Sharon NeSmith was chosen Tuesday night to serve as interim City Commissioner through the end of 2023. During her interview for the position, NeSmith expressed her passion to change the world and make everyone happy, starting with serving on the City Commission.
NeSmith was among 27 people who interviewed for the seat over a two-day span. The sitting City Commissioners and Mayor Tom Watson selected her during a private vote, and she was sworn in immediately after.
NeSmith said the main reason she applied was because she believed “if you complain about something, you should try to do something about it.”
“There was one point in time where there were five white male leaders on the (City Commission), and at the time my rebellious female self thought that’s terrible … the folks that were on the board and everybody — whether you’re male or female — had been wonderful and done a great job, so I just thought I’d try it,” she said.
With her experience as General Manager at the Hampton Inn and Suites downtown, NeSmith believes she would bring a new perspective regarding tourism to the Commission.
During the interview process, NeSmith said that she sees transportation as one of the top priorities for the City.
“When I did the research, I understand the extreme costs, but I do think it’s important that we relook at that,” NeSmith said.
In the past, NeSmith has been involved in the community through numerous organizations including the Owensboro Science and History Museum, Daviess County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Women’s Golf Association, and Red Cross. She said many know her as one of the barbecue festival planning team members.
NeSmith also touched on the legacy that Larry Maglinger left behind after he passed. She said she was able to work alongside Maglinger on the CVB board and shared his passion for the HydroFair.
“He always had good input and questions. So I hope that I will take those parts of him and be able to fill his shoes,” she said.
NeSmith will serve through December 31, 2023. A special election will then take place in November for the public to vote on who will serve the second and final year of the term which ends December 31, 2024. NeSmith said that she plans to run in the special election.
