Council District 4: Primary

Because more than two candidates have registered for Council District 4, there will be a primary election on May 21, 2024.

Candidates in the race are: Emma Curtis / Brack Marquette / Brenda Monarrez

Candidate Forum hosted by The League of Women Voters

Emma Curtis

Emma Curtis is running for Lexington’s Urban County Council for the first time. She is known for advocating against Senate Bill 150, the 2023 bill passed in the Kentucky State Legislature that regulated discussions on sexuality and pronoun use in the classroom, banned gender-affirming care for transgender minors, and more. Curtis unsuccessfully ran for the 93rd Kentucky House of Representatives seat in 2023.

Campaign Finances*:

*Note that the first filing deadline for campaign finances is April 23rd.

LexVote Questionnaire:

  • “I was born in Lexington and have spent my entire adult life here.

    I work as an independent filmmaker, an issue-based organizer, and an advocate focused on increasing civic engagement, voter registration, and fairness for all Lexingtonians.

    As a young, working class person, I know what it's like to watch my tax dollars go towards policies that make it harder for folks like me to thrive instead of investments in our community that benefit all of us.

    This city is my home. Its future is my future. I’m tired of the politics of anger and division putting that future at risk.

    That's why I'm running for Council.

    I believe that we can and must show up, lead with empathy and compassion, and commit ourselves to building a better, brighter, more sustainable future for the next generation.

    I love my neighbors and community in South Lexington. I will always choose people over politics, community over division, and tangible good over empty gestures as the next Councilmember for District 4.”

  • “The highest priority issue in our district is improving road safety and reducing traffic. District 4 spans from Nicholasville Road to Tates Creek Road - two of our busiest and most dangerous corridors.

    This issue is personal to me. Late last year, my friend Mia was killed when they were hit by a car while crossing Nicholasville Road at a crosswalk during a red light.

    On Council, I will work towards innovative solutions that incorporate modern technology and infrastructure to improve traffic flows and make our roads safe for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. We must expand upon the Complete Streets Action Plan, invest in infrastructure projects for pedestrian safety and community walkability, and improve access to public transportation.

    A primary purpose of the Urban Service Boundary is to permit new development within Lexington while safeguarding rural areas. As our population increases, this Boundary is continually challenged by the desire for development and the need for housing and public facilities.”

  • “If we are going to build a thriving and prosperous city for all, we need to make sure that we are actively promoting civic engagement and making our local government accessible to everyone.

    On Council, I will work to adjust our meeting schedule so that Council Work Sessions—where the most robust debates about proposed policy occur—take place in the evening when more people are able to attend in person or watch remotely via Lex TV.

    I am also fully intent on making myself the most accessible and transparent Councilmember in Lexington. It's why I give my personal cell phone number to the people I meet while canvassing in the 4th District.

    I believe that everyone deserves to have their voices heard and I promise to always show up and listen.”

Brack Marquette

Brack Marquette originally ran for Council District 4 in 2022. He is the retired Director of Governmental Affairs for Columbia Gas.He was the founding director of Friends of McConnell Springs, and has served on the LFUCG Parks Advisory Board, Industrial Revenue Bond Authority,  Board of Architectural Review, and Lexington Sister Cities Commission. Additionally, he has served as a director or board president of many local and statewide social services, mental health, education, economic development and environmental protection organizations.

Campaign Finances*:

*Note that the first filing deadline for campaign finances is April 23rd.

LexVote Questionnaire:

  • “1. Extensive prior executive leadership of a state government cabinet including management of budgets, legislation, personnel, policy, public information and more.

    2. Served on LFUCG Boards and Commissions.

    3. High work energy, innovative approaches, and ability to unite colleagues and move policy decisions forward.

    4. Full commitment to public service and advocacy for ALL citizens.”

  • “Funding and gaining budget allocations to

    1. Improve inner-neighborhood public transportation

    2. Fully staff our police force and end high vacancy rates and reduced service levels

    3. Eliminate the sewer smell and processing problems at the West Hickman Sewer plant

    4. Support code enforcement staffing”

  • “There cannot be too much access to voting, public input, transparency, equity, and fairness in government regardless of the level. I strongly support every fair, just and reasonable option available stemming from thorough citizen input, unbiased fact-finding, and the law. I always have been and will continue to be an uncompromising advocate for equity and human and civil rights. Those principles would guide my consideration of any proposal envisioned by the question above.”

Brenda Monarrez

Brenda Monarrez is the current District 4 Councilmember. She was originally elected in 2022. Councilmember Monarrez serves on the Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee and the Social Services and Public Safety Committee. She is also a member of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention Coalition, the Animal Care and Control Advisory Board, and the City Employees Pension Fund Board.

Campaign Finances*:

*Note that the first filing deadline for campaign finances is April 23rd.

LexVote Questionnaire:

  • “I am a dedicated, driven leader with varied job experiences that have provided me with a skill set that makes me an effective Councilmember. My long list of accomplishments in just the first year of my first term is a testament to my hard work. I work 10-12 hour days up to 7 days a week and this includes my work on City Council as well as the many hours I volunteer on a weekly basis. Among the titles I've held are: Business Owner, Director of Human Resources, Marketing Manager, Realtor, Business Development Officer (Housing), Operations Manager for a global corporation.”

  • “There are two issues equal in needing attention. Crime and traffic. Police officers must receive the support, tools, training, and compensation they need and deserve so they can remain safe as they protect our communities. I'm also committed to funding mental health services, youth services, affordable housing & so much more as these affect crime rates. With regards to traffic, there are too many drivers cutting through our neighborhoods at high speeds. I immediately started making a difference as soon as I took office. I have had edgelines put down, speed tables are imminent, added flashing stop signs, added additional signage, lowered speed limits and there is so much more already on the way to address these concerns for my constituents.”

  • “I am currently in office and seeking re-election. I have made myself accessible to my constituents and personally address the various issues no matter how big or small. My constituents see how bringing their concerns to my attention leads to actions to resolve those matters. This has increased the number of residents who engage with me because they realize that I truly listen because I care about the issues at hand. I am an intentional, effective and accessible Councilmember. Whether it's an email, phone call, or in person meeting, my constituents feel heard and this has lead to increased participation from my District.”