Renee York, an Albany native, 1985 CCHS graduate and long-time state employee, made her first attempt at public office a successful one this past November. She will become one of three new council members to be seated come January 2019.

York has lived most of her life in Albany, with the exception of a couple of years when she lived in northern Kentucky. She has both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Lindsey Wilson College in Human Services and Education (with emphasis on mental health), respectively and has worked in state government for some 27 years.

Six of her years with the state were with child protective services and 21 years with the Department of Juvenile Justice. Her current work station is in neighboring Monticello where she serves as district supervisor for Clinton, Cumberland and Russell counties.

York supervises employees in six total counties, including Clinton, in the Lake Cumberland / Dale Hollow areas with her current position being Correctional Program Administrator.

The incoming council member, who noted she campaigned hard throughout, said she ran for the office “to help move Albany forward.” Like most other council members, York said she would like to see the by-pass water line project completed and help bring in other community resources to Albany and Clinton County.

She said that among her qualifications was her job, and understanding the needs of the community and its issues and her desire to help people live better lives, including healthier lives.

York feels the major problems facing Albany is the need for water and infrastructure and the drug problem, which is prevalent in most cities, large and small. However, she believes the latter could be helped through education, awareness and more community resources and said she would assist with community partners in gaining more of those resources.

She also noted that a water line along the bypass was vital to attracting more business and industry into the community.

York also noted she would like to see more downtown activities for everyone, such as holding some type of downtown events like a “movie night,” and also expand recreational opportunities by the city, county and other community partners working together.

The new council member also said an advantage with her job with the state is understanding budgets and the need to keep them balanced.

York said she feels the council has a good group of people and they and the county can establish a good working relationship.

“I love Albany and we have a lot of great people here,” she said.

York is very active in her church, Cedar Point Church of the Nazarene in Burkesville, where she is the church treasurer, teaches children’s church and is active in the Operation Christmas Child shoebox ministry among other church missionary projects.

The incoming council person, who received over 400 votes to take a seat on the council, said she would like to thank the citizens of Albany for voting for her and having confidence in her to represent them. She also added her door was always open to anyone and can be reached by calling 606-688-0795.