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Frankfort – State Rep. Russ Meyer, a former Nicholasville mayor and city commissioner who has been a member of the General Assembly since first being elected in 2014, announced Jan. 8 he would not seek another term representing the 39^th House District.

“This wasn’t an easy decision, but after talking and praying with my family, it was the right one,” Meyer said. “Serving the community I love for nearly two decades has been a true honor, and I cannot thank the people enough for their support over the years. I’m now looking forward to getting things done for our district during the current legislative session, and I want to emphasize that I will always do whatever I can to make our community and all of Central Kentucky an even better place to live, work and raise a family.”

Meyer began his public-service career as a Nicholasville city commissioner in 2000, and following three terms in that office, he was twice elected as Nicholasville mayor, a title he held for eight years.

He has been a state representative since being sworn into office in 2015.

“Jessamine and Fayette counties capture the true essence of Kentucky better than any other place in the commonwealth, from our horse farms and thriving businesses to our top-notch schools, colleges and of course the University of Kentucky,” Meyer said.  “To me, there’s no better place in the world to be.”

 He said serving at the local and then state level made it easier for him to move some significant projects forward.

“That dual experience was especially helpful in developing the Eastern Nicholasville Bypass and the East Brannon Road extension,” he said.  “It also made a difference in such things as the creation of the Nicholasville Performance Park, which was first seriously discussed more than 20 years ago.”

Other projects Meyer was closely involved with include Nicholasville’s renovated streetscape and a variety of other infrastructure upgrades.

“One of my prouder moments as mayor was working with the Jessamine County Fiscal Court, Jessamine County Schools and the City of Wilmore to put school resource officers in every school,” he said.  “That made a tremendous difference when it came to keeping our students and educators safe, and I’m hopeful that is the model we will follow statewide as the General Assembly funds the 2019 school-safety law.”

 During his time in the Kentucky House, Meyer served on a variety of legislative committees, from Local Government and Banking and Insurance to Transportation and Health & Welfare.

“My local government experience helped quite a bit as the legislature looked for ways to make our cities and counties stronger and more independent,” he said.  “Meanwhile, my business background – I served as president of the Jessamine County Chamber of Commerce in the late 1990s – was also beneficial.”

“The legislature absolutely depends on a diverse membership, and I think it is important for others to have the chance to contribute.  I want the people of the 39^th House District to know that I will do all I can to help whomever they choose in November to represent them.  We all share the same goal of building on the incredible success we’ve been fortunate to have over the years.”