Glasgow mayor Royse discusses growth after reelection

GLASGOW, Ky. (WNKY) — Glasgow Mayor Henry Royse said he is humbled by voters’ support as he prepares to serve another term, with infrastructure, growth and public safety among his top priorities.

“It’s very humbling because we have a lot of people in Glasgow who care about Glasgow,” Royse said. “If people are happy with the way things are going, they can tell me. If they’re not, they’re comfortable telling me.”

Royse pointed to industrial growth, road work and other infrastructure improvements as accomplishments from his time in office. Looking ahead, he said replacing Glasgow’s No. 1 fire station, which dates to 1951, is a major priority.

“We need to build a new fire station. Our number one fire station goes back to 1951, and we’ve got to get that going,” Royse said. “But we also need to be sure that we take care of the infrastructure for the areas that the city can grow. We have a big outer loop, but the outer loop does not have complete infrastructure on it.”

Royse said the city also must prepare for continued growth by improving roads and infrastructure.

“We want to be proactive with new streets, new roads and taking care of the ones that we have,” Royse said.

Royse also expressed caution about data centers, saying more information is needed about their potential effects on the environment and power grid before moving forward.

“We do not have enough knowledge of what the actual damage or the downside of data centers is,” Royse said. “Right now, there’s too much guessing.”

He added that he wants to see evidence about potential ecological and power-grid impacts.

“Nobody has presented that information, and I find that a little bit troubling to be moving forward with it,” Royse said.

Royse closed by thanking voters, including those who supported his opponent.

“I appreciate every vote, and I appreciate people taking the time to cast a vote, whether it was for me or for my opponent, because that shows that you care,” Royse said.

He added that his office remains open to residents who want to share concerns or ideas.