Lexington mayoral candidate Linda Gorton is outlining her roadmap for the city she hopes to lead in a wide-ranging 27-page booklet, released on Tuesday.
In "Linda's Vision for Lexington," Gorton – a former Vice Mayor – charts the course her potential administration plans to take in tackling the city’s most pressing problems, from combatting opioid addiction to balancing calls for more urban growth and the protection of surrounding farmland.
On gun violence, the veteran council member suggests expanding gun amnesty programs, reexamining a gun-lock distribution initiative, and looking to efforts like Cure Violence – a model launched in Chicago and New York City that recruits former offenders to act as violence interrupters in troubled neighborhoods.
The candidate also said she wants to restart a position aimed at ensuring residents in changing neighborhoods have a voice.
"I plan to appoint a neighborhood liaison, who will report directly to me," Gorton said. "I'll lead the way to solutions for such problems as affordable housing and gentrification."
The mayoral hopeful is promising to increase diversity on city boards and commissions while working with schools on anti-bullying policies.
Addressing the perrenial question of growth, Gorton pledged to create a strategic economic development plan that includes the development of Coldstream Park. In the booklet, the veteran council member recommends removing "outdated regulations and unnecessary barriers to business creation."
"One of the things that is referred to quite often is the process for development coming forward and for applying for permits and things," Gorton told reporters. "So we need to take a real close look at that, and there may be others."
Gorton is running against former Police Chief Ronnie Bastin, who released a series of ads this week featuring victims of gun violence. Ads for Gorton are slated to hit the airwaves Wednesday.
