Interview with Paul T. Smith, March 7, 2002

Interview Summary

In this second of two-part interview, former mayor of Burkesville, Kentucky, General Paul T. Smith, describes his retirement from the U.S. Army and his election as mayor of his hometown. He remembers what the culture of Burkesville was like during his childhood and how it had changed by the 1980s. Smith discusses the challenges involved in governing Burkesville and explains his approach to leadership. He describes how he restructured the city's government and put its finances in order. Smith discusses many of his accomplishments as mayor, including improvements to the city's roads, housing, utilities, police force and recreational facilities. He talks about his membership in various state and local committees and organizations that dealt with issues of local government, economic development and veterans' issues, to name a few.

Interview Keyword

Policy-making

Interview LC Subject

Community development Kentucky League of Cities Kentucky--Politics and government. Municipal government--Kentucky Policy sciences Smith, Paul T., 1923-2008 Smith, Paul T., 1923-2008--Interviews

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.