VIEWPOINTS A6 • COMMUNITY RECORDER • JULY 4, 2013
COMMUNITY
RECORDER
Editor: Nancy Daly, ndaly@nky.com, 578-1059
EDITORIALS | LETTERS | COLUMNS | CH@TROOM
CommunityPress.com
Guiding a common agenda for N. Ky.
Vision 2015 was launched eight years ago with a charge to implement a bold, strategic plan for Northern Kentucky. The organization’s most innovative and important work is highlighted in the recently released Vision 2015 Annual Report to the Community. Vision 2015 was created as a shared public plan that represents the region’s priorities. Six focus areas emerged: Economic competitiveness; educational excellence; livable communities; urban renaissance; regional stewardship; and effective governance. The 2013 community report details achievements in each focus area, including the opening of the Licking River Greenway and Trails, the first class of UpTech graduates, and The Catalytic Development Funding Corp. of Northern Kentucky reaching its goal of rais-
ing $10 million for the development of market race housing and commercial projects in the region’s urban Kara Williams core. Northern COMMUNITY RECORDER GUEST Kentucky is a COLUMNIST region recognized for its ability to work together to get things done, a concept known as “collective impact.” Vision 2015’s annual report focuses on the five pillars of the collective impact model: Common agenda; measuring results consistently; mutually reinforcing activities; continuous communication; and backbone support organization. Using these five pillars and working with community, business, government, education
and other leaders from both sides of the Ohio River, Vision 2015 helps establish and guide a common agenda for Northern Kentucky. In 2012, Vision 2015 partnered with Agenda 360 – Southwest Ohio’s regional action plan for job growth, talent acquisition and economic opportunity – on a number of initiatives, including The Story Project. We introduced The Story Project to create a common narrative for the region. It is a project that uncovers our region’s DNA and through powerful storytelling identifies what sets us apart from competing regions. In the spirit of the collective impact model, Vision 2015 consistently measures results using clear, objective data. Vision 2015’s Regional Indicators Report expanded this year to include The 2020 Jobs Out-
Celebrating the spirit of 1776
Independence Day is our country’s most patriotic of holidays, chock-full of flags, fireworks and family festivities. It is a day when we Americans proudly wear red, white and blue as an expression of our devotion for the greatest country in the world. While many of us will display outward symbols of the holiday and feel a renewed sense of what it means to be American, without doubt we should give thought to those earliest patriots who risked their lives and livelihoods to adopt the very document that is at the heart of why we celebrate today – the Declaration of Independence. In July 1776, John Adams wrote a letter to his wife Abigail that stated the signing of that historic document would
“… be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemoratDamon Thayer ed as the day of deliverance, COMMUNITY by solemn acts RECORDER GUEST COLUMNIST of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.” Today, more than just a commemoration of our country’s successful break from Great Britain, our Independence Day celebrations have
expanded to honor our nation’s history, our military, and our way of life. As pops orchestras across the country entertain us with traditional favorites like “The Star Spangled Banner” and “The Stars and Stripes Forever” as a backdrop to the visual excitement of grand fireworks’ displays, we all take pride in our American heritage. Although Independence Day festivities have evolved since 1776, one thing remains the same – American patriotism is the spirit that drives this uniquely American holiday and continues to keep our nation strong and free. State Sen. Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, is a member of the Kentucky Senate, representing southern Kenton County.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR When does the anger cease
Can someone please explain why Tom Wurtz continues to get space in this paper to publicize his obsession with Kenton County’s library system? I understand the need to hear all sides of an argument, but how many times do we have to hear this individual’s? Once again, he is given a platform to advance his straw-man arguments and to conflate a legal issue (improperly raised tax rates) with a personal one (his opinion that libraries are failing in their role as centers of learning). What’s the deal, Tom? Would you still be angry about the tax increases if literacy rates in the county were at 100 percent? I thought this whole issue was about the rule of law, so what does that have to do with
the fact that DVD’s are also available at the library and that adults are choosing to read books that you aren’t personally interested in? What do literacy rates even have to do with libraries? Aren’t schools charged with teaching kids to read, with libraries serving as repositories of media made available to those not able to personally own such a collection? Not to mention the fact that that the courts have already agreed with him on the tax issue, so why the continued publications? Is he trying to win over the minds of county residents with these bizarre screeds? On second thought, please keep publishing anything Wurtz sends in. No one could possibly do a better job of showcasing the foolishness of the anti-library campaign. Michael Vaughn Independence
ABOUT LETTERS AND COLUMNS We welcome your comments on editorials, columns, stories or other topics important to you in the Recorder. Include your name, address and phone number(s) so we may verify your letter. Letters of 200 or fewer words and columns of 500 or fewer words have the best chance of being published. All submissions may be edited for length, accuracy and clarity. Deadline: Noon Friday E-mail: kynews@ communitypress.com Fax: 859-283-7285 U.S. mail: See box below Letters, columns and articles submitted to the Recorder may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.
