Maria “Cari” McMurtry Garriga filed to run for the new Covington City Council on Monday. Her filing now puts the number of candidates running for the city council at seven.
“I have continued to interact with the community, to walk the city and to remain informed on local government and municipal concerns,” Garriga said. “I stand for strong and responsive public services, responsible economic development and inclusive civic engagement.”
Garriga had previously run for the Covington Board of Commissioners in 2024 but lost at the ballot box. Originally from Puerto Rico, Garriga has a doctorate in foreign and second language education, serves in both teaching and administrative roles at Thomas More University and is a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach. She also teaches yoga and meditation.
Garriga said that canvassing the community and learning about people was her favorite part of running for office in the past.
“Covington has a bright future, especially if we move forward with intention, compassion and balance,” Garriga said.
Incumbent legislators Tim Acri, James Toebbe and Tim Downing have filed to run to the new city council, as of the afternoon of Jan. 7. Other candidates who have filed include Jay Fossett, Tom Hull and Steve Hayden. There are six open seats on the new council. Thirteen candidates must run for the council in order to trigger a primary election in Covington.
City council races are nonpartisan, city council members serve two-year terms and they can be reelected indefinitely. Read LINK nky’s explainer to learn more about the political powers and roles of city legislators.