonds with her date, Mr. Garrett. Dr. Bonds is practicing integrative medicine and living in Lowertown. She is also the owner of Healing HeART gallery. Christi is an exquisite fiber artist in addition to her practice as a physician. More party pix to follow in the coming days - Also, remember to mark your calendar for this Saturday, October 25. Toucan’s Courtard, 2-4 p.m.