The candidates for Covington City Commission convened for a forum last week hosted by the Covington Human Rights Commission at the Kenton County Public Library.
On Friday, The River City News published the candidates’ responses to questions about making the city more immigrant-friendly, a homeless shelter, and more. For that story, click here.
The candidates also addressed the issue of hiring minorities for city jobs and creating opportunities for the city’s youth. Candidate Warner Allen was unable to attend the forum and incumbent Commissioner Mildred Rains left before these two questions were asked.
Question: How can the city create more recreational opportunities for youth?
MICHELLE WILLIAMS: The incumbent commissioner noted the half million dollars to be put into Randolph Park and the work at Goebel Park. She said that the former mobile home site in Austinburg could be a possible site for a skate park. “There’s another building we would have to acquire to make that work,” she said. “Youth programs in Covington are very important.” She said that the city could have a type of community center that existed previously, and that as parks undergo revitalization they should emerge as destinations with amenities that residents want. “They won’t come if you don’t put what they want down there.” Williams suggested that the city should create a youth council.
BILL WELLS: The first time candidate said that mentoring is an important part of the effort and said that work is being done at the neighborhood level. In Peaselburg, work is being done on a water park and BMX trail, he said. “There are a lot of benefits in Covington that are underutilized,” he said. Wells said that the city should work with the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky to that people can get to where they want to go.
STEVE FRANK: The incumbent acknowledged Williams for working on Randolph Park and Commissioner Chuck Eilerman for working on Sheehan Park. He also noted the development of the Licking River Greenway and Trails as an added recreational opportunity. “We have created off road bike trails (in Devou Park). People took it upon themselves to build those with just a little help,” he said. Frank said that the city has also contributed to improving recreation near 9th District School.
JORDAN HUIZENGA: “How we support children and youth in our community is terribly important to their long-term success,” the first time candidate said. “Children who struggle in the City of Covington are often dealing with a lot of negative distractions. Life throws some different curve balls for a lot of children growing up in Covington.” He said the city should work on creating something for the children to look forward to. He acknowledged some assets that he said are under-utilized such as the summer youth program managed by the city and Covington Partners. He also discussed the “summer slide”, the idea that children lose ground academically between school years. “So, how are we providing programming and resources and opportunities for children and youth to continue their education throughout the summer. Those types of programs are something I’d like to see implemented throughout the City of Covington.”
CHUCK EILERMAN: “I think youth recreation is critical and clearly we need to enhance it,” the incumbent commissioner said. He noted the improved part at Latonia Elementary that offers recreational opportunities for children and adults. Also, “We have allocated monies in our capital budget, $2 million, for a major healthy living center which is basically at long last a replacement for the lost YMCA we had. This would be in the Latonia area and we are looking at other partners. It would be like a $10 million facility.” Eilerman also noted programs at the Kenton County Boys & Girls Club and that he hopes to see them engaged more, too.
CHRISTI BLAIR: The first time commission candidate has an 8-year old daughter and six grandchildren. “We like to swim at Randolph Pool,” she said, adding that she wishes that the city offered more programs to pre-teen kids, saying that they outgrow events like candy cane and Easter egg hunts. “Once they get to be ten, you’re a little bored with it,” Blair said. The Licking Riverside resident said that her family also enjoys Devou Park but that it requires a drive, and also Twin Oaks Golf Course. “I’m a big believer in learning how to play golf,” she said. “Let’s get some putt putt going on somewhere. Take that trailer park and maybe put putt putt right there.”
Question: What would you do to increase the number of minority employees at the City of Covington?
WILLIAMS: “I’ve been doing everything I can from shouting it on the rooftops and writing it on a big sign,” she said, adding that minority numbers are very low for City Hall. Williams said that the Department of Public Improvements has a good number of minority employees but in less-skilled positions. “We are having a difficult time getting police and fire minorities on those jobs that need educational backgrounds, where you need experience. We are having a very difficult time getting police and fire department minorities on those jobs because of the test requirements.” One issue: Cincinnati pays more and qualified minorities are more likely found there, she said. “We’re going to have to do a different step in order to get minorities into the city. Our methods right now are getting them in the door.” She said there needs to be more work to prepare minority candidates for the testing requirements. “They don’t have any idea of what’s going to be on the test. It’s a while cycle of people together because they’re going to help each other pass the test along, but we don’t have people in the door to help others get in the door.”
