Targeted questions that voters, candidates, or community members are asking about the future of Powell County.
Powell County Judge-Executive Questions
- Restoring and Maintaining Hollerwood Offroad Park
- What specific steps would you take in the first 12 months to improve trail maintenance and reduce erosion at Hollerwood?
- How would you ensure consistent funding and staffing for regular grading, drainage fixes, and vegetation restoration?
- Do you support requiring a performance bond from any future park operator, and if so, what minimum coverage and enforcement mechanisms would you require?
- How would you address the ongoing vandalism problem (burned vehicles, stolen signs, dumped trash) to make overnight parking and camping safer?
- Would you support partnering with Red River Gorge tourism groups to increase revenue while protecting the land?
- Enhancing Public Safety and Emergency Response
- What improvements would you make to high-angle vehicle rescue capability and coordination with Powell County Search & Rescue?
- How would you ensure better trail signage, hazard marking, and visitor education to reduce accidents?
- Do you support increasing on-site first-aid/CPR-trained staff and rapid response equipment at Hollerwood and other high-use areas?
- What timeline would you set for implementing mandatory incident reporting and post-accident reviews?
- Boosting Tourism and Economic Development
- How would you leverage Hollerwood’s location near Red River Gorge to attract more multi-day visitors and support local businesses?
- Would you prioritize infrastructure upgrades (RV hookups, better restrooms, event facilities) at Hollerwood, and how would you fund them?
- What specific events or marketing campaigns would you champion to grow year-round tourism without overburdening the land?
- How would you measure and report the economic impact of tourism investments to taxpayers?
- Protecting the Environment and Preventing Misuse
- What enforceable rules would you implement to prevent off-trail riding and unauthorized land disturbance?
- Do you support mandatory post-rain trail closures and native vegetation restoration requirements?
- How would you ensure compliance with Kentucky stormwater and erosion control regulations (KPDES/KYR10) on county-managed properties?
- Would you require annual third-party environmental audits for Hollerwood and publish the results publicly?
- Addressing the Opioid Crisis and Substance Abuse
- How would you allocate opioid settlement funds to prevention, treatment, and recovery programs in Powell County?
- What partnerships (schools, churches, health departments) would you pursue to expand access to naloxone and counseling?
- Do you support county-wide education campaigns targeting youth and families?
- Improving Infrastructure and Public Services
- What is your plan to address deteriorating county roads, especially routes connecting to tourism sites?
- How would you prioritize and fund school facility upgrades (vestibules, roofs, security) while keeping taxes reasonable?
- What steps would you take to expand broadband access in rural parts of the county?
- Strengthening Security and Reducing Vandalism
- How many additional patrols or camera installations would you propose for Hollerwood and other public recreation areas?
- Would you support stricter fines, and lifetime bans for repeat vandals, and how would you enforce them?
- Do you favor joint patrols with the Powell County Sheriff’s Office during peak seasons and events?
- Managing County Budget and Taxes Responsibly
- How would you ensure transparent budgeting and public reporting on tourism-related revenue and expenses?
- What major spending priorities would you set for the next four years, and how would you avoid unnecessary tax increases?
- How would you balance investments in Hollerwood with other county needs (roads, schools, emergency services)?
Questions for candidates running for
Mayor of Stanton, Kentucky.
- Water and Utility Infrastructure Reliability
- What concrete steps would you take in your first year to reduce water outages and leaks in Stanton’s aging lines?
- How would you address potential staffing shortages at the city water utility to improve service reliability?
- What funding sources (grants, loans, rate adjustments) would you pursue to replace or repair outdated infrastructure?
- How would you improve emergency response and communication during water outages so residents and businesses are less disrupted?
- Would you support a long-term capital improvement plan for the water system, and what would its top priorities be?
- Downtown Revitalization and Economic Vitality
- What specific incentives or programs would you create to fill vacant storefronts and attract new shops and restaurants downtown?
- How would you support local entrepreneurs and small businesses without depending too heavily on tourism revenue?
- Would you pursue state or federal grants (e.g., downtown revitalization funds) or create a local facade improvement program?
- How would you balance preserving Stanton’s historic character with modern development needs?
- What metrics (e.g., occupancy rates, new business openings) would you use to measure downtown success?
- Zoning Enforcement and Property Compliance
- How would you ensure zoning enforcement is consistent, fair, and transparent to avoid accusations of favoritism?
