Dayton Mayor Ben Baker this week honored two officials leaving their positions at the end of their terms this year: longtime council member Jeff Volter and Kentucky State Rep. Rachel Roberts, a Democrat from Newport.
“When you put your name on a ballot, all of a sudden, you became a public official. People start watching you,” Baker said during Tuesday’s council meeting. “They start calling you about every single pothole in the ground. They start calling you about every tree that’s overhanging their property. And it’s a lot of work. There’s a couple of people in this room that have done that…I want to recognize those folks today.”
Jeff Volter: years of service to Dayton
Jeff Volter has served on Dayton city council since 2017. With a career in education, he served as principal at both Dayton High School and Dayton Junior High School and later as assistant superintendent of schools for Covington Independent Schools District. He also was a member of the Dayton Independent School Board for 12 years before joining city council.
The mayor began by inviting Volter to join him at the front of the room. He took the opportunity to honor him and note the service of both him and his wife, Cathy Volter, a former city council member.
“I can’t remember when a Volter wasn’t a member of the school board or a member of council,” Baker said. “You guys put your life’s dedication into this town, and we are so appreciative of all the work that you’ve done. So, Jeff, I present to you the key to the city in recognition for all the many years you have selflessly put yourself on line to make it a better place.”
With that, Baker gave Volter a plaque with a key.
“I’d just like to say that it’s been a pleasure to work with this council and administration,” Volter said. “We’ve got a great team in place here in the city. I know you’ll continue to work hard and do great things, and it’s the teamwork. It makes it all go, and you guys are good at it, so I know you keep it up. Thank you again for making me a part of it.”
Rachel Roberts: representing Dayton in Frankfort
“Next up, I would like to recognize a person who went down to Frankfort every year,” Baker said. “She worked hard on behalf of the constituents.”
The mayor recounted a situation that he said exemplifies the importance of Robert’s help on Dayton’s behalf.
“I remember a time when we had a really bad road issue down on Fourth Avenue that we were just not getting any type of state recognition to fix because Route 8 was a state road, and they just weren’t fixing it,” Baker said. “Our residents were complaining to me about the potholes, and I reached out to Rep. Rachel Roberts, and she made it a priority. She reached out to Mr. Gray, who was the head of the Department of Transportation, and we got it done. Now those residents won’t lose their transmission and their suspension as they drive into their houses. It’s a smooth as silk road.”
Baker said Roberts has always been there to help the city out.
“She’s decided to retire from the house, and we are so lucky for the last few years to have Rep. Rachel Roberts as our representative, and I wish her the best of luck and love throughout the rest of her time,” Baker said.
Baker gave Roberts a key to the city as well.
“Thank you so much,” Roberts said. “It has been such a joy to get to be such an integral part of Dayton. You guys all welcome me so much and to watch what you all have created here and how vibrant Dayton is. It’s just a joy to watch and be any small part of.”