For almost a half-century someone with the last name of Blevins has served in Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government. That changes Wednesday when Susan Lamb becomes the Fayette County Clerk. Don Blevins announced his retirement in December, less than a month after winning a fourth term. Blevins said his decision came following a confluence of a number of factors including some changes in his personal life last year.
“That happened after the filing deadline for the record that were actually a positive in my life, but it’s changed some of my life’s decisions. Forced me to take a look at my life’s decisions. I was planning on maybe retiring at the end of 2023 anyway. So a lot of things came together all at once and directed that January would be the right time to do it.”
Blevins said he’s always been interested in giving back to his community. The outgoing county clerk noted he’s extremely proud of his staff. In addition to himself, Blevins' father Don served as a city council member and county clerk and his uncle Barkley served on the Council.
Asked about a favorite memory, Blevins points to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage. He said a couple came for a marriage license that day and his office had to scurry to get everything in place.
“But I’ll never forget the look on everybody’s faces. There were tears from a lot of employees and onlookers. The whole day we had eight maybe couples come in. Lots of happiness and joy. I’ll never forget that. I’m pretty sure that I issued the first same-sex marriage license in this state,” said Blevins.
Blevins said the most difficult year in the county clerk’s office was 2020 with coronavirus and election-denier issues. Former Lexington Council Member Susan Lamb takes over the county clerk reins Wednesday.
Listen to a conversation between WEKU's Stu Johnson and Don Blevins:
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