The Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) has recognized Representative Jason Petrie (R-Elkton) and Senator Whitney Westerfield (R-Hopkinsville) with “Friend of Kentucky Cities” awards for their work in the 2020 Regular Session of the General Assembly. They represent Logan and Todd counties in the state legislature. Westerfield also represents his home county, Christian.
Auburn Mayor Mike Hughes, who is a member of the KLC Executive Board, helped present the award to Petrie, who children go to school in Logan County.
According to a KLC press release, Rep. Petrie has been a strong advocate for legislation that would allow a mayor or city legislative body member to retire from a career in the County Employees Retirement System (CERS) without being forced to resign from his or her elected position. The KLC initiative passed in the 2020 session.
“There was an unfortunate caveat in statute that only pertained to local government employees,” explained KLC Director of Public Affairs Bryanna L. Carroll. “If a mayor or elected member of a city’s legislative body wanted to retire from a job as a school lunch lady or with the city’s municipal utility, she could not do so without also resigning her elected position. This only applied if that person’s career was with a government agency that participated in CERS. It was an unfortunate stipulation that could have cost many of our cities some of their most dedicated elected leaders.
“We are glad Rep. Petrie and others in the House and Senate worked to provide a way for these hardworking individuals to enjoy retirement while continuing to serve their community.”
“To be honored by the Kentucky League of Cities for being a longtime advocate for much of what was included in Senate Bill 239 is very much appreciated,” said Representative Petrie. “It is a piece of legislation that relates to local government pension plans, and I was happy to support this Senate bill in the House. Thank you so much for this award and all your organization does for local governments. The Kentucky League of Cities is a welcome partner in the legislative process.”
KLC Executive Director/CEO J.D. Chaney thanked Petrie for supporting cities and the local elected leaders in the 16th District. “Rep. Petrie is always willing to listen to the city officials he represents to ensure their needs and concerns are addressed at the Capitol,” he remarked. “Those relationships are key as issues that arise in one community are often experienced in cities across the state. Legislators who are engaged with their local governments are vital to the improvement and success of all Kentucky cities.”
Sen. Westerfield sponsored Senate Bill 192 on the same topic in the 2020 session..
Carroll expressed gratitude for Sen. Westerfield’s dedication to the issue. “Senator Westerfield has worked with KLC for several years to find a legislative fix for this problem,” she said. “While the shortened legislative calendar in 2020 created some challenges, he was able to work with other members of the Senate and House to secure passage of the language in another bill. Thanks to his dedication, elected city officials who happen to also work in such positions as a school bus driver or local first responder can now retire from that career and still continue to serve their community.”
Additionally, Westerfield carried House Bill 298 in the Senate. The measure, known as Jill’s Law, requires law enforcement agencies to adopt policies that address the initiation and termination of police pursuits. “We can always count on Sen. Westerfield to support legislation that improves the livability and safety of our communities,” remarked Chaney. “He appreciates the importance of local law enforcement and is always willing to sit down and talk about ways the legislature can help Kentucky’s cities thrive.”
"When our cities are strong, it makes the entire commonwealth strong,” responded Westerfield. “It is a pleasure to serve as a state senator representing the wonderful cities and towns across Christian, Logan and Todd counties. I consider it an honor to receive this recognition from the Kentucky League of Cities. I will continue to be a strong advocate for cities large and small across the district by working with KLC, city leaders, and my colleagues in the Kentucky General Assembly to make sure our communities have the resources and polices in place they need to succeed.”
Both Petrie and Westerfield were unopposed for reelection in this year’s primary election and are also without opposition in the general election.
Founded in 1927, the Kentucky League of Cities is a membership association of more than 370 cities across the commonwealth. KLC confers the “Friend of Kentucky Cities” award on legislators who perform outstanding work championing issues that impact cities across the state.