Opinion – William Woods: In Florence, Angie Cable seeks transparency, property rights for residents

Vocal at Council meetings for nearly two years, Florence resident Angie Cable has decided to run for Council. Starting her adventure in local government with a desire to change local ordinances, to allow citizens to raise chickens on their property, Cable presented council and the Mayor with the education she felt necessary to prompt a discussion. The measure failed, with Council members Lesley Chambers and Jenna Kemper being the only supporters of moving the discussion forward.

Cable says she felt like city leaders ignored the possibility of further discussion because they don’t have a true understanding of the city or the people who live in Florence.

Cable claims city leaders are blind to the reality that what works in the neighborhoods Council Members and the Mayor live in, doesn’t always work for the citizens that live in less prominent areas of town.

In her quest to bring transparency to citizens, Cable has questioned whether the recent increase to the Mayoral salary – 68% at the start of the next Mayoral term – was motivated by pay-to-play politics, going as far as suggesting longtime city employee and current City Administrator Joshua Hunt (a non-partisan employee) had personal motivation to propose the increase.

Responding to our inquiry, Hunt, appointed to his position in 2023, vehemently denies any wrongdoing, stating, “The review followed all statutory requirements and will only impact future elected officials after the next election cycle.” Hunt insists the salary levels are consistent with similar cities within the Commonwealth. Further refuting claims of possible wrongdoing, Hunt said the pay levels had not been reviewed for nearly two decades, providing context which he believes prove the suggestions are “without merit and border on, if not constitute, slander.”

Hunt does acknowledge it was his office that initiated the salary survey along with the proposal to increase the Mayor and Council salaries. The proposal to increase Council salaries was tabled.

First-Term Council Member Lesley Chambers believes Hunt acted within the boundaries of Kentucky Revised Statutes, proposing the changes to the pay scale before the deadline required by State Law, even though the timing of the proposal seemed “out of touch,” when considering the state of finances for average citizens.

Chambers defended Hunt, insisting he was only doing his job. “The City Administrator is always there to answer questions in a non-political way. Whenever we need guidance as to what our capabilities are, Mr. Hunt has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to state guidelines. He openly shares that knowledge – not only with Council Members, but everyday citizens seeking to understand how government works.” Chambers voted against the increase, though the proposal passed on final vote.

Cable also questions why council proposals come from Hunt, instead of the actual members, claiming there is zero transparency when it comes to city legislation. Hunt said proposals flow through his office to properly format, review and encourage agency coordination – ensuring legal procedures are followed. Hunt said council members can introduce proposals at any time.

Recent council meetings revealed discord between Cable and Council Member Gary Winn, who became frustrated at Cable’s number of Open Records Requests filed with the city. Though Cable wasn’t present, Resident Nancy Corman spoke openly in a later meeting, stating she felt the Mayor and Winn were out of line for attacking Cable from their seats in Council Chambers. Mayor Metzger-Aubuchon stated that holding public office isn’t an excuse for personal attacks by citizens.

“The problem with the Mayor’s comment is that I wasn’t personally attacking either of them. I don’t consider requiring my government to be transparent an attack.” Cable feels most city decisions are made behind closed doors, and if elected wants to change that. “Citizens deserve to be heard. Their input matters. We elected these people to be our voice, not to run their own version of an HOA.”

Reflecting on recent interaction, Cable said she respects the Mayor’s knowledge and experience, and wants to have open, cordial conversation without feeling like she is being a nuisance.

“Questioning decisions made by our leaders or proposing changes that will benefit residents shouldn’t be a bad thing. We purchased our homes, yet the leaders of our city continue to act as if they hold the deed. They continue to act as if taxpayer dollars are their own.”

A social worker for a children’s advocacy group, Cable was raised in Florence and is married to a former United States Marine. Together they have four children.

Cable said the city is in a sad state of affairs, currently; remarking that her husband can’t park his business vehicle in their driveway because it is against a city ordinance. Like many residents who utilize company vehicles, Cable feels “the culture depicted by Council isn’t supported by the actual population.”

Cable endeavors to make changes that reflect the diversity of Florence.

The November 5 election will feature eleven contenders for the six Council seats, including former Mayor Diane Whalen and former Council member Kelly Huff.

Council Member Gary Winn has not responded to our requests for comment and/or interviews at the time of this publication, but other council candidates will be featured in upcoming columns.

William E. Woods is a Northern Kentuckian, small business owner, and a Kentucky Colonel. He has run for public office and aims to use his two decades of business and political experience to enlighten citizens on public issues relevant to them.

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