What is a city commissioner?

• Newport city commissioners and its mayor are the elected leaders of our local government.

• Four commissioners are elected at-large every two years and the mayor is elected at-large every four years.

• The commissioners and the mayor make up the Board of Commissioners.

 

What are the duties of a city commissioner?

• The Board of Commissioners appoint a City Manager, who acts as the chief executive officer of Newport and runs its day-to-day operational affairs.

• Regularly meets in public business meetings with other members of the Board of Commissioners and the City Manager and their team.

• Approves legislation and city ordinances.

• Approves the city budget and sets tax rates.

• Provides leadership in the City’s strategic planning and development processes.

• Supports public safety operations by police and fire departments in the City.

• Supports plans for the community’s infrastructure and quality of life.

• Supports and encourages economic development in the City.

• Supports and participates in the City’s community events.

• Responds to Newport constituents’ questions and concerns.  

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• How can I make sure I am registered to vote

You can check your voter registration status, register to vote, and find key polling information at the Kentucky Voter Information Portal.​

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• My favorite places in Newport:

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• St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

• La Mexicana Restaurant and Grocery

• Purple People Bridge

• 927 Reserve

• Atlas Cleaners

• Crazy Fox Saloon

• Baker’s Table Restaurant

• East Row neighborhood

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• My favorite Newport memory to date:

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My husband John, and my first visit to York Street Café in Newport was in February 2003. We had just moved from Texas and our movers had finished unloading our things. We didn’t know anyone but wanted to go out for dinner. We brought along our two dogs in the car so they would not be afraid in the house without us. I remember where we sat at York Street Café, how cozy it was on the dark winter night,  and what we had to eat (spanakopita and salad). York Street Café is still one of my favorite Newport restaurants!

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• Favorite memory since being elected:

 I have enjoyed talking with neighbors about their love for Newport, recognition that we can make it better, and willingness to help do this.

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• What does success mean to me?

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I love learning about the past and how people and events help us understand our lives today. I honor and love “my people” who are long gone or  are here today – my ancestors, and Newport residents – because all their lives influence who we are.

Continued success means that I keep learning from people who have gone before us, decisions that have been considered and made, and then listen to and advocate for those living in my city, Newport, Kentucky.

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• A meaningful quote.

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“Do the best you can until you know better.

Then when you know better, do better.”

- Maya Angelou

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• About Julie:

        I graduated from Brookfield Central High School in Brookfield, a Milwaukee, Wisconsin suburb. But “the rest of my story” requires explanation of details, detours, and the ups and downs of my life. Summarizing that goes like this: it was not until years later, as a single mother and older than average student, that I earned a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy and a Doctorate in Plant Genetics from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. I married John Morrow in 1995.  I am the mother of three sons — two live in Austin, Texas, and the third is in Greenville, South Carolina. And I’m a cat mother of three. 

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        I wasn’t born in Newport, but I got here as fast as I could! Twenty-one years ago, John and I decided to leave Lubbock and the Texas panhandle and move cross-country to Newport.  We drove away, with three cats and two dogs in early 2003, leaving Lubbock in our rear-view mirror. We were full of hope for our future in Newport. I was thrilled that we could walk across the street to Pompilios and a few blocks more to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Newport folks were so friendly, and we met many new friends. I fell in love with our new hometown. I appreciate the opportunity to work for you and help Newport grow and thrive.