As a business owner, I have been a tireless advocate for Main Street and a champion for local government. I believe the government closest to the people is the most effective — and this concept was getting lost in 2020 as we navigated the COVID-19 pandemic.
Throughout this crisis, I used my voice to rally for community leaders to have a seat at the table in discussions about strategically reopening the economy. I formed a coalition of nonpartisan mayors from across the state and together, we drafted proposals sent to Gov. Andy Beshear that focused on protecting the lives and livelihoods of Kentucky’s people.
This advocacy was covered by the state and national media, and I believe significantly pushed the needle forward in reopening sectors of our economy earlier than anyone expected. I appreciated the opportunities to offer my perspective on reopening Heartland economies in the New York Times, as well as Neil Cavuto’s Coast to Coast on FOX Business, which you can read and watch here.
Mayor Keck’s COVID-19 advocacy efforts:
GOP, others call on Gov. Andy Beshear to develop COVID-19 exit strategy, recovery plan, Louisville Courier-Journal, April 14, 2020
Op-Ed: It’s time to talk about saving KY livelihoods as well as KY lives, Lexington Herald-Leader, April 17, 2020
Two Kentucky mayors submit plans to Beshear for re-opening their local economies, Lexington Herald-Leader, April 21, 2020
Kentucky mayors share plans with Beshear on how businesses could gradually reopen, Louisville Courier-Journal, April 22, 2020
Op-Ed: Kentucky mayor: Beshear’s reopening plan wrongly leaves out restaurants and child care, Louisville Courier-Journal, May 6, 2020
Kentucky’s Reopening Brings Health Fears, Hope For Economy, 89.3 WFPL Louisville, May 20, 2020
Op-Ed: I’m Mayor of a Small City in Kentucky. We Can Safely Reopen, The New York Times, June 9, 2020
Video: Somerset, Kentucky mayor: Local officials should make reopening decisions, Neil Cavuto’s Coast to Coast, FOX Business
Video: Sending our children to school is essential, Aug. 11, 2020
Op-Ed: Let’s bridge our toxic political divides by recommitting to our local communities, Lexington Herald-Leader, Oct. 9, 2020
Video: Somerset mayor confident city can host large festival responsibly, WKYT, Oct. 15, 2020
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