Sue Parrigin reflects on 12 years of service after losing Bowling Green City Commission seat

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — After 12 years serving on the Bowling Green City Commission, Sue Parrigin is preparing for a new chapter following her loss in Tuesday’s general election.

Parrigin was one of six candidates competing for four seats on the commission in the Nov. 3 election. She received 5,809 votes, finishing fifth behind winners Dana Beasley-Brown, Carlos D’Angelo Bailey, Thomas Alan Morris and Melinda Hill.

Despite the outcome, Parrigin said she remains proud of her time in office and the work she has done for the community.

“Very proud of the 12 years that I have served. Seven elections that I have won,” Parrigin said. “Mildly disappointed that the voters didn’t see the accomplishments along the way, but, you know, that’s politics. They have a voice, and their voice was heard.”

Parrigin said this election felt different from previous campaigns, pointing to what she described as an increase in partisan politics at the local level.

“This election just felt different,” she said. “There was an undercurrent of negativity that came into our election, which I had not seen before. It felt like national politics arrived to Bowling Green, Kentucky.”

Parrigin said she had hoped Bowling Green could remain somewhat insulated from the political divisions playing out nationally, allowing local leaders to focus on the needs of the community.

During her time on the commission, Parrigin said she was particularly proud of her work building relationships and bringing people together to address community needs.

One effort she highlighted was the development of a crisis mental health intake center near Lovers Lane. Parrigin chaired a committee of 33 community leaders that worked over two years to secure $20 million in state funding for the project.

The center is intended to provide an alternative for people experiencing mental health crises who might otherwise be taken to jail or an emergency room.

Parrigin also pointed to her work with state leaders on public safety initiatives and the Another Way van program.

She said some of her most meaningful accomplishments came through relationships developed over decades of community involvement, rather than simply holding an elected position.

“I can pick up the phone and call those folks and I can throw an idea. We can work on projects,” Parrigin said.

Her departure from the commission will also mean stepping away from some leadership responsibilities at the state level.

Parrigin was recently elected to the executive board of the Kentucky League of Cities, where she had served on the organization’s board for six years. She said she will no longer be able to serve in that executive board position now that she is no longer an elected official.

Despite those changes, Parrigin said her involvement in the community will continue through her consulting business, Rotary and other community organizations.

She also plans to spend more time with her husband, son and two grandchildren. Parrigin said the demands of public service have meant missing some family moments over the years, and she looks forward to having more time for them.

“I’ve had to miss a lot of things with them because of the busyness of serving the community,” Parrigin said. “And I’m really looking forward to spending more time with Lyle and spending a lot more time with my son, my daughter-in-law, and those two grands.”

When asked what she hopes people remember most about her time in office, Parrigin emphasized her work ethic and character.

“That I worked hard. I was honest. I served honestly with integrity and values,” she said.

Parrigin has not ruled out another run for public office, saying she remains open to opportunities that may come her way. For now, she said she plans to continue finding ways to make Bowling Green a better place.

Tom Morris, who won a seat in Tuesday’s election and will take Parrigin’s place on the commission, is scheduled to speak with News 40 on Friday. The interview will focus on his transition into the role and his priorities for Bowling Green moving forward.