Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, a well-known progressive advocacy organization, has come out in support of a petition from Elsmere Councilmember Serena Owen to establish dedicated technology that would allow her to virtually attend council meetings.
“Serena Owen is a valued leader and long-time member of the Northern Kentucky Chapter of Kentuckians For The Commonwealth, who has also faithfully served on the KFTC Steering Committee and the Kentucky Coalition Board,” the statement reads. “She is a mother, a youth ministry worker, was a teacher for many years and was recently re-elected to the Elsmere City Council. If you know Councilwoman Owen, you know that she is enthusiastic and committed.”
Owen has been the subject of criticism from several Elsmere residents and political candidates due to lack of attendance at meetings throughout 2024; she has not attended a meeting in person since June. Owen has cited concerns about her safety as the reason for missing meetings and has pitched the idea of allowing virtual and hybrid-style meetings as an alternative.
“The technology exists to create more inclusive workplaces and halls of power where more people can participate in a healthy democracy,” Kentuckians for the Commonwealth write in their statement. “We urge Mayor Lenhof and the Elsmere City Council to provide a hybrid-remote option for council and caucus meetings.”
Read the organization’s full statement below, which also includes a link to a petition Owen started asking for hybrid meetings.
