Friday afternoon, December 17th, state Representative Reginald Meeks announced his retirement from the Kentucky House of Representatives, effective immediately. His letter of retirement was delivered to Gov. Andy Beshear so that preparations for a special election can begin moving ahead.
In a statement, Kentucky House Democratic Caucus Leader Joni Jenkins said that Representative Meeks “has personified public service as well as anyone I have ever known. He was a powerful voice when he was on the Louisville Board of Aldermen, and he continued that work when he became a state representative.
“Representative Meeks has been a great advocate for our community and will be deeply missed. His public service may be over, but his friendship, kindness, and legacy will always endure.”
Rep. Meeks has served the 42nd House District in Jefferson County since being elected in 2000.
Photos over Rep. Meeks tenure
Retirement letter of Rep. Reginald Meeks
Dear Governor Beshear:
For more than two decades now, I have had the honor to serve as state representative of the 42nd House District, a role enabling me to give back to a community and a commonwealth that have given so much to me. This opportunity has truly enriched my life, and I will be forever grateful to those who made it possible and for the numerous friends I have made along the way.
With that thought very much in mind, I am writing to announce that the time has arrived for my career in public service to end. As such, please accept this letter as a formal announcement of my retirement from the Kentucky House of Representatives, effective at the end of business today.
I want to make clear that I have not lost my desire to represent my constituents and to fight for causes dear to them and me and so many others across Kentucky. I instead see myself as part of a relay team, where the baton handed off to me in 2000 is now poised to be given to someone else who can move us further down the track. I may be spending the years ahead focusing on my health and spending time with family, but I will always consider myself part of this important team.
As I look back over my tenure, I feel a sense of pride when reviewing the accomplishments we have made in Jefferson County and across the state. At the same time, we still have a long way to go, a dichotomy we can see most vividly in our schools, our economy, and our enduring struggle to make equity more than a pleasant-sounding word. We need a government that works for all of us, not just some of us, and I will never stop cheering those on who march under this banner.
For now, I want to thank everyone who has made my time in office, both locally and in the Capitol, some of the best years of my life. I will be forever grateful and proud that I had the chance to do what a life in public service is meant to do: Make a difference.
Thank you, Governor Beshear, for your leadership and for setting the stage to elect my successor in the weeks ahead. I stand ready to do whatever I can to make that process run smoothly.
Sincerely,
State Representative Reginald Meeks
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