LOUISVILLE, Ky. — History was made Friday afternoon when the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council was sworn into office. The group is Lexington’s most diverse yet.
Apparently, diversity is a word that the new Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council takes pride in. Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton certainly does. “Just look at this council. Voters set a clear message by electing the most diverse urban county council in the history of our community,” Gorton said, speaking at the inauguration.
The event also marks Gorton’s second term after being re-elected in Nov. 2022 as well as the inauguration of the Urban County Council.
Council members include Vice Mayor Dan Wu, James Brown (At-Large), Chuck Ellinger II (At-Large), Tayna Fogle (1st District) and Shayla Lynch (2nd District). Also on the list is Hannah LeGris (3rd District), Brenda Monarrez (4th District), Liz Sheehan (5th District) and Denise Gray (6th District). Rounding out the group is Preston Worley (7th District), Fred Brown (8th District), Whitney Baxter (9th District), David Sevigny (10th District), Jennifer Reynolds (11th District) and Kathy Plomin (12th District).
“For the first time we have 6 people of color on council, 3 African American women, 1 African American man, and our first latina council member,” Dan Wu, Lexington Vice Mayor said. “Not to mention a record 9 women, along with members of our LGBTQ community.”
Vice mayor, Dan Wu included, who will serve as the city’s first Asian American vice mayor.
“Not too long ago he did the most courageous act to date, he decided to run for public office and I can’t say I was surprised but it’s not every day that you see someone who looks like us put their hate in the political ring,” Toa Green, owner of Crank & Boom said. “In his historic campaign he has helped so many marginalized groups feel seen and by doing so he has made all of us feel seen.”
Just two weeks ago, Wu and his family celebrated their 40th anniversary of being in America. “We, all of us on council, represent different parts of our city, geographically, demographically, and socially,” Wu said. “I have hope that this diversity will make us strong, creative, and compassionate enough to represent you, the people of Lexington.”
Mayor Linda Gorton stressed that the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council will continue to focus on public safety, disrupt domestic violence, improve mental health and continue to protect Lexington’s working farms plus grow their economy.
“It’s a continuous focus on serving people, that’s what it’s all about,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “In 16 years on the council and in my first 4 years as mayor, I have given it my best every day for a city as special as Lexington. Nothing else will do.”