Dillard Named to Open Seat on Clinton City Council
 On June 19, 2008 The Clinton City Council held a special called meeting to discuss three issues of unfinished business. The agenda for this special meeting listed (1) the budget (2) selection of new councilman, and (3) insurance policy.
Those in attendance were Mayor Fred Cox, City Clerk Donna Bryan, Chief of Police Tracy House, city Attorney tom Bugg, Kim DeRenard with the Purchase Area Development District, City Council members Mickey Beck, Jerry Rushing, Yvette Thomas, Jeff Morrow and Gilbert Fortner. Visitors were Annelle Orlando, Betty Morrow, and Howard Dillard.
The meeting was to start at 6:00 p.m. However, the Mayor held the meeting open until Mickey Beck arrived at 6:18 p.m.
In rapid discussion, the Mayor moved the meeting through past minutes, opening of three applications for new council seat (Francis Turner had resigned and moved out of county), and entertained a motion by Mickey Beck to move into executive session. Jerry rushing seconded the motion. Time was 6:21 p.m.
At 6:25 p.m. the meeting was open again to the public. Motion was made by Mickey Beck to name Howard Dillard to the vacant council seat. Vote was taken and at 6:27 p.m. Howard Dillard was elected to the seat. City Attorney Tom Bugg swore in Howard Dillard to his new office at 6:30 p.m.
And, so, for Howard Dillard, his political life had come full circle. Starting in 1968, while still in high school, Dillard had channeled his frustrations with how government was moving slowly to fix problems. During these politically difficult times, he had started his own limited newspaper to discuss the issues and challenge the status quo.
Later in life, Dillard had been elected to the Clinton City Council and in the last general election, had made a run for the Office of Mayor. On Election night, Dillard tied with Fred Cox. The election was decided on a coin toss and Cox won.
The man standing before City Attorney Tom Bugg, taking the oath for office was older, wiser, and had a few more grey hairs, but still held the fire of youth in him. This was a new Howard Dillard. This Dillard is more progressive and seasoned in the ways of rough and tumble local politics.
A new leader has emerged in Clinton politics at a time when the city is about to encounter massive budget problems from the fallout of weakened American and global economies. The Kentucky budget shortfall will have great negative impact on Clinton’s Budget.
On a hot June night, in a small west Kentucky town, a new voice for the future had been seated on the City Council. |
