Lexington's former Police Chief begins laying out his plans for the city if he wins the mayor's seat this November.
Anthany Beatty told supporters who filled a ballroom at the Embassy Suites last night that if he is elected, his focus will be on ALL of Lexington, not just one area of the city. "The reality is that Lexington is more than a downtown," Beatty said. "It's our neighborhoods, suburbs, farms, and agricultures, and businesses small and large. All the people, all the places, all the time." Beatty was referring to the proposed Rupp Arena renovation project which he says should be paid for through private funds by people who actually use the facility. He believes the project has been a detractor from other issues the city should be concerned about.
Beatty told the crowd he plans to focus on proactive public safety, exceptional public service and superior fiscal stewardship. He cited a major drop in the number of sworn police officers on Lexington’s force during Mayor Gray’s tenure as a major problem for a city that continues to grow.
He also has concerns that Lexington taxpayers could be slapped with enormous fees if sewage systems aren’t brought up to code as required by the Environmental Protection Agency. That project is expected to run over $600 million.
Beatty faces incumbent Mayor Jim Gray, and BCTC professor Danny Mayer in the May 20 non-partisan primary.
The top two finishers in the May primary will advance to the General Election in November.