In a rare public offering of contrition by an elected city official, Councilman Steve Keel admitted he was disrespectful of Downtown Renaissance Director Holly Boggess and of the Local Development Corp. during a meeting to discuss the city’s budget earlier this month.
Keel apologized Wednesday night at the Hopkinsville City Council meeting, saying he was especially aware of his bad behavior after watching a video recording of his exchange with Boggess.
“I truly did not mean to disrespect you, but I feel like I did. And for that I am sorry,” Keel said, addressing Boggess, who sat on the front row of council chambers.
Keel had been called out for his conduct in a May 15 letter from Peg Hays, who chairs the LDC, a board that promotes downtown revitalization and economic development. It operates through Community and Development Services, where Boggess is the assistant director.
Hays emailed the letter, which Hoptown Chronicle received through an open records request, to Mayor James R. Knight, the 12 city council members, several employees who work at city hall and Tom Britton, the executive director of CDS. Ben Bolinger, board chairman for CDS, also received the letter.
At Wednesday’s council meeting, Hays read portions of her letter. She said she was “outraged and appalled by the disgraceful treatment” and the “disrespect” Keel demonstrated.
In part, Hays wrote:
“Under her leadership, the Downtown Renaissance District has flourished, with significant investments and development projects that have transformed the area into a vibrant hub for businesses and community activities. Her dedication and hard work have been pivotal in fostering a collaborative spirit among local businesses and promoting diversity and growth within the community.
“The LDC stands firmly against any form of disrespect or hostility towards our staff or partners. We urge the council to uphold the standards of professionalism and respect that are foundational to our collective success. Constructive dialogue and mutual respect are essential as we continue to work towards the shared goal of enhancing the quality of life in Hopkinsville.”
Boggess spoke briefly, saying she was overwhelmed and humbled by the number of people, including some council members, who reached out and offered her support after the exchange with Keel.
“I’m hopeful we can all move forward in a constructive and positive manner, putting our most valuable assets, which are people, first,” she said.
Keel angered Hays and others when they saw how he spoke to Boggess at the May 9 Committee of the Whole meeting. He began by asking why it was taking so long to complete repairs to the Oddfellows Building at Ninth and Main streets following damages from a severe storm in the spring of 2023.
“Where are we at? … I’m getting a lot of flak over that building,” he said.
The mayor, who was also at the meeting, quickly added, “I’m getting a fire lit under my seat over it.”
Boggess explained the initial lack of interest by contractors followed by delays with an insurance company reviewing bids that came in higher than expected. Keel interrupted her at times and questioned how much money LDC was holding in reserve while the council was being asked to approve about $60,000 for work at the Oddfellows Building.
Keel seemed dismissive of Boggess’ attempt to explain the status of the project. He appeared ill-mannered and impatient.
“The building quite honestly should have been fixed six months ago,” he said.
But in his apology, Keel said he did admire Boggess’ work for the city — and he said he believed LDC had helped to save downtown Hopkinsville.
“I think there was a time we were going to lose [downtown], and the LDC stepped in, made some good investments, saved a lot of property, and has made downtown a place that we are seeing a lot of personal investments in now,” he said.
Keel represents Ward 10. His term ends at the end of the year following a loss in Tuesday’s primary to Republican challenger Michael A. Velez Sr.
This story was updated to correct the day the council meeting was held.
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. She spent 30 years as a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition.
