Mayors of Main Street
Welcome to Mayors of Main Street—the podcast that delves into the heart of American communities by exploring the experiences and insights of some of the longest-serving mayors in the country. Hosted by Mayor Kristine Lott, this podcast brings you compelling stories of public service, community challenges, and the triumphs that define local leadership.
Mayor Kristine Lott, the first woman to hold the mayoral office in Winooski, Vermont, is no stranger to community engagement and leadership. Her journey into local politics began in 2017 when she was appointed to the Housing Commission for Winooski. In 2018, she took a bold step by running for a City Council seat, which she won and served with distinction. By January 2019, the incumbent mayor's resignation paved the way for her to run for mayor, and she was elected on March 5, 2019, with a platform centered on financial sustainability, housing affordability, and active community involvement. Since then, she has been re-elected and continues to serve her community with vigor and vision.
Throughout her tenure, Mayor Lott has made significant strides in formalizing and expanding community engagement, improving local ordinances to boost voting participation and housing affordability, and steering through key infrastructure projects despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Notable projects under her leadership include the revitalization of Main Street, the rehabilitation of a community pool, and the development of a municipal parking garage, hotel, and workforce housing.
Born in Southwest Michigan, Mayor Lott earned a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University. In 2009, she moved to Vermont, where she now resides with her husband, a lifelong Winooski resident. Balancing her mayoral duties with her role as Director of Operations for an education non-profit, she embodies dedication and resilience.
Join Mayor Kristine Lott on Mayors of Main Street as she interviews fellow mayors delving into their personal journeys, the issues they face, and the impactful decisions they make every day. Each episode provides an in-depth look at the unique challenges and rewards of leading a community, offering herself and listeners valuable insights and inspiration from the frontlines of local governance.
Mayors of Main Street
Mayor Thomas McDermott of Hammond, Indiana
In this episode of "Mayors of Main Street," Mayor Kristine Lott interviews Mayor Thomas McDermott of Hammond, Indiana. Mayor McDermott, who has served since 2004, shares insights into his long tenure and the transformative changes he has overseen in Hammond. He discusses the challenges and opportunities of leading a city that is closely connected to Chicago, including the economic benefits and the big-city problems that sometimes spill over into Hammond. Mayor McDermott highlights key initiatives such as the College Bound Program, which has helped maintain the city's population by providing substantial scholarships to local students, and the innovative use of water contracts to fund these scholarships.
Mayor McDermott also reflects on his personal journey into public service, influenced by his father's own tenure as mayor, and the lessons he learned from his time in the Navy. He emphasizes the importance of sustainability, community pride, and adaptability in his leadership approach. The episode provides a comprehensive look at how Mayor McDermott has navigated the complexities of urban governance, balanced economic development with quality of life improvements, and maintained a strong connection with his constituents over two decades of service. Listeners gain valuable insights into the practical and personal aspects of being a long-serving mayor in a dynamic and evolving city.