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GOVERNMENT- February 2001 by Julie Roberts Sidebar- With the results of one election, Louisville jumped ahead of many of the country’s largest cities when residents voted Nov. 7 to merge the city and Jefferson County. When the new government takes over in 2003, Louisville’s population will more than double to a projected 528,000, boosting its ranking to the 23rd largest city in the nation. “This was the right vote at the right time,” said former Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson, an avid merger supporter for years. Many speculate Abramson will run for the new metro mayor post in 2002. A countywide mayor and 26 council members will be elected in 2002, taking office in January 2003 and assuming the authority now held by the current mayor, aldermen, judge-executive and county commissioners. Demographers from the University of Louisville will use the 2000 Census to draw the 26 new council districts, which are due by January 2002. In the meantime, current elected officials have set to work on a transition process that will include taking a close look at all current ordinances to see how the city’s and county’s differ. Those ordinances that aren’t amended or re-enacted by the new Metro Louisville council will expire after five years. For those concerned about possible changes, nothing will happen immediately. Current tax rates and services will remain in effect unless revised by the voters’ elected representatives, the new mayor and legislative council. And employees of the City of Louisville and Jefferson County will become employees of the merged government. Existing labor contracts will be honored until they expire; the new government must negotiate new contracts with the bargaining units. Questions and concerns remain, however, especially among those who had organized the anti-merger campaign known as CO$T, Citizens Organized in $earch of the Truth. CO$T supporters are still worried about the possibility of rising costs and decreased services with the new government. Also, many fear that under the newly-established council districts African-Americans will lose representation. Merger proponents involved with the Vote Yes for Unity! campaign, however, disagree, saying minorities will have the same if not better representation. Louisville businessman and developer Charles Alexander, who works with several companies, including UPS, on their minority recruitment and contracting efforts, says there should be no concern for minority-owned businesses. “I don’t think any businessman will denounce or talk bad about merger,” Alexander said. “Whether you operate out of the West End, South End or East End, merger’s the only way we’re going to improve all businesses. When the business climate improves as a whole, minority businesses will improve. It’s clear cut.” Voters said no to merger twice in the 1980s. Pro-merger forces said 2000 was the best chance to get merger passed thanks to support from the business community and the area’s top politicians. Voters approved merger 158,918 to 134,558. Some voters said they were partly influenced by the fact that without merger, Lexington would quickly outrank Louisville as the state’s largest city. Lexington and Fayette County merged in 1972 and now has more than 243,000 residents. Louisville business professionals and Greater Louisville Inc., the Metro Area Chamber of Commerce, believe a merged government will give the area an even greater economic boost. “There
should be nothing holding Louisville back now,” said
Steve Higdon, Greater Louisville Inc. president. |
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