LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Some of Louisville's oldest neighborhoods are getting ready to pick their next Metro Councilmember.

Phillip Baker (D-6) currently represents neighborhoods including Old Louisville, Park Hill and Shelby Park. Old Louisville is home to some of the city's oldest and most picture-perfect Victorian houses. But many neighbors are concerned about those who don't have a roof over their heads.

"That is the number one because the neighbors sometimes do not feel safe because of the homeless problem," said Judy Stallard, a Republican candidate for District 6.

Stallard is challenging Baker, a Democrat and current councilmember who was appointed to replace David James. Baker said he's facing the homelessness crisis head-on. He recently organized a town hall to listen to concerns and connect people with resources.

"From a citywide standpoint, continue to advocate for nonprofit and agencies doing the work and making sure we all have a safe place that we all can call home," said Baker, who lives in Old Louisville.

Stallard wants to see more investment into nonprofits across west Louisville.

"We don't need more programs," Stallard said. "We need to help the ones that we've got to be the best they can be."

In Baker's eight months in office, he said his priorities remain finding activities for children, taking care of seniors and public safety. He's already proposed spending an extra $10,000 to pay Louisville Metro Police overtime, but he wants investment in public safety beyond police.

"From where we start with children literacy rates like we did at the Keystone Academy all the way up to mental health and trauma resources," Baker said.

Stallard says she wants to continue focusing on adding more officers to LMPD so they can be even more present.

"I would really like to see police that we do have get out of their cars and make connection with the public," Stallard said.

Stallard sees a vote for her as a new direction for Louisville, while Baker wants to continue the work started during his term. He pointed to development in Park Hill, which includes environmental cleanup at a site that used to be home to the Rhodia chemical plant. It is a long-vacant brownfield property that is turning into a community-led mixed-use development. 

"I'm excited to give areas like this a voice when there traditionally hasn't," Baker said. "And I'm excited to see what we can do when we all come together."

The race for District 6 is one of three Metro Council districts that voters will decide on the ballot on Election Day next week.

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