Seminar, Mayoral Forum Size Up Smart Growth
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 1, 2010) − The University of Kentucky Gaines Center for the Humanities will present the 2010 Lafayette Seminar on Public Issues with two programs focused on smart growth. The Lafayette Seminar will begin this week with a talk featuring the popular Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr., of Charleston, S.C., at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 3. The following week, the seminar will present a Mayoral Candidates’ Forum for candidates of the mayor's race in Lexington. The forum is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 10. Both events, presented at the auditorium of the Lexington Public Library - Central Library, are free and open to the public.
The Lafayette Seminar kicks off with a public presentation by Mayor Riley. Riley is widely considered one of the most visionary and highly effective governmental leaders in America. First elected mayor in December 1975, Riley is serving an unprecedented ninth term. Under his leadership, Charleston has increased its commitment to racial harmony and progress, achieved a substantial decrease in crime, experienced a remarkable revitalization of its historic downtown business district, seen the creation and growth of Spoleto Festival U.S. A., built Waterfront Park, developed nationally-acclaimed affordable housing, and experienced unprecedented growth in Charleston’s size and population. Mayor Riley has led a city government with an impressive record of innovation in public safety, housing, arts and culture, children’s issues, the creation of park and other public spaces, and economic revitalization and development. The city of Charleston is recognized as one of the most livable and progressive cities in the United States.
Mayor Riley will present a talk titled "Building and Maintaining Livable Cities – Everyone’s Responsibility." He will share his insights on smart city growth—his leadership of and vision for Charleston’s growth while preserving its historic character downtown. Time permitting, he may also discuss town-and-gown relations, drawing on the example of the relationship among the city’s institutions of higher education and the city itself. This part of the Lafayette Seminar is co-sponsored by the Fayette Alliance.
The following Wednesday, the Lafayette Seminar focuses on the topic of smart growth with candidates for the mayor's position in Lexington. At the Mayoral Candidates’ Forum four candidates for mayor will respond to Mayor Riley’s presentation about smart growth, giving us insight into their visions for Lexington’s growth and vitality in the coming years. Each candidate will give a response statement and participate in a question and answer session with audience members following their presentations. Vice Mayor Jim Gray, businessman Skip Horine, former mayor Teresa Isaac and Mayor Jim Newberry have all confirmed they will participate in the forum.
The Gaines Center for the Humanities is designed to enrich the study of the humanities as an intellectual activity and as a means to self-betterment. The center offers courses and sponsors activities that appeal to faculty and students in all disciplinary fields. Annually, the center hosts the Lafayette Seminar in Public Issues, an opportunity for Lexington community members, elected officials, and faculty and students to discuss issues facing the community, such as the local economy and the creation of successful downtown spaces.
For more information about the 2010 Lafayette Seminar events, contact the Gaines Center at (859) 257-1537.