John Stovall, president of JCPS bus driver union, files to run for state office

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The president of the union representing Jefferson County Public Schools bus drivers is running for state office.

John Stovall, who represents hundreds of JCPS employees as the president of Teamsters Local 783, filed Tuesday to join the Kentucky House of Representatives.

"If you don’t like where politics are going, get involved in it," Stovall said. "So I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t do it."

He's running as a Democrat to represent Kentucky House District 37 — which includes part of south Jefferson County and a portion of Bullitt County.

Stovall, who was elected president of the JCPS bus union in 2014, also worked for the Jefferson County Board of Education for nearly 30 years. He said he's running to be a voice for middle class Kentuckians in Frankfort.

"I've spent decades looking out for Kentuckians who get up every day and work hard to provide for their families and give their kids a better life," Stovall said in a news release Tuesday. "It is clear to me that now more than ever we need more leaders in Frankfort who will fight like hell for working people."

Stovall has spent 25 years, nearly 10 as president, with Teamsters Local 783. Stovall said he's helped negotiate 38 contracts as president, and said in Frankfort he will stand up against bullies but also work across the aisle.

"The right thing to do as politicians, and I'm not a politician, is to make sure you're representing the people in your district," Stovall said.

When asked if Frankfort's treatment toward JCPS following the beginning of the year's bus debacle played a role in his decision to run, Stovall said, "a little bit."

Following the first day of school, several Republican leaders in Jefferson County said they would consider splitting up JCPS.

"I thought it was wrong and threatening the school district, threatening to break it up and do this and do all the stuff from what Frankfort was wanting to do, certain politics, I thought it was wrong," Stovall said.

The state House District 37 seat is currently held by Republican Rep. Emily Callaway.

When asked about Stovall's campaign announcement, Callaway responded she is excited to continue her work this session, which includes a bill to address bus driver safety and the Safer Kentucky Act.

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