Editor’s note: This story was originally published in Volume 100 Issue 1 of the College Heights Herald print newsmagazine on October 9.
Alcott shakes hands with Congolese Community Advisor Faustin Kaganda after a meeting with Congolese community leaders in his City Hall office on Sept. 23, 2024. Community leaders discussed the Congolese community’s concerns with Alcott and asked for the city’s aid. “I think we can learn from each other,” Alcott said to the group. “We’re proud that you are apart of our community.” (Dominic Di Palermo)Alcott wears a WKU class ring on his right hand. He is a third generation Hilltopper and graduated in 1995 with a degree in hotel and restaurant management and a minor in business and military science. (Dominic Di Palermo)Alcott wears a hat signifying his service in the Air Force before his time as Mayor. “Growing up hearing my dad’s stories as a Naval officer always resonated with me,” Alcott said. “While attending WKU, I was inspired by the Air Force Thunderbirds’ visit to Bowling Green, which ultimately launched my 21-year career as an Air Force officer.” (Dominic Di Palermo)Alcott discusses his accomplishments as mayor and his plans for his next term if he is reelected during a campaign fundraising event on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Dominic Di Palermo)Bowling Green resident Curt Simpson surprises Alcott with a hug after jokingly refusing to shake Alcott’s hand while canvassing on Sept. 20, 2024. “The most challenging aspect [of campaigning] has also been the most rewarding: knocking on doors,” Alcott said. “In today’s world, people aren’t too keen on opening their doors to strangers unless you’re an Amazon delivery person. Thousands of knocks take a lot of time and energy, but when you’re in someone’s personal space, incredible growth happens. It has helped me understand what people value in their local leaders and community, and I believe it is helping me to become a more engaged leader.” (Dominic Di Palermo)Dominic Di PalermoAlcott figures out which houses contain registered voters before he canvassed on Friday, Sept. 20, 2023. (Dominic Di Palermo)Alcott speaks to Kelley Paul after her husband Sen. Rand Paul endorsed Alcott as a Mayoral candidate for Bowling Green on Sept. 13, 2024. (Dominic Di Palermo)Alcott’s father Greg Alcott, left, opens Alcott’s campaign fundraising event with a prayer on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2024. “Our purpose on this earth is to learn and serve one another, which I trust as God’s design for us all,” Alcott said.” Becoming Bowling Green’s mayor wasn’t part of my original plan, but a journey of trusting God and recognizing that His plans are far better than our own.” (Dominic Di Palermo)
