A lifelong resident of St. Matthews, Bowling attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and was an elementary school student on their campus. A graduate of St. Xavier High School with studies at the University of Louisville, Bowling spent his life working in the family business, Plehn’s Bakery, one of the earliest founding small businesses in the area.

Bernard F. Bowling, Jr.

A lifelong resident of St. Matthews, Bowling attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and was an elementary school student on their campus. A graduate of St. Xavier High School with studies at the University of Louisville, Bowling spent his life working in the family business, Plehn’s Bakery, one of the earliest founding small businesses in the area. Prior to being voted Mayor by city residents, Bowling served the city in the position of city councilman for 22 years.

Bernard Bowling Jr. is a lifelong resident of St. Matthews. He graduated from St. Xavier High School and studied at the University of Louisville. He attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and was an elementary school student on its campus.

Bernard F. Bowling, Jr. - City of St Matthews

Bernard Bowling Jr. worked in his family’s business, Plehn’s Bakery.

Bernard worked in his family’s business, Plehn’s Bakery.

Honorable Bernard Bowling Jr.
St. Matthews City Council Member
3940 Grandview Avenue
PO Box 7097
St. Matthews, KY 40207
502-895-9444

Board of Directors

Bernard F. Bowling, Jr. took office as Mayor on January 1, 2007 and served the City of St. Matthews in this capacity through December 31, 2014. Like his father before him, Mayor Bernard F. Bowling, Sr. (1958 – 1984), Bernard F. Bowling, Jr. made a lasting legacy on the St. Matthews community.

A graduate of St. Xavier High School, Bowling attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and was an elementary school student on their campus. A graduate of St. Xavier High School with studies at the University of Louisville, Bowling spent his life working in the family business, Plehn’s Bakery, one of the earliest founding small businesses in the area. Prior to being voted Mayor by city residents, Bowling served the city in the position of city councilman for 22 years.

Bernard currently serves as a St. Matthews City Council Member. He previously served as mayor of St. Matthews from 2007 through 2014. Before becoming mayor, he served as a city councilman for 22 years.

Board of Directors » KIPDA

2026 Kentucky General Election

Through his leadership, Bowling expanded the city’s park system by dedicating the corner of Westport Road and Chenoweth Lane, Holtzheimer Park, creating a pleasant place to pause and reflect on days gone by; advanced broad upgrades to Warwick and Community Parks in support of the baseball league and diverse recreational amenities while realizing the significance of protecting nature. Bernard Bowling’s forward thinking caused him to advance and advocate the importance of projects to remove non-native plants from city parks and the vital restoration of Beargrass Creek, preserving the beauty of nature for many future generations to enjoy.

As mayor, expanded the city park system and advanced upgrades to Warwick and Community Parks.

As mayor, advanced projects to remove non-native plants from city parks and restore Beargrass Creek.

- As mayor, expanded the city park system and advanced upgrades to Warwick and Community Parks.
- As mayor, advanced projects to remove non-native plants from city parks and restore Beargrass Creek.

Public Services

Mayor Bowling protected neighborhoods by reinforcing and expanding the railroad quiet zone and insuring that commercial development was supported, while not intruding on residential areas.

As mayor, reinforced and expanded the railroad quiet zone while supporting commercial development that did not intrude on residential areas.

- As mayor, reinforced and expanded the railroad quiet zone while supporting commercial development that did not intrude on residential areas.

Housing & Urban Development

During his mayoral term Bernard Bowling completed the city’s long range comprehensive drainage plan from the 1980’s which was created to protect residents from the devastating results of flooded land and homes. He initiated sidewalk projects in neighborhoods and busy thoroughfares, such as Shelbyville Road, so that everyone in the community had a safe place to walk.

As mayor, completed the city’s long-range drainage plan to protect residents from flooding.

As mayor, initiated sidewalk projects in neighborhoods and along busy thoroughfares, including Shelbyville Road.

- As mayor, completed the city’s long-range drainage plan to protect residents from flooding.
- As mayor, initiated sidewalk projects in neighborhoods and along busy thoroughfares, including Shelbyville Road.

Transportation & Infrastructure

As mayor, Bowling expanded the city’s population by welcoming the Springwood Lane residents who petitioned to join St. Matthews. He supported the extremely successful Prescription Drug Disposal program, the first depository in east Jefferson County.

Committed to making St. Matthews city services the best in the county, Mayor Bowling advanced the city’s police department and public works with skilled personnel and up to date equipment. Bowling’s strategy proved fruitful as the police department, officers, and works personnel received numerous honors and recognitions locally, statewide and nationally.

As mayor, supported a prescription-drug disposal program serving east Jefferson County.

As mayor, strengthened the city police department with skilled personnel and up-to-date equipment.

- As mayor, supported a prescription-drug disposal program serving east Jefferson County.
- As mayor, strengthened the city police department with skilled personnel and up-to-date equipment.

Public Safety

As of September 15, 2026, Bernard Bowling JR did not have a website or any information online.

Education

Economy

Bernard Bowling JR

As of September 15, 2026, Bernard Bowling JR’s website did not contain information on this issue.

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- City council members make up the legislative body of the city's government and are responsible for the public's health, safety, and welfare. Its legislative duties include enacting ordinances, levying taxes, and adopting a budget. 
- The city council has the authority to investigate all activities of the city government and its employees. 
- City councils in Kentucky typically have between 6 and 12 council members. They serve two-year terms except in Louisville and Lexington where some members serve four-year terms. 
- Council members can be elected to represent a single district or the city at-large. Elections take place in even-numbered years. 

Passes laws and regulations for your city.