State Senator Matt Castlen was honored Tuesday with the 2019 “Friend of Kentucky Cities” award, which was presented by the Kentucky League of Cities. Castlen was presented the award at Tuesday night’s Owensboro City Commission meeting.
KLC Executive Director and CEO J.D. Chaney presented the award to Castlen and described the state senator’s first year in office as very successful. Chaney cited the Castlen-sponsored Senate Bill 148 — a KLC initiative that allows cities utilizing the Local Government Model Procurement Code to dispose of surplus property in the same manner as other cities — as legislation that will positively impact local governments across the Commonwealth.
In a press release from KLC, Chaney said Senate Bill 148 would support efficiency in local government-run operations.
“It is important that regulations and restrictions that impact cities are constantly reviewed to ensure they are not creating an undue burden and cost to municipalities and their taxpayers,” Chaney said.
KLC Director of Governmental Affairs Bryanna Carroll said she was honored to testify alongside Castlen during the 2019 session of Senate Bill 148.
“The bill simply aims to ensure Kentucky cities are not faced with burdensome and unnecessary requirements,” Carroll said. “We thank Senator Castlen for advocating for its passage and look forward to working with him in the future.”
Castlen said Tuesday that he was honored to receive the award from KLC, describing his time and effort spent on the passage of Senate Bill 148 as a small step toward big-picture policies that benefit local governments.
“I look forward to 2020 and continuing to fight for our communities,” he said Tuesday. “The success of our state begins with local communities, and I believe that passing good legislation that gives our cities the ability to grow and thrive is crucial.”
The Kentucky League of Cities is a membership association of cities across the Commonwealth. Founded in 1927, the KLC awards a “Friend of Kentucky Cities” award to legislators who champion issues that are important to cities during the legislative session.
