BY EARNEST WINSTON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
EDGEWOOD - Mayor John D. Link, who this month was elected to a second term, has been selected as the Outstanding Local Elected Official for 1998 in Northern Kentucky.
Mr. Link said he was "speechless" when he accepted the award Saturday night at the Municipal Government League of Northern Kentucky's dinner at the Commonwealth Hilton in Florence. About 200 people attended.
"Certainly, I was elated and humbled, and very pleased that they would select me," said Mr. Link, a self-employed sales representative. "I had been told a day before (of the honor), so I guess the surprise was still there."
Outgoing Crestview Hills Mayor Hal Ries, chairman of the committee that picked the winner, presented the award to Mr. Link.
"There were 10 candidates, and all 10 of them were good," Mr. Ries said. "We spent many hours working on" choosing the winner. Elected officials from an eight-county area were considered for the award.
Mr. Ries said among Mr. Link's accomplishments that stood out were his role in creating Edgewood's first parks and recreation department, and Edgewood's work with neighboring Crestview Hills and businesses to help build Thomas More Parkway, a three-lane road.
The road, which connects Dudley and Turkeyfoot roads, was built several years ago. The road has eased traffic tie-ups in the area, and several new businesses have been built adjacent to it.
"The reason that I have been so active is because of the people who are associated with me and involved. They made me really what I am today. It's a joint effort and a joint award," said Mr. Link, outgoing president of the Municipal Government League of Northern Kentucky. "The award is well worth receiving."
Mr. Link recently made headlines for comments he made suggesting that Edgewood consider a merger with Crestview Hills. In 1995, Mr. Link opposed a proposal to consolidate services shared by Kenton County and its cities.
Mr. Link also serves on the legislative committee for the National League of Cities and the Kentucky League of Cities.
Fort Mitchell Mayor Thomas Holocher is the new president of the Municipal Government League of Northern Kentucky, which presents the award annually. The award was first given in 1983.
