When viewing the web presences of the various Louisville mayoral candidates recently, I got a little bug up my arse — let's see who created these sites.

Many of the websites hide who developed their sites from public view, but by looking at the site source and/or Whois records, it can usually be determined who developed the sites.

Here's the list of web developers and their location:

• Tyler Allen's campaign site — mperfect design (design and layout) and Red Toad Media (functionality), both from Louisville, Kentucky
  
• Greg Fischer's campaign site — Chong and Koster, Washington, DC
  
• Jackie Green's campaign site — johnpaul/design, Louisville, Kentucky
  
• Hal Heiner's campaign site — Digital Victory by Stoneridge, Buford, Georgia
  
• Jim King's campaign site — Kinematic Studios, Quezon City, Philippines (also interesting is that the domain registrant is out of Vancouver, Washington)
  
• David Tandy's campaign site — 360 Designs, LLC, Louisville, Kentucky
  
• Chris Thieneman's campaign site — Mike Ekbundit, Mt. Washington, Kentucky
  

Note: I did a diligent search to determine there was no local version of Kinematic Studios. Of course, there is a possibility that I have the company's location figured incorrectly — If so, please let me know.

I'll let you judge for yourself how this information should impact how you view the candidates.

On edit: Added "mperfect design" to the list of local designers who worked on the Tyler Allen site.
On edit 2: Using KREF disbursement records, I found out who designed Fischer's and Thieneman's campaign sites. Fischer's site was also done by non-locals.

Steve Magruder — LouHI Administrator and web programmer


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Jim King announced today that they have reached the 1 million dollar mark for his campaign fund. Of course, Councilman King has contributed $760k to it from his own pocket. I guess that will help to pay for his overseas web designer in style.

Ken M

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What's worse, if what I found holds up, King offshored the web development. That will send local creative types and techies through the roof!

I just received and added information from the Tyler Allen campaign that I missed listing one of the businesses behind their website, which is, good for them, also locally operated.

Using KREF disbursement records, I found out who designed Fischer's and Thieneman's campaign sites.

Fischer's site was done by Chong and Koster, a design firm out of Washington, DC. That makes THREE non-locals designing Louisville mayoral campaign websites.

First of all — although I have an interest in this race, I can't vote. I'm an Oldham County resident.

I don't take any issue with any of the choices for web developer. The top real estate (my primary profession) web development company is on Vancouver Island, BC. They have clients across the country. Different companies specialize in different niches. I'm sure a few of the candidates have hired campaign managers who have been through a race before. Those people probably have relationships and track records with particular companies already.

Scott Hack
RE/MAX Properties East
Oldham County Homes
Oldham County News
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I have to dissent and say that this is being blown wildly out of proportion (sorry, Steve! You're still da man!). Scott, thanks for providing that information. It seems reasonable that there was a pre-existing business relationship.

If Louisville wants to consider itself a "world class city," then it has to be comfortable with jobs being outsourced to other cities, states, and (horror of horrors!) nations!

Scott and Eric, it may amaze some that I actually do welcome dissent here. Respectful, well-considered and well-articulated dissent even more so. Keep 'em coming.

I also appreciate your points.

But this topic, to me, is, more than anything, about the message a campaign sends out through the choices they make.

If a campaign is not hiring local web developers, when we actually do enjoy a plethora of great developers here, they might be sending the message of "I don't think Louisville has talented people".

Therefore, I would hope that the campaigns who are using non-local developers will take the time to explain their decisions and reassure us all that they're decisions weren't against the many talented individuals who live here.

Jim King said in an interview to LEO on 9–16–09 that he wants to grow the local economy to increase the tax base. Even before he makes it past the primary, he is already outsourcing his contracts. How does this help the local economy?


Quote:

"LEO: The administration has made deep cuts, but is raising taxes a possibility?

JK: I have no plans to raise taxes … I think the best way to deal with budget deficits is to grow our local economy. People are concerned about jobs, economic development and quality-of-life issues. If addressed those will improve our economy here locally and will raise our tax base without raising taxes."

Ken M

Camp Taylor Hist Soc wrote:

Jim King said in an interview to LEO on 9–16–09 that he wants to grow the local economy to increase the tax base. Even before he makes it past the primary, he is already outsourcing his contracts. How does this help the local economy? Quote: "LEO: The administration has made deep cuts, but is raising taxes a possibility? JK: I have no plans to raise taxes … I think the best way to deal with budget deficits is to grow our local economy. People are concerned about jobs, economic development and quality-of-life issues. If addressed those will improve our economy here locally and will raise our tax base without raising taxes." Ken M

Great find, Ken!