Kokomo residents are less than a week away from a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the city's YMCA, pot holes aren't as bad this year and non-discrimination laws are coming to Kokomo.
On this week's installment of Ask The Mayor, Mayor Greg Goodnight addresses these issues and more. Listen to the full conversation with Indiana Newsdesk reporter Lindsey Wright by clicking on the play button above, or read some of the questions and answers below.
This conversation has been edited for clarity and conciseness.
Wright: We're here at the brand new Kokomo YMCA while workers prepare for the grand opening set for next Monday, February 29th. What are some of the biggest differences members will see?
Goodnight: The facility itself is a very modern facility from both the inside and outside, you can see the beautiful windows, all the natural lighting. We're very proud of it.
Wright: Still looking to finish raising the $3 million though?
Goodnight: Yes, we are continuing to fund raise but really closed the gap. The city helped finance the project and so we think over time we'll fill that gap.
Wright: You held your first meeting as president of Indiana Cities and Towns since we saw you, what was your approach going in for that first meeting in terms of setting a tone with the rest of the mayors?
Goodnight: Over 70 percent of people in the state of Indiana live in an incorporated city or town and cities are what drive our economy. So it's important we fund them and make sure they have the means to be successful.
Wright: Water has been a top topic not only on a national level, but also here in Indiana. Recently we heard about a school in Greentown, not far from here, that tested positive for lead. Did you go into any proactive mode when you heard about that?
Goodnight: No, I talked with a few county officials just different people involved with it. Greentown geographically is six maybe seven miles from Kokomo. We have private water with Indiana American Water and Greentown has their own public utility. We've been following it so we're just keeping our eye on things.
Wright: I see you met with the mayor's youth advisory board, what kind of things are on the minds of Kokomo youth?
Goodnight: It's interesting to hear from them. A different perspective but they take it very seriously and we do too and we want them to be engaged and understand the responsibilities and benefits being engaged in their local government.
