Chris Vogelpohl is an incumbent candidate for the Independence City Council. There are eight candidates running for six spots on the council.
Vogelpohl is a retired firefighter and paramedic. He’s currently the EMS Coordinator with St. Elizabeth Healthcare. He has lived in Independence since the age of 10 and has served multiple terms on the council. He has a degree in nursing and history from NKU.
“I will work to utilize taxpayers’ money wisely and conservatively,” Vogelpohl said. “I will stand behind our police department to ensure that they are well-trained and properly paid, so as to attract and retain the best officers available. We should continue to invest in keeping our streets well maintained, and improving our parks, which increases property values.”
Independence has undergone much economic development and growth over the past few years. While he admitted that some growth was “inevitable,” especially in the face of the KY-536 road project, “this growth must be properly managed to include a good mixture of businesses, homes and green space, while striving to maintain our small town feel,” he said.
“Subduing growth is difficult, as council must work within the confines of zoning and county authorities,” Vogelpohl said. “However, when possible, it is our obligation to listen to our citizens and work to curb growth when and where it is appropriate.”
Overall, he said he would refrain from petty politics and needless division on the council, even though there will inevitably be disagreement between members.
“I will only work towards the best interest of all the citizens of our great city,” he concluded.