- What steps would you take to help property owners come into compliance rather than just issuing fines or citations?
- Would you support creating a streamlined permitting process or amnesty period for existing unpermitted structures?
- How would you address fire and sanitation hazards in non-compliant properties while protecting public safety?
- Do you favor increasing code enforcement staffing or outsourcing inspections?
- Housing Affordability and Short-Term Rental Impacts
- Do you support regulating short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO) in Stanton, such as caps, registration fees, or occupancy limits?
- What zoning changes or incentives would you propose to encourage more long-term, workforce housing?
- How would you balance the economic benefits of tourism rentals with the need for affordable housing for local families?
- Would you create a housing task force or partner with developers to build affordable units?
- How would you monitor and report on housing cost trends in Stanton?
- Public Safety and Police Services
- What is your plan to strengthen the Stanton Police Department—more officers, better equipment, or improved training?
- How would you improve response times and visibility in areas with frequent vandalism or theft?
- Would you support increased collaboration with the Powell County Sheriff’s Office for joint patrols or shared resources?
- Do you favor adding community policing programs or neighborhood watch support?
- How would you address resident concerns about police presence without increasing the city budget excessively?
- Roads, Sidewalks, and Traffic Improvements
- Which city streets and sidewalks would you prioritize for repair in the next two years, and why?
- How would you secure state or federal grants to fund road resurfacing, curb/gutter replacement, and striping?
- What improvements would you make to hazardous intersections, especially near schools?
- Would you coordinate with KYTC on improvements to KY 11/15 through Stanton?
- How would you address drainage issues that cause flooding on city streets?
- Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities
- What upgrades or new features would you prioritize for Stanton’s parks and playgrounds?
- Would you support adding programming (youth sports, family events, senior activities) and how would you fund it?
- Do you favor public-private partnerships or grants to improve recreational facilities?
- How would you ensure parks and community spaces remain safe, clean, and accessible year-round?
- What role should the city play in supporting youth and family activities?
- Budget Transparency and Responsible Tax/Fee Management
- How would you make the city budget process more transparent and accessible to residents?
- What are your top three spending priorities for the next four years, and how would you pay for them?
- Would you commit to avoiding unnecessary increases in occupational taxes, property taxes, or utility fees?
- How would you balance essential services (police, water, streets) with economic development investments?
- Would you publish regular financial reports or hold public budget hearings?
- Flooding and Emergency Preparedness
- What drainage improvements would you prioritize to reduce street and property flooding in Stanton?
- Would you support updating floodplain zoning or building codes to better protect homes and businesses?
- How would you improve the city’s emergency preparedness and response plan for flooding events?
- Do you favor creating or expanding a stormwater utility fee to fund drainage projects?
- What partnerships (county, state, FEMA) would you pursue for flood mitigation funding?
Questions for candidates running for Magistrate in
Powell County, Kentucky.
- Representing District Residents on the Fiscal Court
- How would you ensure the concerns of your specific district (e.g., rural roads, flooding, or access to services) are heard and prioritized during Fiscal Court meetings?
- What process would you use to regularly gather input from constituents in your district before major votes?
- How would you handle disagreements with the County Judge/Executive or other magistrates on key issues?
- County Budget and Taxpayer Accountability
- What are your top three spending priorities for the Powell County budget, and how would you balance them without unnecessary tax or fee increases?
- How would you ensure transparent budgeting and public reporting on how tourism revenue (e.g., from Hollerwood or Red River Gorge visitors) is spent?
- Would you support requiring performance bonds or stricter oversight for county-managed recreation assets like Hollerwood to protect taxpayer funds?
- Road Maintenance and Infrastructure
- Which roads in your district need the most urgent repair or paving, and how would you push for funding through the county road budget or state grants?
- How would you advocate for better drainage and stormwater fixes on county roads to reduce flooding and erosion?
- Would you support reallocating road funds to prioritize high-traffic tourism routes connecting to Red River Gorge?
- Tourism, Hollerwood Offroad Park, and Economic Development
- What role should the Fiscal Court play in improving and maintaining Hollerwood Offroad Park to make it a safer, more sustainable economic driver?
- How would you address erosion, vandalism, and security issues at Hollerwood through county policies, funding, or partnerships?
- Would you support county incentives or grants to boost year-round tourism while protecting the environment?
- Environmental Protection and Land Stewardship
- How would you ensure county policies comply with Kentucky environmental regulations (e.g., erosion control, stormwater permits) on public lands and recreation areas?
