Are soccer clubs and racetracks the best use of our ‘infill’ dollars in Lexington? | Opinion

Infill expansion

I mean I guess expanding a horse racing venue way out Versailles Road, and building from scratch a huge soccer complex way out Richmond Road by the interstate qualify for “infill and redevelopment projects” and will help these developers with “tricky and often costly infill projects.” And as such I guess Keeneland would qualify for the $1 million loan to be “forgivable.” I guess council members previously questioning the allocation of these funds indicates that the council members are weighing everything appropriately. I guess Keeneland and the Lexington Sporting Club need and will need this money for their projects. It’s my impression that there are plenty of vacant buildings around town, but I guess that there aren’t other projects that are more worthwhile, or being overlooked. I guess working on those wouldn’t create jobs.

Joseph Richey, Lexington

Predictable outcome

Leonard Cohen wrote:

Everybody knows that the dice are loaded…

Everybody knows the fight was fixed…

Everybody knows the deal is rotten…

Everybody knows

I would never say that the fix was in regarding the council’s vote to approve a private club in Bell Court, but let’s do ask a few questions.

1) Who would buy the 509 East Main Street property for $2.6 million, needing to spend hundreds of thousands more for repairs, and not yet have the zoning approval to turn it into a private club? Leap of faith, or something else?

2) How did the new owners of this property get pre-approval for a new significant crosswalk on Main Street prior to the zoning change, when it has been so difficult for other neighborhoods?

3) How can claims that noise, traffic, parking, and other issues have been addressed, when there is literally no development plan for the facility? No one in zoning or in the council seriously challenged any of the unsubstantiated claims of the new owners. How convenient.

There is more, but I believe you get the gist of my point - “Everybody knows.” If you live next to a major traffic corridor, your neighborhood is next.

Michael Griffin, Lexington

Minimum wage

During the holiday season, there are many appeals for food, toys, and gift items for the less fortunate of Kentucky. This is a generous time of year with charitable contributions. Sadly, poverty and hunger exist throughout the year particularly now that Covid benefits have been discontinued.

Kentucky’s minimum wage is $7.25. I would challenge any member of Kentucky’s General Assembly to feed and raise a family on that amount of money. Increasing the minimum wage to a working wage would be a step to help decrease poverty. Free school lunches for all children would help to decrease hunger.

Write to the General Assembly and demand that these issues be addressed. Approximately 22 percent of Kentucky children live in poverty and 15 percent of Kentucky families have food insecurity. It is time that our legislative body pass laws which would improve the living conditions of families in the Commonwealth.

Cheryl Keenan, Lexington

Revitalize Medicare

The state of our nation’s healthcare demands a revitalized Medicare system. Traditional Medicare, vital for seniors, should not lag but lead in comprehensive care. I urge policymakers to expand it to include dental, vision, and hearing services.

Dental health, often sidelined, is foundational, impacting physical and societal well-being. It’s time to rectify this by integrating dental care into Medicare. A healthy smile is a gateway to confidence and societal engagement.

Vision and hearing are not luxuries but essential for a well-lived life. Clear sight and distinct hearing contribute immensely to quality of life. Including these services in traditional Medicare addresses seniors’ physical needs and affirms our commitment to their dignity.

Advancements in healthcare technology must optimize Medicare’s efficiency. Embracing innovation ensures seamless, accessible, and responsive comprehensive care for our aging population.

These recommendations aren’t just for policy change; they implore us to honor our nation’s principles — equality, justice, and compassion. Strengthening traditional Medicare is not just practical; it’s a moral duty to fortify the healthcare security of those who built our society.

Let’s rise to shape a healthcare narrative echoing the enduring values of our great nation.

Sandy Woodward, Ashland

Partisan polls

We’re fascinated with favorable/unfavorable polls regarding political parties and candidates. We should toss these into the trash and poll some honest independent group on a favorable/unfavorable judgment of the people who respond to opinion polls!

We all remember our school days when every class had one or two disruptive students just having fun or maybe worse. The teacher could handle the situation, but with a dozen or so problem kids the education process breaks down.

This is now what’s happening in our society; 30 percent or more of the population is creating chaos and supporting candidates and legislators bent on destroying our governing institutions and constitutional safeguards.

Rather than abiding this menace we should ask the following:

“Putting partisan and policy matters aside why have so many come to

(a) accept that seeking public office exempts one from the laws of the land?

(b) accept lies as legitimate arguments?

(c) act upon personal wishes rather than facts and evidence?

(d) accept whining, ranting and boasting as manly virtues?

(e) cast blame on opponents, no matter the actual causes of discontent (akin to blaming meteorologists for the weather)?

Past generations wouldn’t tolerate this stuff. Don’t we even care anymore?

Ernest Henniger, Danville

Propaganda

Know what the difference is between Hitler and his Brown Shirts, and Trump and the far-right news media?

Nothing.

Bob Sutton, Springfield

Media bias

On Sunday, Nov 26, the Lexington Herald-Leader had a headline on its website edition that read “Trump greeted by loud boos at South Carolina football game.” REALLY? A quick perusal online shows anyone that this is the exact opposite of what happened. Trump stepped out to midfield amidst a long standing ovation and chants of “USA, USA.”

I do not see how a democracy can survive when the supposed gate keepers of information are so eager and willing to be deceitful and dishonest; boldly telling outright lies to their readers. Let’s hope media crumbles before America does.

Doug Reed, Lexington

Playoff picks

I have followed with interest the Lexington Herald-Leader picks for the football playoffs. The Herald-Leader staff always seem to pick against the Owensboro Catholic Aces. Yet, the Aces keep wining with one of the most explosive offenses in recent memory in any class. The Aces have beat two Class 6 and two Class 5 teams along the way of racking up an undefeated season. Only Mayfield, their nemesis, stands in the way of an undefeated season.

The city of Lexington has much to be thankful for from the Aces. Owensboro Catholic counts among its famous alumni who have contributed so mightily to Lexington the following – Honorable Tim Clark, retired Chief Judge Fayette Circuit Court; Honorable Joe Bouvier, retired Fayette District Court Judge; and Diane Lawless, Urban County Council, District 3 – all from the class of 1971.

I am especially thankful for that for that class as Anne Lauzon Swinford is also a proud Ace.

C. William Swinford, Jr., Lexington

Compiled by Liz Carey