WJRS NEWS spoke with Russell Springs Mayor Eddie Thomas about his attendance at last week’s Governor’s Local Issues Conference.
Thomas said conferences like this are both informative and helpful, providing local officials with valuable information while opening doors to potential grant funding.
Thomas said Russell Springs Economic Development Director Jeramy Coffey developed a couple of leads on new grant opportunities during the conference.
The mayor said networking with state officials and fellow community leaders is an important part of attending these events.
According to Thomas, the conferences give local leaders an opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss what is—and is not—working in their communities.
Several mayors from across Kentucky also asked Thomas about the nine-hole turf golf course currently being built at Russell Springs City Park.
While attending the conference, Thomas had an opportunity to speak with Governor Andy Beshear and Beshear’s longtime advisor, Rocky Adkins, who is now a candidate for governor.
Thomas said the Beshear administration has been helpful to Russell Springs, providing the city with nearly $3 million in grant funding over the past several years.