- Would you advocate for stronger county rules or enforcement against off-trail riding, illegal dumping, or habitat damage?
- Do you support requiring annual environmental audits for county-managed properties?
- Public Safety and Emergency Services
- What steps would you take on the Fiscal Court to improve funding or coordination for rural emergency response, including high-angle rescues near Red River Gorge?
- How would you support volunteer fire/EMS services and sheriff patrols in your district?
- Would you back county-wide initiatives to reduce vandalism and property damage at public recreation sites?
- Opioid Crisis and Community Health
- How would you direct opioid settlement funds toward prevention, treatment, or recovery programs that benefit Powell County residents?
- Would you support county partnerships with health departments or nonprofits for naloxone distribution and education?
- Fiscal Court Transparency and Collaboration
- How would you promote open meetings, public comment, and accountability on the Fiscal Court?
- What changes would you propose to improve communication between magistrates, the Judge/Executive, and county departments?
These questions are concise, specific, and designed to reveal candidates’ knowledge of the magistrate’s role (fiscal court voting, district advocacy, budget oversight) while addressing Powell County’s real priorities—roads, tourism, environment, and fiscal responsibility.
Questions for candidates running for Kentucky State House District 91 (which includes Powell County, Estill, parts of Madison, and surrounding areas).
- Tourism, Red River Gorge, and Hollerwood Offroad Park
- What specific legislation or state budget allocations would you champion to increase funding for trail maintenance, visitor safety, and infrastructure at Red River Gorge and Hollerwood Offroad Park?
- Would you support state grants or tax incentives for upgrades (e.g., RV hookups, better drainage, event facilities) at Hollerwood to boost year-round tourism revenue for Powell County?
- How would you address staffing shortages and funding cuts affecting Daniel Boone National Forest operations that impact Red River Gorge access and emergency response?
- Do you favor stronger state-level enforcement of erosion control and “Tread Lightly” principles for OHV recreation areas in eastern Kentucky?
- Environmental Protection and Natural Resources
- What bills would you introduce or support to strengthen Kentucky’s stormwater and erosion regulations (KPDES/KYR10) for recreation sites like off-road parks and trails?
- How would you balance proposed large-scale developments (e.g., resorts near Red River Gorge) with protecting the district’s forests, streams, and habitats from long-term damage?
- Would you advocate for increased state funding for annual environmental audits, native vegetation restoration, and pollution prevention in District 91 counties?
- Economic Development and Rural Jobs
- What state policies or incentives would you push to attract and retain jobs in tourism, outdoor recreation, and small businesses in Powell and neighboring counties?
- How would you expand workforce training programs tied to local needs, such as guiding, hospitality, or trail maintenance?
- Do you support additional state tax credits or grants for rural entrepreneurs and economic diversification beyond seasonal tourism?
- Education Funding and School Support
- What changes would you propose to the state school funding formula to provide more stable, equitable resources for rural districts like Powell County?
- How would you address teacher shortages, facility upgrades (e.g., roofs, security), and broadband expansion in District 91 schools?
- Would you prioritize increased state investment in vocational and technical education aligned with tourism and outdoor industries?
- Infrastructure and Transportation
- What steps would you take to secure more state and federal dollars for road repairs on key routes like KY 11/15 that serve tourism traffic through Powell County?
- How would you prioritize state funding for bridge replacements, stormwater drainage, and flood mitigation along the Red River and other flood-prone areas?
- Would you support legislation to streamline KYTC coordination for local road and safety improvements in rural districts?
- Public Safety and Emergency Services
- What state funding or legislation would you pursue to enhance high-angle rescue training, equipment, and coordination for incidents in rugged areas like Red River Gorge?
- How would you increase state support for rural sheriff departments, volunteer fire/EMS services, and opioid response in District 91?
- Opioid Crisis and Public Health
- How would you direct opioid settlement funds and state resources toward prevention, treatment, and recovery programs in Powell and surrounding counties?
- Would you support legislation to expand access to naloxone, combat emerging drugs, and improve rural mental health services?
- State Budget, Taxes, and Rural Priorities
- How would you ensure the state budget fairly allocates resources to rural districts like 91, including tourism-generated revenue?
- What is your position on property tax relief or reforms that benefit Powell County residents without reducing essential services?
These questions are concise, specific, and designed to elicit actionable answers on state powers that directly affect Powell County—helping voters compare candidates meaningfully.
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