LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The La Grange City Council appointed Joe Davenport as the city’s next mayor Thursday night, following the death of longtime Mayor John Black earlier this week.
The decision came after more than 90 minutes of discussion and at least six split votes during a special meeting.
La Grange Mayor John Black
Davenport is familiar with La Grange city government, having served the community for three decades. He first joined the city council in 1995, later serving as mayor from 2015 to 2019 before returning to the council.
"I'll try to not get emotional. I think John Black would be pleased. Me and Mayor Black was friends even before I decided to run for city council, we became close friends," Davenport said. "And so I'm very pleased that the city council trusted me to put me back in as interim mayor, you know, so I think he would be very pleased too."
The appointment came hours after the community gathered to honor Black, whose unexpected death was felt throughout Oldham County.
Black’s funeral was held Thursday afternoon at Southeast Christian Church in La Grange. He died Monday from an apparent heart attack at the age of 74.
Black spent years in public service, serving as Oldham County judge/executive before being elected mayor of La Grange. He was also seeking to return to the judge/executive’s office in this year’s election.
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