Commissioner Steve Megerle on the Issues

Best Fire Protection

Commissioner Megerle helped end the 3 year stalemate between City Hall and Fire Fighters Local 38.

He was a strong proponent of expanding ambulance service in the city by implementing Ambulance 6 (Holman Avenue) and 8 (Church Street). Mutual Aid runs have decreased and residents can almost be assured a Covington ambulance will respond to their call for service.

Commissioner Megerle continues to call for the hiring of more fire fighters to meet NFPA 1710 to fully man Heavy Rescue 1 and Aerial Truck 7.

Best Police Protection

SAFE streets remain a priority. Commissioner Megerle serves on the Public Safety Committee where creative ideas are explored to keep Covington safe.

Violent crime was down 18% in 2007. The city went nearly 11 months without a homicide.

Commissioner Megerle has voted to hire 9 new police officers and approve Chief Lee Russo's 5-year contract. (Order Resolutions 01-07, 15-07, 36-07, 113-07, 244-07)

Fighting Slumlords and Creating a Higher Quality of Life

Commissioner Megerle has fought to create a higher quality life for all citizens of Covington. He sponsored an ordinance requiring carbon monoxide detectors in all rental units throughout the city. (Comm. Ord. 24-07) Covington is the first city in Kentucky to take such action to protect those whose safety is in the hands of landlords.

Commissioner Megerle also voted to expand the Code Enforcement Department by creating the Code Enforcement Specialist position paid through Community Development Block Grant Funds. (Comm. Ord. 18-07). The new specialist focuses on systematic inspections in neighborhoods where blight remains an issue.

Commissioner Megerle supports expanding the Code Enforcement Department to require inspections of all rental units throughout the city. He also is working with staff to amend the city's landlord-tenant act to require landlords to open their properties for inspection.

Neighborhood Awareness

Covington is a "city of neighborhoods." Commissioner Megerle regularly attends neighborhood associations across the city to hear the needs of citizens first hand. This commitment was exemplified by receipt of a citation from the Wallace Woods Neighborhood Association for his commitment to being a neighborhood advocate.

Commissioner Megerle is a member of one of the newest neighborhood association, the West Latonia Neighborhood Association, which meets the Third Monday of every month.

Infrastructure Issues

Commissioner Megerle also serves on the city's Infrastructure Committee. He has heard first hand the imminence of correcting years of neglect to city streets and infrastructure. He remains committed to finding creative solutions to lessen the city's 40 million dollar capital improvement deficit.

During his first term, Commissioner Megerle voted to spend nearly 1 million dollars for street, curb, and gutter repairs in South Covington, Downtown, Kenton Hills, Botany Hills, Monte Casino, and parts of Latonia.

Lower Property Taxes

Commissioner Megerle held strong on his desire to hold the line on property taxes.