Who On Earth Is Mae Suramek, the Candidate?

Her Position In Two Sentences

I believe that changing the world starts in your own backyard and that everyday citizens, like you and I, can and should feel empowered to be involved in the decisions that impact us.  I am guided by Berea Founder, John G. Fee’s vision for Berea:  “I took my horse and rode for 500 miles, searching for a place where I could fulfill my mission.  I did not know where I should go; but one thing was certain – I must preach the true Gospel, this Gospel of love.”      

                 

Is She Even Qualified?

I was a civil rights investigator for 8 years with the Lexington Human Rights Commission and the North Carolina Human Relations Commission.  I then served as Alumni Director at my alma mater, Berea College for 9 years.  Since 2012  I've had the privilege of serving as Executive Director of the Bluegrass Rape Crisis Center, a regional non-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate sexual violence in 17 counties (including Madison) in central Kentucky.  I oversee a staff of 15, 4 offices, and a $1.1 million annual operating budget.  I have a B.A. in Psychology from Berea College and an M.A. in Community Counseling from EKU.  I'm also a full-time, sandwich-generation, daily-commuting working mother!

What is She Promising?

Absolutely nothing.  I am, however, committed to government transparency, economic progress, community revitalization and engagement, and intentionally bringing together Bereans from different walks of life (even those who don’t share my beliefs) to work together for the betterment of our town. 

What Are the 5 Major Issues Facing Berea?

1.  Income equality, food security, and economic justice

A large portion of Bereans are still living with hunger, and are struggling to make ends meet (just look at the monthly use of the local food bank and the percentage of Bereans living below the poverty level).  I certainly do not claim to have all the answers, but one thing I know for sure is that we have to begin to find ways to grow a local economy that demands a livable wage, food security (with a healthier and more sustainable food supply), and quality, affordable housing.  We can start by talking about it….and then investing resources in finding workable solutions to address these critical issues. 

 

2.  Revitalization, tourism, and economic development 

I think it's time we put ourselves (back) on Kentucky’s map.  If elected, I will create intentional space for strategic and collaborative conversations around the revitalization of Berea in a way that:

• Restores and reintroduces our artisan communities and our rich inter-racial heritage to the state and nation in a new and relevant way

• Highlights our strong involvement and commitment to the local food, organic food, and sustainable communities movement
• Creates messaging and growth opportunities around our existing natural outdoor recreational hiking trails, bike paths/routes, and eco-tourism
• Partners with, and works in conjunction with Berea College to create mutually beneficial public relations and marketing strategies

3.  Smart growth, transportation, and sustainable communities  

• I believe we need to find ways to better connect people (with a variety of transportation options like bike and walking paths, public motor transportation, and affordable housing choices) to businesses, workplaces, healthy food sources, and schools.   Truly sustainable communities are known to reduce air pollution, energy use, and protect natural resources and health.  
• Before automatically looking at development as the only growth option, I believe that we should consider how well we are using existing space and buildings, and whether or not there are opportunities to repurpose those things in ways that might attract new businesses, increase tourism, and create economic growth. 
• I believe that local government should promote the development of locally owned businesses (through grants, incentive programs, and other innovative strategies), and set the tone for a local culture that encourages, and makes it easy and accessible for citizens to buy local.

4.  Substance use, the rise of drug-related deaths, and the impact of mental health and poverty on both 
The Berea police department recently partnered with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and neighboring police departments to create a drug task force to address the increase of heroin use, overdoses, and deaths in our region.  While this is a commendable first step, I believe that it is important for us to collectively address this epidemic more comprehensively through partnerships with mental health providers, community substance use treatment programs, and organizations that work to eliminate poverty.

5.  Civil rights and equal protection, creating a community atmosphere where all Bereans feel welcome.
I fully support extending Berea’s anti-discrimination ordinance to include sexual orientation and gender identity.  I also challenge us, as a community to re-commit ourselves to our inclusive roots of racial equality and begin to address the climate of prejudice and inequality that persists.  Given our extraordinary history, I think there's enough room at the table to celebrate all of the rich, diverse voices that make up our town.