[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 3, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S1022]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING BILL NIGHBERT

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, earlier this year, my home State of 
Kentucky said goodbye to Bill Nighbert, a longtime public servant and a 
kindhearted friend. Both as a local mayor and a statewide official, 
Bill was instrumental to the achievements of communities across our 
Commonwealth. Today, I would like to recognize his lifetime of 
contributions to Kentucky.
  As the Gateway to the Cumberlands, the city of Williamsburg holds a 
special significance not just in Southeastern Kentucky but for the 
entire Commonwealth. Bill worked several jobs for the city he loved 
before being elected mayor in 1993. For the next decade, the people of 
Williamsburg put their trust in him. In return, Bill worked around the 
clock to deliver for his community. Even in the city's top job, Bill 
could still be found helping plow snow, deliver goods, or any other job 
that needed doing. A beloved local splash park is just one tangible 
example of Bill's leadership and vision for his city.
  As a successful mayor, Bill's reputation grew across the 
Commonwealth. He was elected president of the Kentucky League of Cities 
in 2002, using his talents to improve communities throughout the 
Bluegrass. Bill left city hall when Governor Ernie Fletcher tapped him 
to be deputy commissioner of the Department of Local Government and 
later the secretary of the Transportation Cabinet. Even as Bill served 
the entire Commonwealth in Frankfort, he still took care of Whitley 
County. For instance, he was a driving force in the construction of a 
new interchange over I-75 near Williamsburg.
  Apart from his professional work, Bill was legendary for his ability 
to make a friend in any situation. I guess you don't become the 
president of the Optimists Club without a sunny disposition. He was a 
role model and a little league coach, lending whatever free time he 
could find to a variety of local organizations.
  Of course, Bill's greatest achievement was the love he shared with 
his wife of 34 years, Susan, as well as his children and their spouses, 
Brad and Monica, Renee and Chris, and Benton. Anyone who was lucky 
enough to know Bill could see the immense pride he had in his children 
and grandchildren. He said they were the reasons he dedicated so much 
of his life to public service. On behalf of the Senate, I send sincere 
condolences to Bill's friends and loved ones. We are grateful they 
shared him with us for so many years. Kentucky was made better as a 
result.

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