I’m very proud of what the City Commission and staff have worked together to accomplish during this term, but some rumors and misinformation have been circulating about our record. When casting your votes on May 22, it’s important to have the facts. I hope the following information will be helpful to you as you select your candidates.

-We’ve made long-term investments in energy conservation, waste management, and cost-saving measures in order to make future budgets easier to balance.

-We’ve added as much money to the City’s reserves as we’ve spent. According to data from our budget, monthly financial reports and a recent audit by Mountjoy Chilton Medley LLP, we’re finishing this fiscal year with the same amount in reserve that we started the term with (more than $8 million).

-The local unemployment rate has already improved almost 2% during our term. The rate was 10.1 when we were sworn in, and is below the state average at 8.2 (according to reports from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics).

-We’ve reduced or lowered garbage bills for about 98% of the households we serve, while increasing recycling revenues.

- We’re easing zoning restrictions on small businesses and simplifying the licensing process in order to spur economic growth and increase revenues.

- We’re establishing incentives for restoration in our neighborhoods, instead of demolition.

-This Commission has restored almost one million dollars to our public safety budget, and we’ve seen a decrease in murders and an increase in drug enforcement during this term.

- We’ve received statewide recognition for bringing an unprecedented level of transparency to your local government.

- We now videotape work sessions and other meetings and make them available to the public.

- We’ve kept your taxes low despite the recession and the long-term fiscal damage caused by the Public Safety Building.

- We’ve made great progress in sewer infrastructure work while deferring further rate increases through sound fiscal management.

- We've invested in long-neglected infrastructure on the East and West sides of town.

- We’ve developed a new website to give you deeper access to your local government (www.frankfort.ky.gov).

- We’re making Frankfort safer for cyclists, pedestrians, seniors and children by investing in sidewalks, bicycle lanes, traffic safety measures, and safe routes to schools.

- We’ve identified grants to help with urban renewal, parks, and transportation.

- We’ve invited the public to participate in every step of our decision making process, while still balancing our decisions with careful research and sound facts.

- We’ve set politics aside and made tough decisions to invest in the future of Frankfort, and have refused to kick any cans down the road to future generations.

I still believe that Frankfort can be the best city in Kentucky. We can all enjoy a safe, vibrant community with a strong economy and a high quality of life, and we can move our city forward while saving you money at the same time. This won’t be easy and it won’t happen overnight, but with your help I know we can bring this brighter future to Frankfort.

I really appreciate the faith this community has placed in me so far, and I’m asking for your support again on May 22nd.

Thank you,
Sellus Wilder

(502)-330-2386

selluswilder@gmail.com