The Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) has presented Sen. Whitney Westerfield (R-Crofton) with a 2018 “Friend of Kentucky Cities” award. KLC Deputy Executive Director J.D. Chaney and Director of Governmental Affairs Bryanna Carroll recognized Westerfield at a recent Hopkinsville City Council meeting.
KLC says Sen. Westerfield was a strong champion for cities in the 2018 Regular Session of the General Assembly. He sponsored Senate Bill 113, a KLC initiative that would have allowed elected city officials in the County Employees Retirement System (CERS) to retire from a professional career with CERS benefits without also being forced to resign their elected position. Additionally, he carried House Bill 373 on the Senate floor. The KLC initiative provides clarity on the release of body-worn camera video under Kentucky’s Open Records Act. KLC also supported Senate Bill 3, Marsy’s Law, which Senator Westerfield filed to provide a crime victims’ bill of rights in Kentucky.
“When it comes to standing up for cities and supporting legislation that embraces home rule, Senator Westerfield is a dependable ally,” said Chaney. “His track record shows his commitment to improving the safety and livability of our local communities. We appreciate his willingness to support KLC initiatives and look forward to continuing to work with him on the city official retirement problem that was addressed in Senate Bill 113.”
Westerfield thanked the League for the recognition. “It is important to me that our cities, their local elected officials and their police departments have the tools and guidance they need to lead at the local level,” he stated. “That is why this recognition from the Kentucky League of Cities means so much. I plan to continue to work hard to ensure the passage of legislation that helps Kentucky cities continue to grow and prosper.”
KLC Executive Director/CEO Jonathan Steiner recognized Westerfield’s advocacy. “For the third time in four years, the KLC Board of Directors voted to bestow this award on Sen. Westerfield. His ongoing leadership and support in the Senate have been a major reason we have seen key pieces of legislation become law. We look forward to continuing the partnership in 2019.”
Founded in 1927, the Kentucky League of Cities is a membership association of more than 370 cities across the commonwealth. KLC presents the “Friend of Kentucky Cities” award to legislators who perform outstanding work advocating for issues that impact cities across the state.
In the Photo Attached: KLC Deputy Executive Director J.D. Chaney, Director of Governmental Affairs Bryanna Carroll, Hopkinsville Mayor Carter Hendricks, members of the Hopkinsville City Council and Hopkinsville city officials present Sen. Whitney Westerfield (R-Crofton) with a 2018 “Friend of Kentucky Cities” award at the Nov. 20 Hopkinsville City Council meeting.