William F. Paxton III, better known to his friends as Bill, is a conservative politician who served as Mayor of Paducah, KY from 2000 to 2012.

Before his tenure as the Mayor of Paducah, Paxton served a portion of an elected term from 1998 as a City Commissioner.

Paxton's current reign as Mayor has seen the critically acclaimed[citation needed] Artist Relocation Program and Lowertown Arts District grow to success[citation needed] as well as continued work with the nearby Uranium Enrichment Plant.

Though successful, his 2008 win was by the narrow margin of 48 votes while running against longtime-City Commissioner Robert Coleman.

[1] A mayor may only serve three terms in Paducah and as such, he may no longer run for the office after 2008.