Elkins sworn in as newest State Senator

Published 12:00 pm Tuesday, June 13, 2023

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Just weeks after a special election, Greg Elkins, a former Magistrate of the Clark County Fiscal Court, will officially start work as a state senator.

With family from both in-state and out-of-state as well as numerous friends present, Elkins – who will fill the vacated seat of former state senator Ralph Alvarado – was sworn into office by Supreme Court of Kentucky Justice Robert Conley on Thursday, June 8th, in the State Senate Chamber of the Kentucky State Capitol building in Frankfort.

“I was more awestruck by it than I expected to be,” Elkins said. “It just seemed so much bigger today than I even thought it would be. I was very proud to be a part of that. [I’m] very honored that the citizens of the 28th District picked me to represent them.”

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Elkins, the long-time CEO of Central Kentucky Hauling and a member of the Board of Directors for the Clark County Fish and Game Club is set to serve the unexpired term of Alvarado through 2027. He defeated Robert Sainte and Richard Henderson in a special election last month to win the seat.

He was far from the only individual in the building excited for the opportunity.

In a press release by the Commonwealth of Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus, Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown praised the new member of his caucus.

“Senator Elkins brings great business acumen and the entire Senate Majority Caucus is excited to work with him,” said Thayer. “He arrives in the legislature at a great time, just before the 2023 Interim Period, which allows him to get his feet wet as the joint committees do their work ahead of the 2024 60-day budget session.”

In collaboration with the Senate Chamber, Elkins’ wife, Kim, helped organize the ceremony.

He was allowed to choose who would conduct the swearing-in.

The decision didn’t take long.

“Bob Conley and I have known each other for about thirty years,” Elkins said of the Kentucky Supreme Court Justice. “It was a congratulatory atmosphere…It felt like it was a day to just enjoy and be thankful for.”

In his role, Elkins will start by serving on four committees: the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and State and State and Local Government Committee.

“I’m eager to get started,” Elkins added.

Elkins also mentioned prioritizing work on infrastructure projects such as the Eastern Bypass, widening U.S. Route 60 and bringing jobs to Clark County through economic development.

As the senator for the 28th District, Elkins will also serve Bath, Montgomery, Menifee and a portion of Fayette County.

With his term underway, Elkins has an early message for the citizens of Clark County.

“I want them to know, as I’ve set often, that I will be accessible. I will work hard for the District,” he said. “I look forward to the challenges ahead.”