Joe Denning Sworn In As Bowling Green's FIRST Black Mayor -- Until November Election.

(Joe Denning (right) is sworn in as mayor of Bowling Green by Warren District Judge Sam Potter at Tuesday’s city commission meeting.)

Denning sworn in as mayor of BG
City commissioners also discuss 18 applicants for vacant seat
By ANDREW ROBINSON

Joe Denning was so ready to become Bowling Green’s mayor that he jumped the gun Tuesday night, leaving his seat to be sworn in on the chamber floor before the commission could officially vote on the order making him mayor.

But once the 3-0 vote came, Denning was officially sworn in by Warren District Judge Sam Potter.

Denning becomes the city’s first black mayor and the 47th mayor in Bowling Green history.

“I am humbled and honored by this new assignment,” Denning told the crowd. “I do not take this responsibility lightly. Bowling Green is my home and from this point on I will always refer to Bowling Green as ‘our city.’

“I will always do the best I can so when people across this country think of the commonwealth of Kentucky, they not only think of Louisville and Lexington, but they also think of Bowling Green.”

The commission also met in closed session to discuss the commission seat vacated by Denning’s appointment to mayor. Denning was appointed after former Mayor Elaine Walker was appointed Kentucky secretary of state by Gov. Steve Beshear. The commission received resum/s from 18 people interested in the vacant seat.

The names and resum/s are not available for public viewing under Kentucky law.

Denning said after the closed session that there was nothing new to report and the commission will meet next at 2 p.m. Tuesday to further discuss the appointment. The commission has until March 16 to make the appointment.

Overall, Denning’s first meeting as mayor featured a light agenda.

The commission unanimously approved an order promoting Terrill E. Sharber to captain and Belden T. Parry to sergeant in the Bowling Green Police Department.

The commission also voted on an amendment of the code of ordinances changing the policy and procedures for temporary signs in the public right of way.

And the discussion of Walker’s travel during her time as mayor might have finally been put to rest last night. The commission approved 3-1 to reimburse the travel expenses for Walker’s trip to the United States Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C. Commissioner Brian “Slim” Nash voted no. ...