A Message From Councilman Fleming

     Welcome to Metro Council District 7. Situated in the east end of Metro Louisville, District 7 is a dynamic area that contains seventeen suburban cities, each contributing to the high quality of life we have come to expect.

     The new Metro Council committees and appointments have been established and assigned. I will remain on the Budget Committee and will continue to serve on the Government Accountability and Oversight Committee but in a new role as Vice Chair. In addition, I will be on the Committee on Committees which oversees the operations of Metro Council and assignments of legislation to the committees.

     On February 3, the Department of Public Health and Wellness released a report that recommends a ban on the use of artificial trans fat in prepared and fried foods and prepared baked goods.  It also recommended a public education campaign on the use of trans fats.  This ban would include all prepackaged foods not served in their original packaging. The report recommends that the ban be phased in over 12 months for prepared and fried foods and 18 months for baked goods. A ban would have to be approved by the Metro Council. As of yet, legislation implementing a ban on has not been introduced.  To view the report, visit www.louisvilleky.gov/Health/.

     Although I only just received the report this afternoon and have not yet reviewed it in depth, I have immediate concerns that such a ban would over regulate business operations and place smaller businesses at a competitive disadvantage to larger corporations.  I hope you will let me know your opinion a trans fat ban in Metro Louisville.

     In other Council business, at the January 28 meeting, the Council approved a resolution recommending that state law be changed to define the line of succession should the Mayor pass away or become incapacitated while in office. The resolution recommends that the Metro Council President assumes the duties of the Mayor until the Council elects a successor to serve out the remainder of the term. In addition, the Council is looking at other changes to Chapter 67C, which is a Kentucky statute that established the Metro Government. Some of these potential changes include Councilmembers having term limits and increasing the audit and investigative powers of the Metro Council.

       If you want to stay informed on a regular basis, sign up for my E-  Newsletter that is sent after Metro Council meetings (twice a month) highlighting the meeting's ordinances and other information on events within District 7 and throughout our community. Just send your email address to ken.fleming@louisvilleky.gov to sign up.

     Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

                      Sincerely,

                     Ken Fleming