The following op-ed is written by Beth Fennell, a candidate for reelection to Newport city commission
As a current Newport City Commissioner I am running to continue the unprecedented growth enjoyed by Newport in recent years and continue improving quality of life issues important to all our residents and businesses.
Today’s successes are the result of years of staff expertise, commitment and hard work, plus planning and stability on the board and positive partnerships with residents, businesses and other entities.
All parts of town are experiencing the hottest real estate and rehab markets in Newport’s 225 year history. Many long time vacant and/or neglected businesses and residences are being rejuvenated by individuals and entities that respect the vision of Newport as a historically precious and strategically located river town.
With the retirement of two valuable and long serving commissioners, City government is in transition. Important and valuable new voices will be added this year.
Along with new voices and ideas, experience and continuity matter. Selfless, apolitical motivated commissioners that can bring people together, are needed at this time. Positive voices with the required skill set to be a commissioner, matter at this time.
Why vote for me? What can I bring to the table? Experience, continuity and valuable regional partnerships are one set of skills I can bring.
I am honored to be the Newport representative to the Ohio, Kentucky Indiana Regional Council of government (OKI) for many years. All federal transportation dollars go through OKI for disbursement as transportation improvement funds.
Before I became our OKI rep we had no representation, therefore we received no federal transportation money. In recent years we’ve received millions of dollars for Red Bike stations, improvements for Festival Park, bike and hiking trails, safer sidewalks to schools, redesign and construction of the underpass, redesign and construction of Carothers Road and the future improvements to south Monmouth. Without these regional connections and the valuable work of our staff; these projects would not be happening.
Quality of life and public safety continues to be our #1 priority through expansion of our parks system, updating of infrastructure, vigilance of our Police and Fire Departments and dedication of all staff, as well as partnerships with the School Board, Southbank, the Ohio Kentucky Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) and other initiatives.
Although it may not be sexy or good copy, residents and businesses tell me the important criteria they are seeking in a commissioner is someone available to them for questions, comments or problem solving. My phone number and email address are on every piece of literature I hand out. I receive calls and emails from residents and businesses on a daily basis and am glad to facilitate solutions for them.
I humbly ask for your vote on May 17th. I am #7 on the Newport City ballot.
