The candidates answer questions: Sebastian Ernst

What good things have happened during the past four years in your city? I have found it very promising that locals are starting to invest in Falmouth. We’ve had multiple small businesses open up within the city limits over the past few years and others have expanded. We could help foster even more growth and revitalization if we dedicate the time and resources necessary to attracting these kinds of investors, many of whom live right here in our county. We also have so many people and local groups here in Pendleton that volunteer their time and resources towards improving our county. I’m very grateful for all they do and hope to help these individuals with their efforts if elected.
What goals do you, if elected, wish to accomplish in the coming term? I have lots of goals for Falmouth, too many to name in such a short response, but all are accomplishable if we work together to make them happen. One issue I hope to address is our utility rates. For instance, Falmouth electric rates are nearly 40 percent higher than Bluegrass Energy. This adds an unnecessary financial burden on our residents and our businesses. To put this into perspective, Wyatts Supermarket can have electric bills as high as $7,000 per month. If they were to save 33 percent on their electric, it would free up $2,400 a month in operating costs. This would allow them to expand their business, improve their facilities, and offer better pay to their employees. This is one of the reasons our industrial park sits empty, because business owners do the math before they invest, and the math just doesn’t add up here in town. As Falmouth’s Mayor, I will ensure that our residents are getting a better deal. Other goals I have include building a splash pad for our youth, putting on more recreational events throughout the year, investing heavily in beautifying our town, and making the Mayor’s office more transparent in the daily operations of our city.
Describe your relationship with council and city workers. I get along great with other members of council. We disagree on certain issues sometimes, but that’s to be expected in a representative form of government. We all have a good working relationship and everyone believes they’re doing what’s best for our town. I believe our city would benefit greatly if we did things a little differently, and it begins with new leadership and a desire to go above and beyond what is expected of us as city leaders. I also know many of the city workers personally and would love the opportunity to work with them on a daily basis. Many are looking forward to it.
What have you done in the past decade that has benefited our community?  en years ago today I was a Corporal in the United States Marines. Serving my country and my community is all I’ve ever done in my adult life. After the Marines I moved back to Falmouth and ran for City Council where I’ve served my constituents ever since. I’ve also taken many steps towards improving our city personally. I was an integral part of building The Smoking Pig Tavern with my family in what used to be a dilapidated building downtown. I bought the Old Pastime Theater and have recently started renovations on this historical building with the help of my friends. I’ve renovated many of the buildings downtown in recent years and even started my own remodeling company, All-American Restoration, that operates out of Downtown Falmouth. A couple friends and I recently painted the “Falmouth” mural downtown during COVID. My family and I put on yearly 4th of July fireworks shows at the tavern downtown. My wife and I volunteered to coach soccer last season. I’ve also bought and remodeled multiple dilapidated homes in town that now house young families. I’m fully invested in Falmouth and I will never give up trying to make this town all that it can be. If I am elected Mayor I will be able to benefit our community so much more than I already have.
Describe your vision for the city. Many people have dreams of fame and fortune. My dream has always been to be the Mayor of Falmouth, not for the title or authority that comes with it, but because I know I can do so much good for our town when I do. My creator made me a builder, and I believe that’s exactly what Falmouth needs at this moment in our history. I can help build a thriving downtown. I would love to see us buy the lot where the assembly building once stood and turn it into a beautiful courtyard. I would like to build a splash pad for our children where Veterans Park is. I want to invest in our historic buildings before it’s too late to save them. I don’t want to see any more buildings being taken down, but built up instead. I know I can do all of this at no additional cost to the taxpayers.
How do you/would you work with judge/executive in your role as mayor? I would be willing to work in any capacity with our Judge Executive in order to benefit Falmouth. There are many mutual contracts and agreements that we have with the county and there should be good communication between the two entities. I also know a few of the magistrates personally and would work well with the county to ensure our citizens have the best services possible at the best price possible. I look forward to collaborating with the Fiscal Court to these ends.
What area of city services needs more support? What should be shielded from cuts as much as possible? I think our Police Department needs more support. It’s the largest expense for our city and accounts for two-thirds of our yearly expenses. Around $700,000 of a $1,100,000 budget is a massive amount for such a small town. Our officers take many calls in the county at the moment, with the Sheriff’s Department only taking calls in the city as a last resort, and although I’m happy to see our officers help, it’s not fair for Falmouth’s citizens to have to fund both the Sheriff’s Department and City Police Department and receive the same level of service as others that only have to pay for one of those services. I would like to work with the Judge Executive to find a better solution, perhaps giving more funding to the Sheriff’s Department so we have better coverage all over the county, and freeing up funds for our city to use on other pressing matters. I’ve already started these discussions with the magistrates and Sheriff candidates, and many think this is an option worth exploring. I also want to see adequate funding for our City Maintenance Department so we can start to beautify our town.
What do you see as the most pressing needs for infrastructure or capital projects in the city? It’s hard to pick any one issue as we have many infrastructure projects that need attention. Our electric grid is in need of major updates. The most recent study we conducted found more than $4,000,000 in repairs that needed addressed. Our sewer lines are in rough shape around the city. Many residents have experienced drainage issues over the years. We also have upwards of 30 percent water loss every month, meaning nearly one-third of all the water created at the water plant is lost in leaks around the city. This makes it to where we have to charge more for the water that is used by residents to make up for this massive loss. We need adequate funding and manpower to address these issues as it will save all of us a lot of money in the long run.