Longest Serving Kentucky Mayor and WWII Veteran Signs on to End Veteran Homelessness

HUD Kentucky Field Office Director Christopher Taylor and Mayor Charles Long of Booneville.

Following HUD Kentucky Field Office Director Christopher Taylor's presentation at the Kentucky River Area Development District meeting, Mayor Charles Long of Booneville accepted the Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness. What makes this so exceptional is that Mayor Long has served as a mayor in Kentucky for the longest term - 56 years - according to the Kentucky League of Cities. He is so popular that he has never been contested in his run for mayor.

When he took office as mayor of the Owsley County seat in 1959, Dwight D. Eisenhower was President of the United States.

A World War II veteran himself, Mayor Long understands the importance of taking care of our veterans who have fallen on hard times and is committed to the current President's Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness.

"The key to politics is to be honest, be friendly and never meet a stranger," said Mayor Long.

Christopher Taylor can attest to that as they became fast friends upon meeting. "I feel honored to have met Mayor Long," said Mr. Taylor. "He is an admirable leader who is committed to his town and the people he serves. He was quick to join the Challenge and do anything to help homeless veterans in the area."

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