Mayor's Office

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Lisa Burdett

phone (502) 348-5947 ext. 2239

Mayor's Office

Mayor J. Richard Heaton

Mayor Heaton is always interested in hearing the citizens of Bardstown's concerns and comments. If you have questions for the office of the mayor or would like to make an appointment, please contact Assistant City Clerk Lisa Burdett at (502) 348-5947 ext. 2239 or lburdett@bardstownconnect.com

Mayor's Biography
J. Richard “Dick” Heaton is a lifelong resident of Bardstown, Kentucky.  Dick attended Centre College in Danville Kentucky, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Management in 1976. After
graduating, Dick started in the family business of Conway Heaton Inc. in Bardstown. Conway Heaton is a Ford dealership that was founded by his grandfather, J. F. Conway in 1919. Dick became a third-generation owner and dealer principle in 1982. The dealership celebrated its 100 year anniversary in 2019 and is the oldest Ford dealership in Kentucky. 

In 1999, Dick was elected to the Bardstown City Council and served three terms through 2006. In November 2006, he was elected Mayor of Bardstown and assumed office in January 2007.  Mayor Heaton is the third generation of his family to serve as Mayor of Bardstown, following his grandfather James F. Conway who served from 1936-1945, and his uncle Gus Wilson who served from 1966-1990.  Dick retired from office in 2010 due to health reasons. He returned to the political arena six years later, winning a seat on the City Council in November 2016. Dick was later appointed Mayor of Bardstown on April 18, 2017 to fill the unexpired term of then Mayor John Royalty. Mayor Heaton was elected to another full 4-year term in November 2018.

Dick and his wife, Alice, have been married for 38 years. They have two sons, Jonathan (Lena) and Nicholas (Emily).