Councilwoman Marianne Butler Not To Seek Re-Election

Photo: Louisville Metro Council

Following the end of her third term this December and after careful deliberation, Councilwoman Marianne Butler (D-15) has decided not to seek re-election to the Louisville Metro Council.

“I am honored to have served the residents of District 15 and Metro Louisville for the past eleven plus years. I have taken my responsibility seriously and worked tirelessly to help make this community stronger, more resilient and provide opportunity for growth to its residents, non-profits and businesses,” Butler said. “I thoroughly enjoy helping people – some even say that public service is in my DNA. This decision was not made lightly and my hope is for the people to elect someone who will carry their torch as enthusiastically as I have.”

Butler learned public service from her father, Denver Butler who was a former Alderman and State Representative.  She began her public service career as Administrative Assistant to then-Jefferson County Commissioner Darryl T. Owens.

During her tenure on Metro Council, Butler has chaired the committees on Budget, Labor and Economic Development, and Contracts. She has been active with the National League of Cities (NLC) and, and for several years, served on its Federal Advisory Committee for Community and Economic Development.

Notable ordinances Councilwoman Butler sponsored include:

• Updating the code allowing Metro Louisville to impound a vehicle used in the act of illegal dumping and to prosecute those responsible with photographic evidence.
• Created a new section of code developing Rental Registry for rental properties. This free registry requires a contact name and phone number for the property as well as a physical address for the owner no longer allowing owners to hide behind a LLC name and a PO Box.
• Required posting an application for a liquor license on the property where liquor is to be sold or served. This ordinance allowed neighbors to be aware of the license request and actively take part in the process.

Notable community/neighborhood initiatives Councilwoman Butler spearheaded:

• Completed three corridor studies, two neighborhood plans and one park master plan
• Lead the effort for the redevelopment of the Old Jacob School into 68 senior apartments – a $12 million project
• Began free movie nights at Iroquois Amphitheater
• First to offer curbside pickup of debris after the 2009 rain deluge left nearly 75% of District 15 under water
• Helped Saints Mary & Elizabeth Hospital obtain a grant to expand their Emergency Department
• Helped Saints Mary & Elizabeth Hospital obtain a grant to build a mechanical building
• Held Narcan training classes, offering not only instructions on how to administer it, but educating family members on the signs of drug use and offering pamphlets with resources
• Led the charge for funding the Healing Place capital program to increase the number of open beds for detox
• Installed splash pads at Wyandotte and Huston Quin parks
• Redevelopment of the Northern Overlook at Iroquois Park

“While we have accomplished much, there is much yet to accomplish,” Butler added. “Whether I am a member of the Metro Council or a resident of District 15 – I want what is best for our community so our future residents and children can reach their full potential.”