WHEN THEY MEET Kenton Fiscal Court
Meetings: Second Tuesday at 9 a.m. at Independence Court House, 5272 Madison Pike Meetings: Fourth Tuesday at 9 a.m. at Kenton County Courthouse, 303 Court St., Covington Address: 303 Court St., Covington
Phone: 859-392-1400 Judge-executive Steve Arlinghaus Commissioner Beth Sewell, First District Commissioner Jon Draud, Second District Commissioner Kris Knochelmann, Third District http://www.kenton county.org
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Crescent Springs City Council
Meetings: Second Monday at 7 p.m. Address: 739 Buttermilk Pike Phone: 859-341-3017 Mayor: Jim Collett www.crescent-springs.ky.us/
look and Diverse by Design: Meeting the Talent Challenge in a Global Economy. These reports compare data across 11 metropolitan regions we compete with for jobs and talent. Vision 2015 found success in linking organizations with mutually reinforcing missions, including Green Umbrella and the Northern Kentucky Education Council (NKYEC). Green Umbrella aligns the missions of its 280 members to help our region become one of the top-10 most sustainable communities in the country by 2020. Vision 2015’s annual report highlights the launch of an NKYEC toolkit that assists businesses in engaging students. At its core, Vision 2015 is a backbone support organization. No complex region can accomplish its goals without a central organization staying on
mission and measuring progress. Vision 2015 does more than support the region’s development; it catalyzes its progress with a call to action to enact change and improve Northern Kentucky by and beyond 2015. You can join the conversation and the effort. » Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/vision2015. » Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/vision2015 » Drop by for a visit: 50 East River Center Blvd. Suite 465 in Covington’s RiverCenter office tower. » Give us a call: 859-2912020. » View the annual report and learn more about Vision, visit www.vision2015.org.
Kara Williams is the vice president of strategic initiatives at Vision 2015.
Good vacations start with good planning Summer vacation is finally here, the opportunity to recharge your batteries, reconnect with family and have some fun. Months of planning are about to pay off for a trip that will hopefully keep you refreshed throughout the season. Regardless of what you Ian Mitchell have planned COMMUNITY this summer, RECORDER GUEST COLUMNIST it is important for you to remember to pay attention to the not-so-fun aspects of your summer events. Here are some tips to help keep troubles at bay before, during and after time away: Before leaving town: » Thoroughly research your destination and associated costs. Know the price ranges of the restaurants you want to visit and the activities you want to pursue, and understand the terms of your rental or hotel booking. » Set a budget based on your research. Put aside money each week toward your goal and start early. » Look for deals. Several organizations offer membership discounts, and you may find additional savings through your credit card, the area’s visitors bureau, attraction websites and travel sites. » Try to be flexible on dates. It can make a big difference in the cost of lodging and flights. » Notify trusted neighbors that you’ll be away and when you expect to return. Let them know if you will have a house sitter. » Place a hold on your mail and newspaper deliveries or ask a friend or neighbor to pick them up. You also may want to have your yard maintained. A pile of newspapers and an overgrown yard can signal an empty house. » Simulate a “lived-in” appearance by using timers for turn lights and a radio or TV during expected hours.
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» Notify your credit card providers of your travel plans: When you’re leaving, where you’re going and when you’ll return. This helps companies identify fraudulent charges if your card is used in an area you’re not visiting. » Do not share your travel plans on social networking sites. During your trip: » Make lunch, rather than dinner, your big meal out. Prices are lower and often the menu is the same. » Take advantage of smartphone apps that can help find the best prices for gas and other savings. » Use mobile banking apps to monitor accounts and track spending so you don’t have surprises when statements arrive. Ice cream, souvenirs and drink tabs add up fast. » Never carry large amounts of cash; use traveler’s checks or credit cards. » Take only your driver’s license/official ID and two credit cards: One to carry, another to lock in a safe in case your wallet is stolen. » Don’t access financial data or personal information on public computers or public Wi-Fi networks. Be cautious when accessing a hotel room Internet connection. » If you use an ATM, choose one inside a bank. Well-lit lobbies with security cameras, bank employees and customers provide more security for you and for the ATM, meaning it is less likely to be a tampering target. When you return: » Let friends and family know you’re home. » Get your mail. Open it and electronic mail promptly to address bills or other urgent matters. » Continue to monitor your accounts. Check statements to make sure nothing is out of place. If you notice something unusual or fraudulent, contact your provider immediately.
Ian Mitchell is vice president and director of enterprise fraud risk management at Fifth Third Bank.
Community Recorder Editor Nancy Daly ndaly@nky.com, 578-1059 Office hours: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday See page A2 for additional contact information.