ONLY ONLINE: Lynch looks back at time spent on Corbin Commission, hints at running for office in two years

When first approached about the idea of filling his father’s unexpired term on the Corbin City Commission in June, Rickie Lynch declined the offer.

He changed his mind, and eventually accepted at the urging of Corbin Mayor Willard McBurney.

After serving during his final meeting of the Commission Monday night, Lynch said he made the right call and that serving on the board has given him a valuable insight into city government that he would never have had otherwise.

"I’m glad I did it. I enjoy helping people, I really do," Lynch said following the meeting. "These guys do a lot of work and I have a tremendous amount of respect for them and the mayor and for the work my father was doing here."

Dennis Lynch, 78, was in the midst of serving his second two-year term on the Commission and had filed to seek a third when he died suddenly on June 14.

Rickie Lynch worked much of his life for his father in various business ventures. Dennis Lynch was part owner of Forest Hills Shopping Center and Commonwealth Plaza, another shopping center in south Corbin. He also owned the Advanced Auto Parts building in south Corbin and was one of the owners and developers of a new subdivision being built on Scuffletown road.
During his time on the Commission, Dennis Lynch was noteworthy for attention to details and for being an outspoken steward of taxpayer money. He would often questions city spending to make sure it was legitimate and necessary.

Rickie Lynch said he always admired his father, but tried to chart his own course during his brief stint on the five-member board.

"Basically, I just tried to use common sense. That’s really the only thing," Lynch said. "I’m glad I was a part of this. I’ve learned a lot."

Rickie Lynch points to the city’s 5,000-seat arena as a sign the city is moving forward, saying it has "a lot of potential."
He added he thinks the town has good leadership and is heading in the right direction.

"I think they’ve done a tremendous job. All you have to do is drive down Main Street and see what the city looks like now … how much it has improved," Lynch said. "I think we are heading for big things, I really do. It’s come a long way."

Though he passed on running for office this past election cycle, Lynch said many supporters have encouraged him to run for a seat on the Commission in two years.

"I told the Mayor I would run next term," Lynch said. "When it gets that time, I am going to look at it very seriously. A lot of people have asked me to do it."

At the conclusion of Monday’s meeting, McBurney praised Lynch for his service to the city.

"We appreciate everything you’ve done since your father passed away," McBurney said. "You really fulfilled the seat good and, again, thank you. You’ve done a good job."