Kentucky voter guide: Meet the 6 Metro Council candidates
It's special election season for the Louisville Metro Council.
Normally, there would be no Metro Council races on this year's ballot, but a series of events — including two council members joining Mayor Craig Greenberg's administration and another becoming a state senator — means there are three seats up for grabs Nov. 7.
The Courier Journal reached out to all six candidates. Here are some of the ideas they have and what motivated them to run for the seat.
Kentucky voter guides: Here's who's running in all of the races
Note: Responses to the short answer questions were copied exactly as they were when they were sent via email to The Courier Journal, besides one that was lightly edited for brevity.
DISTRICT 3
This district includes Shively, parts of Taylor Berry and other West End neighborhoods. It is currently represented by Councilman Kumar Rashad, who was appointed to fill the seat after Keisha Dorsey left Metro Council to become Greenberg's deputy chief of staff.
Rashad is not on the ballot, though. The Louisville Democratic Party nominating committee selected the candidate on the ballot this November. After some confusion and a vote count flub by the committee, Shameka Parrish-Wright, who also ran for mayor in 2022, secured the Democratic nomination. She is running against Gibran Crook, an independent.
Gibran Crook
Independent
Age: 36
Location: District 3, close to Algonquin.
Current job: Trimen Solutions
Previous elected offices: N/A
Education: Western Kentucky University, coursework
Campaign contact information: Facebook page: Gibran Crook; X (Twitter): Gibran_Crook
Why are you running for the District 3 Metro Council seat?
The people of District 3 deserve a Metro councilman that grow up in the district. Who cares about the community's interests over their own interests. Our job is to make the community better for the future.
If elected, what would you do to improve your district?
Fix every park in the community, get more street lights, speed bumps, help the elderly more, have kids, parents, and community center involvement with district. Also to bring a new grocery store to the district.
The Algonquin Pool borders District 3, even though it is technically located in District 1. How will you address the lack of access to an indoor swimming facility?
I would work with Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins to address a way to get more passes to Kentucky Kingdom for kids to be able to swim for the summer. Also work with Councilwoman Hawkins to find the nearest pool available and find a way for kids to be able to have access to and from the nearest pool available.
Shameka Parrish-Wright
Democrat
Age: 46
Location: District 3, close to Shively.
Current job: Executive director of VOCAL-KY
Previous elected offices: N/A
Education: University of Louisville, Bachelor of Human Services
Campaign contact information: Shamekaforlouisville.com; IG: Shameka4CouncilDistrict3, X (Twitter): shameka4metro3; Facebook: Shameka Parrish-Wright, Candidate for Louisville Metro Council; email: slpw@shamekaforlouisville.com; mailing address: P.O. Box 16208 Louisville, KY 40256
Why are you running for the District 3 Metro Council seat?
Because I love our community. I solve problems by following the money and I can do that on a bigger level on the Metro council . I bring to the council my extensive knowledge of and experience with the many communities and needs in Jefferson County.
If elected, what would you do to improve your district?
In Metro Council, I plan to sponsor and vote for ordinances that expand access to the resources we all need. I will have a community advisory board and a satellite office in the district to make sure I continue listening to residents and write policy my constituents will benefit from. For example, zoning to allow for additional affordable and multi-family housing, or improved air quality.
The Algonquin Pool borders District 3, even though it is technically located in District 1. How will you address the lack of access to an indoor swimming facility?
I have long said our community needs more free spaces for residents to spend leisure time. A public swimming pool is a great place for people of all ages to spend time and exercise. I will work with the City of Shively and Metro Council to investigate the feasibility of opening and operating a public indoor swimming facility within the borders of District 3.
DISTRICT 6
After former Metro Council President David James became one of Greenberg's deputy mayors, JCPS Family Resource Coordinator Phillip Baker was appointed as the councilman for District 6, which includes Old Louisville, the University of Louisville and parts of downtown.
He is up against Republican Judy Martin Stallard, who ran for the Kentucky House of Representatives District 42 seat in 2022 but was overwhelmingly defeated by Democrat Keturrah Herron.
Phillip Baker
Democrat
Age: 38
Location: District 6, in Old Louisville
Current job: Family Resource Center coordinator at Coleridge-Taylor Elementary
Previous elected office: Metro Councilman for District 6
Education: Tennessee State University, bachelor of science in communications
Campaign contact information: Website: www.BakerForLouisville.com, Facebook: Phillip Baker, email: Phillip@BakerForLouisville.com.
Why are you running for the District 6 Metro Council seat?
I am running for Metro Council because I believe in bridging the gap between our communities and local government, as well as nurturing partnerships for the betterment of our district. From Parkhill to Shelby Park, every resident deserves a voice in shaping the future of District 6.
I seek the honor to continue serving this community, working to bring about positive change.
