I am Edna Schack, that’s spelled S-c-h-a-c-k. That’s the way my husband always spelled it, but I included 18 spellings when I filed as a write-in.
Yes, I am a write-in. Why, you might ask. Because the moment called for it when my opponent became unopposed.
Morehead deserves a mayor who will lead with calmness and integrity, will listen intently, and will plan intentionally.
I am your best choice. I am ready.
I know many of you here tonight and I think many know me. For those who don’t, Morehead is my home. My spouse, Mark, and I live in the downtown area.
We have four grown children, all born at St. Claire. Morehead is their hometown, two live here, and two are close enough for frequent visits.
I have five siblings who live in five other states. In 2011 when our father was ill, we started a weekly family call to assist with monitoring the care Dad needed.
To this day, 15 years later, once a week we have a sibling call. One hour to chat and catch up. Priceless.
I am retired from Morehead State University where I taught thousands of future teachers, co-directed a Math and Science Program, and was awarded and administered over 5 million external grant dollars.
Each of these personal experiences contribute to who I am and what I bring to the role of mayor -- patience, humility, humor, and consistency.
My preparation doesn’t stop there. My city service began with five years on Planning and Zoning Commission.
Then, you elected me to Council twice. I take the honor of being elected seriously and I committed to learning all that I possibly could about municipal government so I can serve you well.
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That learning came through 230 documented hours of training – that’s six weeks of sitting in class.
I also spend hours (days?) studying ordinances and statutes, researching issues, and attending conferences to deepen my understanding of city government.
Locally, I attend committee and board meetings – a LOT of meetings. So many meetings, that Mark starts his day by asking, “What meetings are today?”
The depth of knowledge and the relationships that come with learning and listening are why I know my next step is to serve as your mayor.
A city and its elected officials have a multitude of responsibilities, the biggest of which is to be a good steward of the tax dollars with which you entrust us.
Our housing needs have outgrown our housing. So let’s rethink it. Examine our land use, study alternatives, embrace innovation. We're not tearing up our natural surroundings, but adding missing-middle housing where it fits, so there’s something in between for the people who work here, play here, and live here, or want to live here.
Right now, our budget is in good shape. But a budget doesn't stay in good shape by accident, and it certainly doesn't stay that way through overconfidence. It stays on track because someone keeps a watchful eye on it year after year, asking the tough questions before they turn into expensive problems. That is the most important lesson my two terms on Council taught me: the exciting progress we want to make only happens because someone had the foresight to ask those tough questions first. I will continue to be that voice for our community, keeping a close eye on our finances and asking the hard questions to ensure our budget remains strong.
We all know how incredibly lucky we are in Morehead to have Cave Run Lake, the Red River Gorge, and the Daniel Boone National Forest right in our backyard. We fish, hike, and boat, and so do the tourists who travel here. But there is a gap, and it is right here in town. I want our outdoor recreation to show up downtown. Right now, if you want to get your bike tuned up or learn how to swim, there isn't a place for that. I want to change that. Imagine a bike shop on Main Street and swim lessons available right in town, teaching kids, teens, and adults water safety, kayaking, rock climbing, and backpacking. Let’s make sure everyone in Morehead can enjoy our beautiful region, and let's build the businesses to support them right where we can walk to them.
When I think about the future of Morehead, I think about Main Street, 1st St, and Wilson Avenue. I think about walking into Holbrook Drug and Holbrook Embroidery and knowing the people behind the counter by name. That is not just nostalgia; that is our economy. These small businesses and others are the backbone of our community, and they thrive when city government actually shows up for them. I will fight for fair permitting, real investment in the corridors where our businesses sit, and leadership that treats these areas like the assets they are. Let's not overlook our "suburban" hub at I64 and KY 32. Walmart draws 2.6 million customers a year. That is incredible economic gravity. The question is not whether people are coming to Morehead, but whether we are inviting them to continue giving into downtown once they are here.
When we look at MSU, UK St. Claire, and Rowan County, we have to realize they aren't separate from Morehead; they are Morehead. When we sit down at the table together, everybody wins. That is why I am focused on building real institutional collaboration. Morehead setting the table and bringing people together. That is what good neighbors do, and that is what strong towns do. By working hand-in-hand with our local partners, we can build a stronger community for everyone. Let's pull up a chair, sit down together, and move forward.
Have questions or suggestions? I would love to hear from you!
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