By Jill Novak
University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Telecommunications
Bozarth at this year's Memorial Day service |
Bozarth has also served two years on the city council, seven
years on the Board of Directors of the Kentucky League of Cities, of which he
is now president, and the last two years as an officer.
“Twelve years of public service can wear you out,” he said.
Reflecting on his two terms, Bozarth says he was
surprised by the amount of time the job requires.
“In my first term, I was always in a hurry and wanted
something quick,” he said Bozarth. “I realized that is not the way government
works; it’s a full-time job.”
Asked for his reaction to Bozarth's news, Council Member Grayson
Vandegrift said, “I think that he did a pretty good job and is ready to focus
on other areas in his life.”
Vandegrift says he is planning to file for mayor in next
year’s election. So is Council Member Sharon Turner.
Admitting that she was “a little surprised” by Bozarth’s
decision to not run for a third term, Turner said,“He has set a lot of
important procedures and processes in place.”
She added, “We’ve updated things like tax forms, the
employee handbook and the city brochure and added transparency to them.”
As mayor, Bozarth has worked with council members on
accomplishments like bringing recycling to Midway, maintaining a strong
relationship with Midway College and working with the Midway Merchants Association on
creating a “vibrant downtown,” he said. “Our economic development is something we should be proud
of.”
Ken Glass, the owner of the Railroad Drug and Old Time Soda
Fountain, recalls Bozarth encouraging him and his wife Amanda to open their
store.
“He’s a friend of mine and I think Midway is better with him
being mayor,” Glass said.
Kenny Smith, president of the Midway Merchants Association
and owner of the Kennydid Art Gallery, said the mayor made the right decision: “I agree with his decision that politicians should have term
limits.”
Smith said Bozarth “liked to do things his way,” and he and the mayor had some disagreements over the last two years. He declined to reveal them and said, “He’s done a lot for this town and maybe it is time for some new ideas.”
Smith said Bozarth “liked to do things his way,” and he and the mayor had some disagreements over the last two years. He declined to reveal them and said, “He’s done a lot for this town and maybe it is time for some new ideas.”
Leslie Penn, owner of the Historic Midway Museum Store, said
the next mayor should be “someone who is willing to adjust to the times. . . .
History isn’t everything.” She also said she would like to see a woman mayor.
Asked what he would like to see in the next mayor, Bozarth
said, “I hope that the next mayor has a vision and work ethic to continue to
put Midway first.”
He added, “If you want Midway to be a special place, it
takes a whole lot of work.”
Looking forward to the additional position he will hold for
the last year of his mayoral term, Bozarth said he is confident in the
experience that he can bring to the table as president of the Kentucky League
of Cities.
“I think I’m a real advocate for small cities,” he said.
Information for this story was also gathered by Community Journalism student Allan Ducker.
Information for this story was also gathered by Community Journalism student Allan Ducker.
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