The Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) presented Sen. Damon Thayer (R-Georgetown) with a “Friend of Kentucky Cities” award at Monday night’s Independence City Council meeting.
KLC Deputy Executive Director J.D. Chaney, Director of Governmental Affairs Bryanna Carroll, Independence Mayor Chris Reinersman and City Council Members Greg Waite, Amy Engelman, Carol Franzen, Pat Taney and Bill Aseere presented Senator Damon Thayer (R-Georgetown) with a 2018 “Friend of Kentucky Cities” award at the December 3 Independence City Council meeting.
The KLC Board of Directors named Sen. Thayer a 2018 award winner. As majority floor leader, Senator Thayer ensured several KLC initiatives and supported bills moved through committees and were called for a vote in the Senate. Additionally, he secured the passage of House Bill 75 in committee and cosponsored Senate Bill 98, a KLC initiative that makes entertainment destination center licenses more affordable for cities.
“I have many cities in my district, and I value their role in our state,” said Thayer. “My grandfather was a mayor, so I know how important local government is to the citizens of the commonwealth. I thank the Kentucky League of Cities for this award, and I look forward to continuing to work with them on ways to improve the growing cities in my area and around the state.”
KLC Deputy Executive Director J.D. Chaney thanked Thayer for his long history of supporting cities.
“It is easy to see why Sen. Thayer has won more ‘Friend of Kentucky Cities’ awards than any other legislator,” Chaney said. “He is a leader who can be counted on to support legislation that focuses on the needs of cities of all sizes. House Bill 75, which gave cities more investment options, would not have passed without his support. While the governor ultimately vetoed the bill, we are grateful to Senator Thayer for working to help ensure its passage again in 2019.”
KLC Executive Director/CEO Jonathan Steiner spoke on the longevity Thayer has had in the Senate. “We appreciate the perspective Sen. Thayer has, having been a member of the Senate since 2003. His understanding of issues and his guidance make him a valuable friend for all Kentucky cities.”
Department for Local Government names Brown field representative
Brown
The Department for Local Government (DLG) has named Larry Brown as a new field representative.
In his new position, Brown will maintain a regular presence in 14 Kentucky counties, attending events and meeting with local officials on behalf of Gov. Matt Bevin and DLG Commissioner Sandra K. Dunahoo.
Brown will serve the following counties: Boone, Campbell, Carroll, Franklin, Gallatin, Grant, Harrison, Henry, Kenton, Oldham, Owen, Pendleton, Scott and Trimble.
“Our field representatives are in constant communication with constituents and local leaders in their areas so that DLG and the Office of the Governor can be better informed of their needs from state government,” Dunahoo said. “I’m confident that Mr. Brown, who is a longtime resident of Northern Kentucky with first-hand experience as an elected official, will be a great addition to our team.”
Prior to joining DLG, Brown served as the commissioner of the Department for Professional Licensing, within the Public Protection Cabinet. In this capacity, Brown oversaw 28,000 licensees and more than 25 different professional boards across the Commonwealth.
Brown brings to DLG extensive experience in the public sector, having also served on the Boone County Planning Commission before being elected to the Florence City Council. During his time in public office, Brown represented the City of Florence on the OKI Regional Council of Governments, which oversees federal transportation funding for 13 counties and all Northern Kentucky cities. He also enjoyed a 40-year career in the life and health insurance business.
Secretary of State’s spokesman Queen receives award
Bradford Queen, director of communications for Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, today received the 2018 Jennifer Schaaf Memorial Award for excellence in government communications.
The award is given to a state government communicator who shows dedication to the public interest in numerous ways, such as reliably providing thorough and accurate information to citizens and journalists about government matters.
Nominees for the award are selected by journalists. The award is presented by the Society of Professional Journalists, Bluegrass Pro Chapter, in cooperation with the Kentucky Association of Government Communicators.
Queen was selected for the award for his responsiveness to media and public inquiries, as well as his ability to help government officials and employees understand journalists and journalism.
Queen exemplifies high standards in public service, said Al Cross, the current Secretary of the Bluegrass Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and a former president of the National Society of Professional Journalists. Cross presented the award to Queen during the Kentucky Association of Government Communicators holiday reception at Berry Hill Mansion.
