Former Lexington Mayor Foster Pettit will be laid to rest Saturday. The 84 year old died a week ago from an infection he acquired following a boating accident in Louisiana in mid-October.
Pettit was the first Lexington mayor to lead an urban county style of government in the 1970's. Long time Fayette County Clerk Don Blevins says problems with the planning commission prompted calls for change. "There was a scandal as to them doing improper things and the county was challenged for money in a large way and so the two governments were just floundering a little bit," said Blevins.
Blevins served on the first urban county council with Foster Pettit as mayor. "I always found Foster to be a very gentlemanly man, very knowledgeable. So, I think his demeanor was helpful. He was not a do it my way or the highway kind of guy. He was willing to listen," added Blevins.
Blevins went on to become county clerk and serve in that capacity for 27 years. He believes there are similar efficiencies to be realized in other Kentucky counties today.
The funeral service for Foster Pettit is scheduled Saturday at 2:30 at Lexington's First Presbyterian Church.
