(PHOTO SUBMITTED BY HENRY ROYSE)
GLASGOW, Ky. — Henry Royse filed his papers Monday as a candidate for mayor of Glasgow.
Royse grew up in Glasgow — a product of Glasgow City Schools and Western Kentucky University. Being raised in a hometown that once seized opportunities to grow and meet the needs of the present and the future has fueled his desire to serve as mayor, according to a news release.
“It’s my turn to give back to a community that has given so much to so many, myself included,” Royse said. “It’s no accident that Glasgow has seen industrial growth, growth in healthcare services, schools and the infrastructure of transportation to accommodate the development. But those things don’t just happen! It takes people who understand how to make things happen, and who want to take an idea and work together to make it a reality. That’s how we got to where we are. And there’s so much more to be accomplished.”
Among his qualifications, Royse said he earned his degree in Mass Communications from WKU in 1979. He believes the many years he has been involved in promoting local events like chili suppers, fundraising raffles, fall festivals, the Highland Games, the Plaza Theatre, as well as sports championships and Christmas parades gives him a unique perspective in understanding the community.
“I have been on the T.J. Samson Hospital Board of Directors for 20 years. In 2014”, Royse said, “I served for a year as the interim CEO during a transition of leaders. The type of leadership skills I learned while keeping the hospital economically viable, staffing healthcare professionals, and recruiting top notch specialists and providers would be an invaluable aid in addressing the continuous challenges of running the city.
Royse also served as President of the Glasgow Barren County Chamber of Commerce and the President of Glasgow Rotary. “I have also been encouraged and influenced by the best. Mayor Luska Twyman was my 6th grade principal at Bunche School. Mayor Charles Honeycutt was my principal at Glasgow High School — These are two of the many role models that make me feel good about taking on this challenge. The heights we can take Glasgow to are exciting. It takes leadership, it takes cooperation, and it takes the desire to work for a common good. I humbly ask that you vote for me, Henry Royse, as Mayor of Glasgow.”
Royse is married to the former Terri Lou Doyel. They have two children, Wes and wife Dr. Elizabeth Combs Royse and their son Hank: and daughter, Cara Lu Royse.