David Kloiber responds: Lexington’s mayoral election is about change vs. status quo.

I asked the Herald Leader to reconsider their endorsement because I truly believed that they cared about the issues our residents are facing. Op-eds and articles criticizing the Mayor’s lack of responsiveness to the public, and her proposals to cut funding to homeless shelters, social services, and affordable housing have not been uncommon over the years, but those did not seem to play into their decision.

I have said this often, but it bears repeating: the office of Mayor is not about any one person. It is about what the community needs, and the best way to be responsive to the issues they face. In many ways, elections are a performance review, and a candidate’s experience only matters if it has led to results.

On Nov. 8, your decision is not between David and Linda as people, it is about change vs the status quo. Are we ok with setting a new record for homicides for the third year in a row? Should we continue to push people into the surrounding counties by allowing our housing costs to increase? Do we want local leaders that will simply follow orders as state and federal laws strip us of our rights and freedoms?

We cannot keep doing the same thing and expecting different results. I am committed to working with the community as a force for change, and humbly ask for your vote and support in making Lexington a safer and more affordable place for all of our residents.

David Kloiber is a candidate for Lexington Mayor. Candidates not endorsed by the Herald-Leader can response in 250 words.