A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Beshear names teachers as grand marshals of his parade; Cov Mayor Meyer is co-chair of inauguration


Kentucky teachers will serve as grand marshals in Governor-elect Andy Beshear’s inauguration parade on Dec. 10 and Covington Mayor Joe Meyer has been named one of the honorary co-chairs of the Team Kentucky inauguration.

The vote from teachers, who expressed anger over Gov. Matt Bevin’s action on their pension and were offended by some off-handed comments, was a large reason Beshear will replace Bevin as governor.

The inauguration platform is being erected in preparation for December 10. (Kentucky Today photo)


“I want to show my appreciation for our public educators, who work tirelessly, every day to improve the lives of our children and lift up our communities, and that is why I am naming them inauguration parade grand marshals,” Beshear said.

Kentucky Education Association President Eddie Campbell called naming teachers as grand marshals is a tribute to every educator in the state.

“It signals Gov.-elect Beshear’s and Lt. Gov.-elect Coleman’s clear commitment to public education and a renewed respect for Kentucky’s educators, who faced withering attacks from the previous administration,” Campbell said. “As educators, we look forward to working with the Beshear administration to find solutions to the challenges facing public education and creating a brighter future for Kentucky’s students.”

Beshear has also named honorary inauguration co-chairs that will help lead efforts to unify Kentuckians from every corner of the state.

The honorary chairs include Lonnie Ali, of Louisville; Mayor Greg Fischer, of Louisville; Kentucky House Minority Leader Rep. Rocky Adkins, of Sandy Hook; Rep. Patti Minter, of Bowling Green; Mayor Joe Meyer, of Covington; and Jim Gray, former mayor of Lexington.

Mayor Joe Meyer

Joe Meyer, mayor of Covington, was Secretary of the Education and Workforce Developent Cabinet during the Gov. Steve Beshear administration. He also served 15 years in the Kentucky General Assembly, in both the House and Senate.

“I am pleased that Andy Beshear is setting a unifying tone for Kentucky going forward,” said Meyer. “And I’m confident that Covington and Northern Kentucky will have a seat at the table.”

Adkins, who finished second to Beshear in the May Democratic Primary, campaigned with him in eastern Kentucky.

“Leah and I are honored to be a part of this opportunity, and we look forward to working with Gov.-elect Beshear and others to make this inauguration and his administration a great success,” Adkins said. “Kentuckians are ready for a governor who will bring people together and move the Commonwealth forward.”

Fischer, mayor of the state’s largest city, said: “I am very happy to support Gov.-elect Beshear, and as Mayor of Louisville, I look forward to working with him and his administration in a respectful partnership to boost our city and our state. Andy clearly sees our city’s value and importance as an economic engine for the state. And he understands that as Louisville succeeds, the Commonwealth succeeds, and as the Commonwealth succeeds, so does our city.”

Beshear and running mate Jacqueline Coleman say they are already at work planning the transition of government and planning to address the issues that Kentucky families care about, like securing good jobs, accessing affordable health care, protecting and funding pensions and supporting public education.

On Nov. 6, at the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Beshear made his first transition team announcement, naming Deputy Attorney General J. Michael Brown as his administration’s transition chair.

Beshear on Tuesday unveiled his initial gubernatorial transition website, where Kentuckians can connect with the transition team and apply to work in the administration.

He has also announced his transition team.


Related Posts

Leave a Comment