PIKEVILLE, KY – The Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) presented Senator Phillip Wheeler (R-Pikeville) with a 2020 “Friend of Kentucky Cities” award Friday morning at Pikeville City Hall. Senator Wheeler sponsored Senate Bill 187 in the 2020 session, a KLC initiative that would have modernized the list of required documents a city files with the Secretary of State’s Office after a boundary change.
“Eastern Kentucky’s success heavily relies on the strength of our cities. I am proud to support the Kentucky League of Cities legislative efforts to improve and support the well-being of cities within the 31st District,” responded Senator Wheeler. “It is an honor to receive this award. I look forward to working on legislation that provides our cities with the opportunity to grow and prosper during the 2021 Regular Session.”
Pikeville City Manager and KLC Board member Philip Elswick, KLC Executive Director/CEO J.D. Chaney and Director of Governmental Affairs Bryanna Carroll thanked Senator Wheeler for his work on behalf of cities. “Modernization is vital as cities work to become more efficient and frugal with taxpayer dollars,” stated Chaney. “Senate Bill 187 is just one example of how a small change can provide city officials a way to increase productivity without reducing transparency.” The measure would have permitted a city to submit an electronic file containing a closed geometric figure of the area impacted by a boundary change, instead of requiring a photocopied version.
Carroll expressed gratitude to Senator Wheeler and the Secretary of State’s Office for working with KLC on the measure. “Drafting legislation is a deliberative and collaborative process that requires a lot of different viewpoints and perspectives,” she said. “We appreciate the willingness of everyone involved to sit down and talk about how we can improve communication and productivity between state and local governments, and we look forward to continuing the conversation.”
Founded in 1927, the Kentucky League of Cities bestows the “Friend of Kentucky Cities” award to legislators who perform outstanding work advocating for issues that impact cities across the state.
Wheeler. McConnell. Trump. 2020
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