If elected, what would you do to improve your district?
As Councilman for District 6, I am committed to making our community a safer, more vibrant, inclusive place for all. Here are some of the initiatives I am taking to improve District 6.
1. Enhancing Public Safety
2. Supporting Seniors
3. Empowering Youth
4. Community Engagement
5. Infrastructure and Neighborhood Improvement
Together, we can build a safer, more inclusive, thriving community that benefits all ages.
People in your district have expressed concerns about the homeless population. What is your view on this issue and how do you plan to address it?
Addressing homelessness isn't just a duty; it's an opportunity to build a future where everyone has a place to call home. We’ll make that promise a reality through action.
As Councilman, I collaborate with programs like Goodwill's Another Way. This program focuses on canvassing highly frequented areas, often associated with panhandling, to provide individuals with paid work opportunities to help clean and enhance our neighborhoods.
Judy Martin Stallard
Republican
Age: 75
Location: District 6, in Old Louisville
Current job: Retired. Previously worked at O'Neal Steel for 33 years as a product specialist. She was also an administrator for four years at Walnut Street Baptist Church.
Other elected offices: None.
Education: Birmingham Southern College, bachelor of science in business administration with an emphasis on management and marketing.
Why are you running for the District 6 Metro Council seat?
I am running because I feel I can make a difference. I have a servant's heart and want to help others by making sure my district is safe.
What would you do to improve your district?
No response.
People in your district have expressed concerns about the homeless population. What is your view on this issue and how do you plan to address it?
As to the homeless problem, I want to start with getting jobs for the families who have had financial reversals. We need to renovate boarded up houses and buildings for them to live in.
DISTRICT 8
After Cassie Chambers Armstrong won the state Senate seat Morgan McGarvey held before joining Congress, Ben Reno-Weber was appointed to fill her place on the council
This seat represents the Highlands, Tyler Park, Bonnycastle, Seneca Gardens and Strathmoor Village. Reno-Weber is up against Republican Phil Haming, a sales engineer.
Phil Haming
Republican
Age: 56
Location: District 8, close to Belknap
Current job: A sales engineer at NC Machine Tool Sales
Education: Hannibal LaGrange University, bachelor of science
Why are you running for the District 8 Metro Council seat?
I am running to improve safety and increase the quality of life and district 8
If elected, what would you do to improve your district?
If elected, I will focus on 4 specific infrastructure solutions that will improve connectivity and safety in District 8. These include: removing the bump outs on lower Bardstown Rd., a turning lane from Travillion Way west onto Newburg Rd. north, connecting Newburg Rd. to Poplar Level via Nightengale, and a pedestrian/bicycle bridge at Bon Air Ave. over the Waterson Expressway.
Your district includes Bardstown Road. What is your stance on the proposed idea of moving up times for last-call alcohol sales at bars?
Unless the bar has a history of causing problems, I would allow them to stay open until 4 AM. These establishments are very important to late night restaurant and bar workers themselves that want to go somewhere when they get off of a late shift.
Ben Reno-Weber
Democrat
Age: 43
Location: District 8, close to Belknap
Current job: Acting director, University of Louisville Health Equity Innovation Hub
Previous elected offices: Current District 8 councilman
Education: George Washington University, bachelor's in international political economy; Harvard Kennedy School of Government, master's in public administration; Harvard Business School, master's in business administration.
Campaign contact information: www.benforlou.com, www.facebook.com/benforlou/, www.instagram.com/benforlou8/, X (Twitter): @benforlou8
Why are you running for the District 8 Metro Council seat?
Our community’s issues are best understood by the people closest to the problems, including community members, businesspeople, nonprofit leaders, or government employees. I believe that collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship should be at the heart of how we address them. I’m running because with a new Mayor and ten new Metro Council people, I want to be a part of bringing that to government.
If elected, what would you do to improve your district?
My focus since taking office has been on public safety, homelessness, housing, and infrastructure.
My approach has been to bring together LMPD, ABC, MetroSafe and both government and non-profit organizations focused on mental and behavioral health.
By providing better services for people in crisis, we can both reduce the burden on police and make a better district and city together.
Your district includes Bardstown Road. What is your stance on the proposed idea of moving up times for last-call alcohol sales at bars?
We need to keep our focus on two separate things: noise and violence. In terms of noise, we are having a really good dialogue about protecting both a vibrant music scene and our neighbors’ sleep.
In terms of violence, we launched a very successful "Entertainment District Patrol" we hope to replicate, partnered with ABC, and are making investments upstream to get at root causes.
Reach reporter Eleanor McCrary at EMcCrary@courier-journal.com or on Twitter at @ellie_mccrary.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 2023 Louisville Metro Council special election in Districts 3, 6 and 8
