Friday, May 05, 2000
Four would-be mayors differ on city priorities
By Patrick Crowley
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COVINGTON — The relative political standings of the Covington candidates for mayor were readily apparent Thursday night during a 90-minute forum at Holmes High School.
Longtime city commission incumbents Irvin “Butch” Callery and Jim Eggemeier — who have a combined 35 years at City Hall — addressed most issues by saying that while there is room for improvement, Covington has done a good job handling public safety, economic development and neighborhood blight.
Bernie Moorman, a former mayor and city commissioner, offered plans for the future, but often said that Covington was in better shape when he was in office during the 1980s.
And political newcomer Ray Murphy, a Kenton County deputy sheriff and retired Covington police officer who has not held elected office, said changes need to be made in almost every area of city government.
For instance, on the topic of recreation, Mr. Callery and Mr. Eggemeier — the interim mayor — said the city is improving with projects that include a large park planned on 43rd Street in Latonia and is held up as a model for other cities to follow.
“Covington probably has one of the best recreation programs ... in Northern Kentucky,” Mr. Eggemeier said.
Mr. Moorman said the city's economic development department, which he described as “decimated,” was fully staffed and working to bring jobs and businesses when he sat on the commission.
“Economic development ... is the one operation of city government that enhances and increases revenues for the city,” he said. “We need staff to continue the development of the riverfront ... and other areas of this community.”
Mr. Murphy stressed the need for change when saying that City Hall needs to do more to respond to residents' problems and concerns.
“It's a matter of accountability,” he said.
The primary is May 23. The top two finishers will run in November for the four-year term.
About 120 people attended the forum, which was jointly sponsored by the Covington Business Council, the Covington Neighborhood Collaborative and the Friends of Covington.
It will be broadcast daily starting today through Thursday on ICN cable Channel 6 at 7 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
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