By Jeanne Houck
Post staff reporter

He's a former Covington mayor and served on the Kenton Fiscal Court.

He helped found the Carnegie Arts Center, is former president of the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments and a champion of poor people and historic building preservation.

His name is Bernie Moorman, and the Friends of Covington has selected him for its prestigious "Covington Award" for 2005.

Moorman's resume is impressive, but it won't be the only thing recognized when he is feted May 19 at the Drees Pavilion in Devou Park, said Chuck Eilerman, immediate past president of the Friends of Covington and co-chair, with Linda Carter, of its award committee.

"His contribution is more than just the positions that he's held," Eilerman said Monday.

"It's the way he's conducted himself. He's been a gentleman, a mentor, a friend and a real voice of reason in sometimes-difficult situations.

"I think he's just a very reasonable and temperate and thoughtful person. Very generous and compassionate."

When Moorman is presented with the 17th annual Covington Award, he will join a select group of previous honorees, including lawyer and civic leader William Robinson III, Bishop William Hughes, banker Mer Grayson and developer William Butler.

There was no need for an official nomination or vote to choose Moorman, said Jane Purdon, president of the Friends of Covington.

"It was a verbal nomination and the moment that name came out, there was pretty much widespread agreement that that was who it should be," Purdon said.

"We're seeking someone who has contributed to the betterment of life in the city of Covington, and of course in Bernie's case, he has devoted more than 30 years to public service, as well as working with civic organizations for many years.

"He has touched the lives of so many people in the city of Covington."

Moorman co-owns, and lives at, the Amos Shinkle Townhouse bed-and-breakfast on Garrard Street. He's a retired chemist with the U.S. Public Health Service.

Last fall, he lost his bid for re-election to the City Commission. But Moorman's political career has had more wins than losses -- and he's not ruled out a return to politics. He's been in elective office on and off since 1974, serving not only as Covington mayor, but a Covington commissioner, and Kenton County commissioner.

His widely varied civic involvements include serving on boards for the Parish Kitchen, Kenton County Library Foundation, St. Elizabeth Medical Center and National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The Covington Award program in May will be open to the public.

Publication Date: 02-22-2005