City Commissioner Sue Parrigin receives William H. Natcher Award for service

TOMPKINSVILLE, Ky. — The Barren River Area Development District awarded City Commissioner Sue Parrigin the William H. Natcher Award on Wednesday in Tompkinsville during its annual meeting.

According to the City of Bowling Green, the award, established in 1994, is an annual award to recognize and honor distinguished service in government and the late U.S. Congressman Natcher. Recipients must have served at least five years in an elected office and demonstrated a commitment to serving people, exemplary integrity and a commitment to fair dealing with all citizens, officials say.

The city says past recipients include Sen. Mitch McConnell, Warren County Attorney Amy Hale Chandler and former Warren County Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon.

Chandler presented the award to Parrigin.

“This recipient has made it her top priority to serve the entire population of the City by doing what’s best for every resident,” Chandler said. “Sue’s commitment to serving people is evident in the way she places the constituents first insuring that everyone is heard and supported.”

Mayor Todd Alcott wrote in his nomination letter that of all of Parrigin’s accomplishments the one that best defines her legacy of service is the Anchor Project, officials say. Parrigin also received other nominations.

According to the city, Parrigin brought leaders, stakeholders and service providers together to help address crisis services for this area. Once complete, the facility will have the ability to accept, hold, assesses, treat and refer people in crisis to the services they need.

“Commissioner Parrigin has built a lasting legacy of hope,” Alcott wrote. “Because of her vision, perseverance, and ability to unite people around a common purpose, generations of Kentuckians will have access to life-changing behavioral health and recovery services.”

Parrigin received the award as her husband, Lyle, looked on.

“I’m humbled and honored,” Parrigin said. “I have never felt that I needed to be recognized for the work that the citizens elected me to go do.

“I do appreciate what this award represents. People are watching. They care about the work we are doing. They expect those of us who take an oath of office, and there’s a bunch of us in here, to remain accountable to the promises we actually make.

“There is something especially meaningful to me about receiving an award named after William H. Natcher. Many of you know that politically I am on the opposite side of the aisle from Mr. Natcher. But that’s exactly what makes this recognition meaningful. Mr. Natcher understood something that is just as important in local government today as it was many years ago when he was leading us.

“You are elected to represent people not a political party. Bowling Green City Commission is not a partisan body. There is no D nor any Rs beside our names when we sit at the table and make decisions for our community. We’re there to represent all the people of Bowling Green every day and to make decisions we believe are in the best interest of our community,” she said.

Parrigin has served on the City Commission since 2014.