6th of January 2025 - Ian VanSteenbergh

COMMITTED TO SERVING THE PEOPLE

I think it is finally setting in that I get the pleasure of representing the people of Midway. These past few weeks have been very busy preparing to be the best Councilmember I can be. Whether it's trainings, meeting elected officials near and far, or simply getting everything set up with the City of Midway, I've found so much joy in telling folks that I get to represent the wonderful people of Midway. I get to share our story, a story of small town that does big things. 

Kentucky League of Cities Training

My first official act of business as Councilmember-Elect was attending the Kentucky League of Cities New Elected Officials Training in Lexington. For three hours, I had the pleasure of hearing from the wonderful people who support our communities all around the Commonwealth. I was especially glad to see elected officials (and friends) from Frankfort, Versailles, Georgetown, and Lexington. I was even more excited to meet people who I hadn't had the pleasure to meet yet. Let me tell you all a little secret. Local "politicans" don't do this for the money. They serve their community because they love their community. I was proud to be in a room with so many folks who were beaming with pride and ready to get to work. 

Interviews, Interviews, and More Interviews

On the heels of our win, multiple news outlets reached out to us for a story. Our win was historic. The people of Midway elected their youngest councilmember, making him one of the youngest in Kentucky and the nation. The people of Midway also elected the only openly gay elected official in Woodford County and one of the very few in Kentucky. News outlets saw this as a way to spotlight Midway and I could not be more grateful to spread the joy about our amazing town and the amazing people who helped make history. You can find a few of those interviews here.

The Swearing In

On December 23rd, I took the Oath of Office. I was proud to be surrounded by family and friends while Mayor Vandegrift administered the oath. It didn't take long, probably around 2-3 minutes, but it signified the start to my service and committment to the people of Midway and this great Commonwealth! Everything didn't get official until January 1st when I took office. 

The First Council Meeting

Today was my first Council meeting. While recovering from Winter Storm Blair, City officials found it best to start with a Council meeting on Zoom. Was it how I originally planned to spend my first Council meeting? Absolutely not. Did we still get things done the same as if we had an in-person session? Of course. During the course of the meeting, I was appointed and confirmed to the Midway Parks Board, Mayor Vandegrift filled in residents and Council members on the City's response to the snow and frigid weather, and all the Councilmembers found out their committee appointments (Spoiler: I'm on the Cemetery and City Property Committee). This was an exciting first meeting, although not much was on the agenda. I was simply glad to be serving the people of Midway.