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Jay around town

On August 31st at 5:00 p.m., Jay threw out the first pitch for the Miracle League - located on the fields at Shillito Park. Get more information on the Miracle League here!

The Healthway

Read more about the Healthway project in the news:
•Lexington Herald-Leader
•Listen to Jay on
Morehead State Radio
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Jay in the News

Read more about Jay in the news here!

Vote!

Be sure to VOTE!

The General Election is November 7th, 2006!

Issues: Water Supply

The most important water issue facing Lexington is NOT who owns the water company but rather the lack of adequate water supply in the event of a drought.

While the past 4-5 years have been consumed by a very divisive and continuous debate over the ownership of the Kentucky-American Water Company we have neglected the larger issue of actually solving the water supply problem (that we have known about since 1986!) for our city and region.

Let me make it clear that I am opposed to government condemnation of KY-American Water Company or any other private utility unless in the event of jeopardizing the community's public health and well-being. And while there are those who will make the condemnation of this company a top priority, my priority is in solving the problem of not having enough water in the event of a drought.

Let me also say that I appreciate those who still do consider the ownership of KY-American a top priority for Lexington and disagree with my position and feel confident there are unnumerable issues that we can agree on and work together to move Lexington forward.

What's the big deal about "Water Supply?"
  • In the event of a drought Lexington does not have an adequate supply of water.
  • Conservation efforts can only help fractionally in the event of such a drought.
  • Last summer, Lexington received the majority of its total rainfall from the remnants of 2 hurricanes.
  • During the drought of 1999 we were nearly to the point of turning off the water at the Toyota plant.
  • The problem will cost approximately $200 million to fix. That is over and above any operations costs.
  • Gaining approval from the PSC and constructing the solution will take a minimum of 3 years (in such time Lexington is exposed to droughts in each of those years!)
  • Whoever owns the Water Company is LEGALLY and FINANCIALLY responsible for solving the supply problem. If Lexington were to own the Water Co., it now assumes that legal and financial responsibility and must add approximately $200 million to the purchase price of the company!
Currently the Kentucky Supreme Court is deliberating whether the issue of Condemnation of the Water Company can be placed on the ballot in November for a public referendum. I will fully support whatever the Court's decision may be. It has been my opinion that this issue should have been placed on the ballot for the public to decide back at the very beginning of this debate (4 years ago).

Another aspect to be aware of and will certainly be a factor is that the parent company RWE is selling American Water Works (Kentucky-American being part of that sale) in an IPO (Initial Public Offering). This removes the current foreign owners and allows American (and Lexington) ownership possible.

For those who believe the water company should be owned locally there will be an opportunity to do so at the IPO. I would highly encourage all those who want to see that ownership controlled locally to consider this option.

Again, so there is no confusion, my highest priority as it relates to Lexington and water is not in acquiring a private business but rather in solving the water supply problem and making sure when a drought comes citizens and visitors have enough water to survive.


Sunday, April 16, 2006 - 08:24 PM