A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR MIKE MOORE

A few weeks ago I was sitting in front of a group of reporters that was looking for insight into the closure of one of the longest standing businesses in our city. I didn’t have a lot of the answers they wanted, having been caught off guard as most of them when I first heard JeffBoat would be shutting its doors. My first thoughts went to the employees and families affected by the closure — if they were prepared for the news and how they would pick up the pieces. Then I started thinking about the history JeffBoat has in our city. Operating on our riverfront for 180 years, JeffBoat served as the foundation of industry here for decades.

The City is losing part of its identity with the closure of JeffBoat. One of my fondest childhood memories
is wearing the JeffBoat uniform in Little League, taking the mound and throwing fastballs to Kevin Morlan behind the plate. Knowing Kirstan Haub had my back at shortstop with Bob Schnatter (Papa John’s dad) coaching from the dugout.

There’s a sadness that comes with any loss. But I believe that with the strength of our community and with a little help from our friends, that loss will open up opportunities for all of us. More than 60 acres of riverfront property in one of the most thriving communities in the state presents a monumental,
unimaginable opportunity for Jeffersonville’s future.

“When one door closes, hopefully two more open,” I told the reporters.

I’ve thought about that a lot in the weeks since I said it, because life keeps giving me reasons to remember.

Last summer, the Greater Clark County Schools Board decided to close the doors at Maple and Spring Hill elementary schools in downtown Jeff and send the kids from those schools to Northaven and Bridgepointe. I have two roles in the fight. One, as mayor, because I know closing two neighborhood
schools will have devastating effects on Jeffersonville’s downtown. And, two, as a dad whose three kids
attended their neighborhood elementary school. I saw firsthand how the relationships they built with their classmates, who were also their neighbors, shaped their lives. I couldn’t prevent the school board from deciding to close the doors on Maple and Spring Hill. But I think if we all work together, we can build a new school downtown that will open the doors on a bright future for the city and its kids for generations to come.

My son Gerrin graduated from Jeff High School in June. My daughter Shelby graduated from Hanover College around the same time. Even though I’ve sent two of my kids away to college in the last four years, it’s still hard to believe that my youngest is now old enough to go to college and live on his own. There’s no denying it: The door is now closed on the days of weekend basketball tournaments, Little League parades and formal dances. A little sadness comes with knowing those days are gone.

On the other hand, when I look at my kids, I see so much potential. At 18, 20 and 22 years old, they still have their whole lives ahead of them. I can only imagine where they’re going to go, who they’re going to be and where their lives will take them ... all the doors that are going to open up to them if they choose to go through them.

As fulfilling as my job is, nothing compares to the rewards of fatherhood and hearing one of my kids call out “DAD!!!” when they need me. But, what does a single dad in his mid 50s do once the kids leave the
nest? I’m seriously asking, because I have no clue. I’m scratching what’s left of a receding
hairline, thinking I need a hobby. But I guess I’ll just sit tight. There’s always hope that a few years from now the door is going to fly open to a little voice yelling “GRANDPA!!!!” because they need help taking
a fish off their hook ...

I have been blessed.