NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN SEARCH FOR COVINGTON'S NEXT MAYOR

by Michael Monks

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News & Notes from the quest to replace Bowman (all independently confirmed):

• One local prominent businessman/philanthropist contacted by a city commissioner last weekend is not interested in being appointed to replace Denny Bowman as Mayor of Covington. A source close to the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the businessman declined to participate in the process of replacing Bowman. Since he is not throwing his name into consideration, The River City News will protect the businessman's identity.
• A member of Governor Steve Beshear's administration has directly contacted each city commissioners (EDIT: Commissioner Casper says he was not contacted by anyone from the Governor's office. I've apologized to him for the error and I apologize to you.) on behalf of former Commissioner Jerry Stricker who has publicly expressed interest in filling the remainder of Bowman's term. Stricker, who lives in the Ascent, served three terms on the city commission but declined to run for reelection in 2010. Instead, Stricker threw his support behind Steve Frank and Steve Casper who were both elected to their first terms. If the current commission does not appoint a new mayor within thirty days of October 4 (when Bowman's resignation was accepted) the issue goes to Governor Steve Beshear. The River City News does not know of the Governor's personal preference, just of the phone calls from someone who works in the administration.
• Local businessman Chuck Scheper whose name emerged as a potential replacement for Bowman and who gained fame in municipal circles for his 1999 "Scheper Report" on how to reform Covington's government effectiveness, supported Commissioners Frank and Casper in their 2010 election bid. According to the online edition of the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, Scheper contributed $100 to Casper's campaign during the primary and $250 to Frank's campaign in the general election. Scheper also contributed $100 to the 2010 commission primary campaign of Damian Sells who dropped out before the general election.  

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SEE ALSO:
CARRAN IN CHARGE AS EFFORT TO REPLACE BOWMAN OFFICIALLY BEGINS
CITY ADDS 12 NEW FIREFIGHTERS TO QUELL OVERTIME COSTS