Before Lesley Chambers joined the Florence City Council, she was among the residents fighting to keep the Florence Aquatic Center open.
In 2022, Florence had considered demolishing the facility and replacing it with a new park before the council ultimately gave the aquatic center another season. Chambers said helping lead the grassroots effort to preserve it convinced her that residents needed a stronger voice in city government.
Chambers was elected to the council later that year and reelected in 2024. She is now seeking a third two-year term.
“What sets me apart from most council members is my passion for transparency and an open line of communication with all residents,” she told LINK nky.
Originally from Huntington, West Virginia, Chambers has lived in Florence since 1995. She worked for Citi after graduating high school, eventually obtaining her Series 7 and Series 63 securities licenses before layoffs led her to Buffalo Bob’s Family Restaurant — her current place of employment.
Chambers identified affordability as one of the most significant issues facing Florence residents, pointing specifically to housing, wages and city taxes. She has also emphasized accessibility and transparency in city government.
Chambers has participated in the city’s discussions on potential regulations for e-bikes and other alternative forms of transportation, a hot topic in the community right now.