Thanking him for his continued support of cities, Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) Deputy Executive Director J.D. Chaney presented Sen. Whitney Westerfield (R-Hopkinsville) with a 2019 “Friend of Kentucky Cities” award Tuesday night at the Hopkinsville City Council meeting.

Westerfield sponsored Senate Bill 158, and he carried House Bill 375 on the Senate floor, securing its final passage. Both were initiatives for the Kentucky League of Cities in the 2019 legislative session. Senate Bill 158 would have allowed a mayor or member of a city legislative body to retire from a career in the County Employees Retirement System (CERS) without being forced to resign their elected position. House Bill 375 provides clarity for law enforcement agencies and public safety answering points (PSAPs) that need wireless cell phone data in an emergency.

Chaney spoke about Westerfield’s long-standing support of cities. “He is someone cities can count on to understand the issues and the importance of local governments. Senator Westerfield has been dedicated to finding a solution to the problem some elected officials face when retiring from a career, and we will continue to work with him on this problem. We are grateful for his willingness to take up topics that are important to cities and the people elected to serve them.”  

“Senator Westerfield is a strong champion for cities in his district and across the state,” said KLC Executive Director/CEO Jonathan Steiner. “He has been unwavering in his commitment to working with the League. We appreciate his support and look forward to working with him in the future.” 

Westerfield thanked the League for the recognition. “The League of Cities works hard to advocate for public policy that strengthens and equips cities, large and small, to grow and thrive in Kentucky,” he stated. “I am humbled by the award and honored to work alongside their team in Frankfort to advance the interests of the communities in Logan, Todd and Christian counties.”

Founded in 1927, the Kentucky League of Cities is a membership association of more than 370 cities across the commonwealth. It awards a “Friend of Kentucky Cities” award to legislators who champion issues that are important to cities during a legislative session.   

Photo Attached: KLC Deputy Executive Director J.D. Chaney, KLC Director of Governmental Affairs Bryanna L. Carroll, Hopkinsville Mayor Carter Hendricks, members of the Hopkinsville City Council and city government presented Senator Whitney Westerfield with a 2019 “Friend of Kentucky Cities” award at the Hopkinsville City Council meeting on Sept. 17.