LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Three Louisville Metro Council Democrats outlined their priorities for what they'd like to see change in Louisville, but their position revealed division between Democratic leadership in the city.

Democratic council members —Councilwomen Tammy Hawkins and Shameka Parrish-Wright and Councilman JP Lyninger — discussed their focus on issues they say address specific concerns in the community. Among other things across several districts, those include:

  • Increasing funding for TARC, which was forced to cut routes due to a $30 million financial cliff
  • Exploring small business initiatives
  • Improving city parks
  • Expanding access to community centers and grocery stores
  • Involving constituents in budgetary process
  • Enhancing infrastructure
  • Public safety
  • Adding Flock Cameras to District 1, which currently has only four in service

"I have an agenda to build the Democratic party and I am going to ask for everyone just to trust the process," Hawkins said.

Shakeups in Louisville's Democrat party have changed the makeup of leadership within Metro Council. In recent years, former Councilman Jecory Arthur, Democratic candidate for mayor Tim Findley and Councilwoman Paula McCraney all left the party.

McCraney's departure from the Democrats happened just last month. She changed her party affiliation to Independent after serving as the head of the Democrats on Metro Council as caucus chair. She said being a Republican or Democrat is not necessary when it comes to addressing certain issues in the community, such as sidewalks. McCraney cited the "dysfunction of the two-party system" as she announced her decision to switch affiliations. 

Hawkins is now the party's caucus chair.

"Dr. McCraney has led the Democrats for the last two years — let me make that very clear — alongside President Markus Winkler," Hawkins said Tuesday. "There is nothing weak about me. So there's definitely nothing weak about the Democrats or the caucus."

"It is our turn now," added Parrish-Wright, who represents District 3. "We're not responsible for whatever failings that our former president and our former Democratic caucus chair — whatever they were able to do and couldn't do. We are ready to move forward."

While the three council members in attendance laid out their priorities, Hawkins, who serves as the Democratic caucus chair, acknowledged differences within the party.

"The Democrats — you're going to hear from our other colleagues at a later date — we all have different visions," Hawkins said. "That's what makes the Democrats stand apart."

But the visions and priorities of these councilmembers seem to differ from those of fellow Democratic Mayor Craig Greenberg. During the discussion, the council members voiced concerns over some of Greenberg's legislative priorities, which include crushing vehicles involved in street racing, the implementation of a state wiretapping law and increased criminal charges for certain offenses.

Parrish-Wright was critical of the mayor's approach.

"What these priorities share are all surveilling, penalizing and punishing us, our family, our friends and our neighbors," she said.

Lyninger echoed that sentiment, stating he does not support Greenberg's legislative goals.

"Respectfully, to the mayor, I don't agree with those priorities," Lyninger said. "I have a responsibility to my constituents to be clear about the things I don't agree with and to present the alternative vision that I have, which is a city built for the many, not the few."

Parrish-Wright also pointed to Greenberg's previous support for making Metro Council races nonpartisan, suggesting he is out of step with the city's Democratic leadership.

"We as Democrats have a vision for our city, yet the mayor who pushes for non-partisan Metro Council races seems not to care about the 13 other Democratic decision-makers for Louisville," she said.

In response, Greenberg's office provided WDRB with a statement.

"Our policies and legislative agenda have resulted in Louisville’s lowest homicide rate since 2019, five thousand affordable homes built across the city, and an historic $1 billion investment from the state into Louisville," Kevin Trager, Greenberg's press secretary, said in a written statement. "We have great momentum and we’re not slowing down."

Despite the absence of 10 other Democratic council members at the event, Hawkins said she believes the party will unite behind a shared vision.

"I have an agenda to build the Democratic party and I am going to ask for everyone just to trust the process," Hawkins said.

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