LEXINGTON, KY – The Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) swore in Benton Mayor Rita Dotson as the organization’s first vice president. KLC Executive Director|CEO James D. Chaney administered the oath of office during the KLC Conference & Expo in Lexington.
The League’s Board of Directors first elected Mayor Dotson in 2022 as the League’s second vice president. She took the position of first vice president this year, with Auburn Mayor Mike Hughes moving into the president role. Beaver Dam Mayor Paul Sandefur joined the leadership team as the League’s second vice president.
As first vice president, Mayor Dotson will testify this year before the Interim Joint Committee on Local Government about KLC’s 2024 Legislative Agenda. She will also work with the KLC Board of Directors on legislative advocacy throughout the year. “Cities are the bedrock of Kentucky – where most of the jobs and growth occur,” Mayor Dotson responded. “I am proud to represent the City of Benton and all Kentucky cities at the Capitol and throughout the state as we work to ensure a quality of life that makes all of Kentucky shine.”
Voters first elected Mayor Dotson in 2015; she previously spent eight years on the city council. Chaney spoke about her years of service. “Mayor Dotson brings a wealth of knowledge to the League, and I know we will benefit from that in her role as first vice president,” he said. “She is a great friend, adviser, and mentor for our staff and other city officials. We are excited for the next year and the opportunity to work with her in this new role.”
The Kentucky League of Cities is a nonprofit member organization that has served Kentucky cities and municipal organizations since 1927. The League provides cities various services, including legislative advocacy, legal guidance, training, economic development, financing, and research. An 18-member Executive Board and a 68-member Board of Directors govern the organization and its legislative efforts.