By CHRIS HARRIS, CJ Staff Writer
Chris Girdler has been a highly-visible presence in Pulaski County politics due to his position in U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers’ office, but every term must come to an end at some point.
Girdler, field representative for the Fifth District Congressman, informed the Commonwealth Journal on Friday that he would be stepping down from that job effective April 15.
“After a lot of thought, prayer and discussion, I have made the difficult decision to leave Congressman Rogers’ office to pursue other interests,” said Girdler. “While this decision was not easy and something that I struggled with for quite some time, I am excited about what the future holds.”
Girdler said that he would begin a career as a full-time realtor, as well as working to expand his investment and real estate business.
“In addition, my love for this region and desire to continue making a positive difference throughout the Commonwealth has motivated me to stay involved in our community by pursuing a future political endeavor,” he added.
What endeavor that might be wasn’t specified. Whatever the case, Girdler’s will be a familiar face in political circles.
Girdler joined Rogers’ office three years ago. In his position as a field representative, Girdler met with elected officials, community leaders, and constituents, working to keep a connection between the Congressman and those on the grassroots level.
“I looked forward to going to work every day,” said Girdler, “work that included traveling a part of Kentucky that I so dearly love — southern and eastern Kentucky. However, the biggest thrill ... was helping those who live in the region and having the opportunity to learn from the best — Congressman Hal Rogers.”
Said Rogers himself, "Chris has been a real asset to my team and he will be missed. I have no doubt he will accomplish great things now and in the future."
Girdler is a 1998 graduate of Southwestern High School and a 2002 graduate from Eastern Kentucky University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration. Prior to his time with the Congressman, Girdler was a vice president with Sharpe Houseboat. He’s also known for his involvement in various community activities, including serving as president of the Pulaski County Lincoln Club and vice president of the Pulaski County Educational Consortium, various bank advisory boards, and membership with First Baptist Church of Somerset.
Girdler said that he’s still serving his third term as president of the Lincoln Club and plans on continuing his service to the organization for Republicans.
“The club was founded in 1977 by a group of Pulaski County citizens whose goal was to bring a business sense to politics,” he said “The founding and current members share a commitment to the principles of limited government, free enterprise, the rule of law, and the preservation of individual liberty. I look forward to being associated with the organization for many years to come.”
Girdler thanked the individuals he worked with on the “Rogers Team,” and those he met in his associates with organizations and projects such as PRIDE, Operation UNITE, SKED, and The Center for Rural Development, saying he’s made “lifelong friends.” Unsurprisingly, however, Girdler saved his greatest kudos for Rogers himself.
“Working for Congressman Rogers has been the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Girdler. “I cannot point at a specific point in time where I said to myself, ‘I am going to start looking at other opportunities,’ but I'm always thinking about the future and how I can continue to make a positive impact on my community.”
