The Mission Statement for the City of Bowling Green reads, “The mission of the employees of the City of Bowling Green is to create and maintain a community where people can live, work, and play in an environment that is safe, vibrant and attractive to everyone. The City of Bowling Green values the interests and needs of everyone living in and visiting the community and the level of service they expect and deserve. We are dedicated to delivering excellent services and engaging in meaningful public participation.”  I observe that our city employees are successfully accomplishing these objectives and goals.

In my efforts to be proactive and have foresight I have written about the expansion of our city’s limits, development of businesses around the Square, businesses and services along Highway 54 and Business Highway 54, and the same along Sharry Street. I have introduced the possibility of the need to replace 150-year-old plus buildings with new structures. I have written about the need for a YMCA type facility for wellness, fitness, recreational, and social interactions for all ages, genders, and races. I’ve explained that 80% of a town’s growth comes from within and to attract bigger businesses for more available jobs, (tax incentives are unfortunately required). As our housing needs have grown exponentially, so does our job market need to increase via new businesses and services, small manufacturers and small industry. Sparks Maintenance and Engineering is a prime example of a resident business expanding to an international entity with the development of over 50 new jobs and employees. Who will be the next generation of business owners and developers that will take over the current generation’s operations that services Bowling Green? Bowling Green is in an exciting phase of development and expansion as this time but we can’t stop home and business building. NECAC will confirm the need for apartments in Bowling Green and Pike County which will add to our community population and consumers. Let’s keep Bowling Green thriving and expand the potential we have as a town. “Show Me the Possibilities!”

As our Federal Government tightens its deficit spending, many Americans are doing the same, especially until interest rates decline. One of our daycare centers closed its doors recently, in which there is great demand for such in our amazing community. Another aspect of this is after school programs which for decades have kept our youth safe, inspired students to learn, provided enriching opportunities, and helped working families. We have a high need for high-quality daycare, pre-school, and after-school programs to meet our families’ needs and support the outstanding educational structures we have in place in our BGR1 Schools, St. Clement, Pike County Christian Schools, Learning Center, and our HeadStart. This boils down to – for every one child that has needs for various levels of education, two children are waiting to get in currently.