Sarah Froelich, Park Hills City Council
I’m Sarah Froelich and I’m running for City Council in Park Hills, Kentucky. I’m a writer and content strategist. Three years ago, my husband and I bought a house in Park Hills and after about a year of settling in, we decided to check out our first City Council meeting. After that first meeting, I knew I wanted to do more.
After going to council meetings for a few months, I was nominated for the Communications Committee. At that time, I had one goal in mind—to revive the city website, parkhillsky.net—and in less than three months, I worked with two other resident volunteers to fully revitalize the site.
When we finished the website, I began editing the city newsletter. I also started volunteering for many Civic Association events and later attended several Financial Oversight Committee meetings while the mayor and committee prepared the 2018-2019 budget. All the while, I continued to go to City Council meetings.
Over this time, I started to notice that the work I was doing was making a difference. The new website and regularly-delivered newsletter have improved communication on every level, and I think there’s more room to grow.
This is why I’m running for City Council.
I want to take the momentum we’ve created around communication and put it to work in other areas, like finances.
With regard to the city’s finances, I think we have room for improvement. At several of our City Council meetings, I have often heard that our city’s reserves are excellent and growing. While this is great news, I’ve also learned that reserves are not extra savings, but actually essential savings, in case of a city emergency or local disaster. Our city auditor recommends that we keep a minimum of three months of operating expenses on hand—which we exceed—but it’s better to have enough for six months—which we have not yet achieved.
Also, after going to some Financial Oversight Committee meetings this year, I’ve become aware that there’s something being routinely left out of the regular finance conversation: Park Hills has a road loan that greatly exceeds our reserves.
While I don’t think it’s a good idea for our city to be carrying long-term debt like this, the problem isn’t just that we have debt. The issue here is that we’ve turned our focus to only one part of our city’s financial health: our reserves. While it’s true that our reserves are certainly greater than they were in 2010, our long-term debt has also increased significantly since then, to $1.64 million as of June 30, 2018. Plus, we are committed to a projected full spend of $2.5 million with this loan which will require payments into 2028, including an estimated $387,000 in interest alone.
Knowing this, I’m inspired to make sure that we communicate better about our city finances in the future. I suggest that our Financial Oversight Committee—which includes some of the best financial minds our community has to offer—continue the good work they’re doing. I believe they are key to keeping Park Hills on track, helping us navigate through the coming years with this long-term debt we acquired in 2015. I will also work to help them have more visibility at City Council meetings, to make sure their recommendations are shared regularly so residents have better access to complete information about our city’s financial health.
Having an open and honest dialogue among residents, officials, and staff is key to making sure we make good decisions for our city’s future. If we, the residents of Park Hills, elect council members who are willing and able to work together and communicate better, then we can make our city more effective in every way.
I’m Sarah Froelich. I’m ready to get to serve on the 2019–2020 Park Hills City Council, and I ask for your vote on November 6.
Shannon Kwozalle Herold, Kenton County School Board
My name is Shannon Kwozalla Herold and I am running for Kenton County School Board. I want to serve as a school board member because I believe a quality education for all students is the cornerstone of a productive, thriving community. As a former elementary teacher with 32 years of experience in Kenton County classrooms, I know Kenton County Schools and I care about Kenton County students. My daughter, son and I are proud graduates of Kenton County Schools. My young granddaughter is currently enrolled in the Kenton County School District. Kenton County Schools have always served as an important part of my life. I am highly qualified to serve as a strong voice for all of our children, our parents, our educators and our Kenton County community.
Shannon Kwozalla Herald
I am the best school board candidate because of my 32-years teaching experience working directly with Kenton County students, parents, and educators. I have first-hand knowledge of what is needed to continue moving Kenton County Schools forward to ensure that all students are college and career ready upon graduation. I understand the importance of working as a community to make sure all children are given the opportunity to succeed and reach their highest potential.
My experience working directly with our students and educators has prepared me to make wise, well-informed decisions on behalf of the children, educators and school community of Kenton County Schools.
In addition to my experience in a classroom, I’m an active member of the Kenton County community. I currently serve on the Cinderella’s Closet Board and the Devou Park Advisory Committee. I was a founding member of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center’s Starshine Hospice Program and served as a volunteer in the CCHMC Newborn Intensive Care Unit. I’ve also served as a volunteer with Kicks For Kids.
In 2010, I was recognized by Kenton County Schools for her excellence in teaching and awarded the Golden Apple. During my time teaching, I also brought the Girls On The Run program to R.C. Hinsdale Elementary as a coach. I’m a graduate of Dixie Heights High School. I graduated from the University of Kentucky and have a Masters Degree from Northern Kentucky University. I achieved National Board Certification and have a Rank 1 from the Education Professional Standards Board, the highest rank in Kentucky.
I’m an educator committed to the success of each child every day in a safe learning environment, and I’m asking for your vote on November 6 so we can work together to ensure that all students are college and career ready upon graduation. You can learn more about me at this website.
