Berea City Council Election Results

Hello, Bereans.

This is less reporting and more of a courtesy, since these UNOFFICIAL (but still solid) results are available if you search around on government websites. But a local news organization should tell you these things, so here we go.

The top takeaway is that with two exceptions, the Council remains the same. Out are David Rowlette and Jim Davis. In are Steve Davis (no relation to Jim) and John Payne. You can read my report on what they told voters they intend to accomplish here. And remember, despite efforts to the contrary elsewhere in the state, councilpersons (and school boards) in Kentucky do not run along party lines, but only according to their personal vision. That’s the law.

The breakdown ultimately is pretty even, indicating that Council’s mandate is shared among all 8 members.

In order of the number of votes received so far, your Old-New Berea City Council beginning in January 2025 is projected to be:

Steve Caudill: 3,061 votes (9%)

Steve Davis: 2,727 votes (8%)

John Payne: 2,629 votes (7%)

Katie Startzman: 2,596 votes I7%)

Jerry Little: 2,587 votes (7%)

Teresa Scenters: 2,494 votes (7%)

Cora Jane Wilson: 2,234 votes (6%)

Ronnie Terrill: 2,191 votes (6%)

Meanwhile, the powers that currently be are having a special work session tonight on what to do about nudity in places that serve alcohol in Berea. That’s tonight at 6:00 in Council Chambers at 304 Chestnut Street.

Now, with some—but not exhaustive—reporting, what that allegedly means in plain English is that there is some upset at the leadership level over Rebel Rebel Studio & Lounge’s occasional hosting of burlesque shows that take place at the Chestnut Street venue, co-owned by defeated Council candidate, Erica Chambers and Ali Blair, whose liquor license applies to Peg & Awl, which also operates at that location.

However, if you know of any strip joints in town that might be in Council’s crosshairs, please respond to this post and The Edge will look into it.

And finally, remember when Councilperson Teresa Scenters suggested that as our population grows, maybe it’s time Berea consider a new municipal governance structure? The Edge is looking into that, too, but in the meantime, up in Covington, a city of 40,972 compared to Berea’s 15,998, the people have voted to move away from commissioners with equal leverage and embrace a mayor with executive powers and a council with budgetary ones (just like what we have here in town). More to come about the advantages and disadvantages of mayors, councils, commissioners, and city managers…

Thanks for reading The Edge, Berea’s source for real journalism. If you like what you’re reading, please share! If you’ve not already become a subscriber, please do! If this is the first time you’re reading The Edge, welcome, and here’s where you can learn more!

Peace,

Whitney McKnight

This story was updated on November 8, 2024 to reflect that Erica Chambers is not the owner of Rebel Rebel Studio, as was previously reported. She is the co-owner with Ali Blair, who has the liquor license at Peg & Awl, which operates at Rebel Rebel, a collective art space.