By Alan Lytle
Lexington, KY – Former Lexington Mayor Teresa Isaac has endorsed Vice Mayor Jim Gray over incumbent, Jim Newberry in the upcoming mayor's race. At a press conference on Tuesday Isaac laid out some of the reasons why she's siding with Gray over Newberry.
"I believe he is a true leader. I've known Jim Gray since 1989. In the years since we met I've seen these qualities in him. Jim Gray is accessible. Jim Gray is respects those who work with him. Jim Gray values diversity. Jim Gray inspires his employees and Jim Gray is a thorough planner...so I am here today to give Jim Gray my enthusiastic support. We will walk neighborhoods together, attend neighborhood meetings, and soon we'll be coming to your neighborhood. I encourage all of you to vote for Jim Gray for mayor."
For Gray receiving the nod from the former mayor represents a trip down memory lane.
"You know this does take me back about eight years ago, Teresa, when I made a little endorsement eight years ago. I said among the other traits which I will express again and share again. I said Teresa Isaac is wicked smart and she has proved it again. Thank you, thank you, thank you...This campaign has momentum."
Isaac cited Gray's strong support among Urban County Government and Corrections employees, and his long-standing opposition to the Kentucky American Water pipeline and treatment plant as the chief reasons why she decided to endorse his candidacy over Mayor Newberry.
Isaac finished a distant third in the May primary and speculation held that both the Gray and Newberry camps would work to secure the former mayor's endorsement.
Meanwhile, Mayor Newberry says his only surprise regarding Isaac's endorsement of his opponent is it didn't come earlier. Newberry says some of Gray's supporters want to turn the clock back at city hall.
"We made a lot of changes and when you make changes to improve the place, you have a lot of the old guard that you have to try to overcome so they're united and it will be a big challenge for us down the stretch, but I think the citizens can see through what's going on," said Newberry.
Newberry doesn't expect the endorsement by Issac to play a significant role in the outcome of the November second election.