Louisville City Wire

LOUISVILLE, Ky. On February 13 Mayor Craig Greenberg hosted his first Louisville Update, a weekly press conference to be held every Tuesday at 10 a.m. that will highlight news from across the city. The first press conference included an update on the Louisville Metro Government Alcohol Beverage Control’s decision to deny a liquor license to 13 Family Dollar stores, primarily located in West and South Louisville; the appointment of the new Executive Director of Records Compliance for Louisville Metro Government; and an invitation to Louisvillians to attend a Black History celebration tonight. The mayor also recognized Brooklynn Riley, a 16-year-old Louisville student who is spreading love through her Stick 2 Kindness Campaign.

“I believe in transparency and accountability and the people of Louisville want and deserve that from their city government,” said Mayor Greenberg. “These weekly Louisville Updates will be an opportunity to share information from across our city directly with residents and media so that everyone is able to stay informed – and excited – about the work being done to make Louisville a safer, stronger and healthier city for everyone.”

Family Dollar

Mayor Greenberg today announced that Louisville Metro Government’s Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) will deny an application from Family Dollar Grocery Stores to sell alcohol at 13 stores, located primarily in West and South Louisville. The Louisville Metro ABC has the discretion to deny an application based on certain factors pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statutes and Kentucky Administrative Regulations. Brad Silveria, the ABC Director for Louisville Metro Government joined the mayor for this announcement and shared the details on this decision.

“The ability to sell alcohol is a privilege, not a right,” said local ABC Director Brad Silveria. “I’ve heard from Metro Council members and constituents who made sure my office was aware that their neighborhoods need more access to grocery stores and a lot less access to alcohol. I have denied this license and it is now open to litigation and appeal.”

Also in attendance was District 1 Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins and District 5 Councilwoman Donna Purvis, both of whom advocated for this application to be denied based on concerns from Louisville residents.

“Today is an example of what happens when a community speaks up – and when myself, my colleague Councilwoman Purvis and the administration listen to the community,” said District 1 Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins. “This denial is what should happen, because we should always listen to the community who put us in these roles.”

“This is great, encouraging news and I am sure our residents are glad to see that people are listening,” said District 5 Councilwoman Donna Purvis. “We don’t see anything positive or healthy coming from the sale of liquor, and I feel these businesses are profiting off peoples’ pain. I am glad our residents are speaking out and I am glad that I have colleagues like Councilwoman Hawkins and an administration – Mayor Greenberg and others – for hearing us as we do our best to be the voice of our people.”

“This was a decision made by ABC based on the law and thankfully it is an outcome that serves our Louisville families in a positive way,” said the mayor. “I am grateful to every Louisvillian who made their voice heard and to our local leaders for their continued commitment to advocating for our city and our people.”

New Director of Open Records Compliance

Today, Mayor Greenberg also announced Marianne Butler as the new Executive Director of Records Compliance, for Louisville Metro Government. In this role, Marianne will oversee both the Division of Open Records and the Division of Records Management and Archives.

“My administration is committed to transparency and Marianne Butler will help us continue to enhance our efforts to respond to open records requests in a timely manner and increase visibility for the public around this process,” said the mayor. “I am also grateful to Robin Berry for her service in this role, and I am pleased she has agreed to take on the role of Records Retention Officer to address deficiencies recently noted by the Internal Auditor.”

“I am excited to join the Greenberg administration and help move their open-door policy forward,” said Marianne Butler. “This is a great opportunity to continue to serve the people of Louisville and I am looking forward to joining the team.”

Most recently, Marianne served as the City Clerk for the City of Middletown where she maintained the permanent records for the city. Marianne also served as the Commissioner for the Kentucky Public Service Commission and held roles with LG&E and KU and Louisville Water. Marianne also served as Councilwoman for District 15 in Jefferson County.

Black History Month Event

February is Black History Month and Mayor Greenberg invited Louisville residents to Metro Hall tonight for an event to celebrate Black history through song, storytelling and spoken word. The event is free and open to all ages, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the event beginning at 6:15 p.m. in the Mayor’s Gallery.

“Black History Month is a time where we come together to recognize Black leaders and their impact in Louisville and across the world,” Mayor Greenberg said. “Their stories are woven into the fabric of our history, inspiring us all to work toward a more inclusive community.”

For more on this event, click here.

Louisvillians Making a Difference

As part of his weekly update, Mayor Greenberg will honor Louisvillians making a difference. Today, the mayor was joined by Brooklynn Riley, a 16-year-old who started the Stick 2 Kindness Campaign. Through this initiative, Brooklynn writes messages of kindness and encouragement on post-it notes and leaves them on mirrors in public spaces or on a car window in hopes of making a stranger’s day a little brighter.

“Brooklynn is leading by example and giving us all hope for a kinder, brighter future,” said the mayor. “She is showing innovation, courage, leadership and compassion, and it makes me really proud to present her with a proclamation today honoring her efforts and impact.”

Brooklynn’s Stick 2 Kindness campaign has earned her attention from local and national media, including People Magazine.

Original source can be found here.