By Ameer Abedy, Ülvi Gitaliyev and Sydney McCarter

When following the national news cycle, it is easy to get immersed in the many federal and statewide elections. Still, another election that is just as important for our daily lives is the Berea City Council race, since local desicions ranging from taxation to land developemnt lay under their superivison. Therefore, The Berea Torch asked the current candidates, both incumbent and new, their plans for Berea and what made them qualified for the position of city councillor. The following candidates agreed to sit down for an interview and answer our questions.

Christopher Allen Preece–1

Chris Preece, a high school chemistry teacher and former congressional candidate, is running for Berea City Council for the first time. Preece’s campaign is driven by his passion for tackling climate change, promoting affordable housing, and supporting small businesses. He emphasizes the need to diversify the city’s energy options and increase access to high-quality foods through sustainable practices. Preece is committed to making Berea a more walkable city and incentivizing the use of solar energy.

“We need to incentivize solar power and make our city more walkable.”

Christopher Allen Preece

Preece sees affordable housing as a key issue in Berea, advocating for policies that encourage new developments while maintaining green spaces. He believes the city should expand access to parks beyond the inner city to other neighborhoods. Additionally, Preece supports creating an indoor recreation center to provide community gathering spaces and better recreational opportunities.

As a council candidate, Preece is focused on improving transparency and encouraging informal conversations between council members and residents. He also aims to increase access to candidates, noting that the formalities of council meetings can be intimidating. Preece seeks to embrace Berea’s slogan by fostering tourism and supporting local arts, including an artist-in-residence program. He aims to shift the council’s dynamic to better reflect the voices of residents and ensure that decisions are made with community needs in mind.

Katie Startzman-2

Katie Startzman, a current Berea City Council member since 2020, is running for re-election with a focus on downtown development, small business support, and community livability. Startzman is the owner of Native Bagel Co. and Nightjar and brings the perspective of a small business owner to the city council. “I believe business is a powerful way to shape your community,” she says, emphasizing that her run for council is a natural extension of her approach to business.

Startzman first came to Berea as a student from Pennsylvania, and her deep connection to the town drives her efforts to support local growth. She aims to collaborate with Berea College to pursue common goals and address housing challenges affecting the community. Additionally, Startzman sees public spaces as essential for all residents, and strongly believes that the city should facilitate inclusive use of parks, without restrictions based on event types.

“I believe business is a powerful way to shape your community.”

Katie Startzman

Startzman highlights the importance of diverse representation on the council, bringing the perspectives of a small business owner, a parent, and a transplant to Berea. She is passionate about maintaining the town’s welcoming spirit and supporting events that reflect the community’s values. Startzman’s campaign centers on preserving Berea’s unique character while creating opportunities for sustainable growth and inclusivity.

Teresa Wren-4

Teresa Wren, a candidate for Berea City Council and a school bus driver for Madison County Schools, is running for the second time with a clear focus on creating a more inclusive and connected community. Wren’s primary goals include establishing a community center and pushing for a fairness ordinance to ensure equal rights for all Bereans. “In 2013 or 14, we tried, and of course it did not pass. So, as an openly gay person, I need to run so we can try to pass this because we need fairness for all,” she says.

Wren also addresses the disparity between Berea and Richmond, emphasizing the need for Berea to be recognized and supported equally within Madison County. She notes that Richmond often receives more resources, leaving Berea’s schools and facilities behind. Wren believes that a stronger partnership between the city and Berea College, coupled with a new community center, could help Berea become a more integral and respected part of the county.

“Get out and vote. Every vote counts. Women fought and died for our right to vote.”

Teresa Wren

With a message urging voters to exercise their right, Wren stresses the importance of civic engagement, saying, “Get out and vote. Every vote counts. Women fought and died for our right to vote.” As a candidate passionate about fairness and community, Wren seeks to create a Berea that is inclusive and supportive for all its residents.

Steve Caudill-6

Steve Caudill has served on the Berea City Council for a decade and brings experience as a Chief Auxiliary Services Officer at Eastern Kentucky University. Caudill’s primary focus is on making Berea a community where young people and families want to stay. “I want to make sure that Berea grows so that you all, as college students, want to stay here and that my kids want to stay here. I’ve always said that my goal is so that my daughters don’t have to leave Berea if they don’t want to,” he emphasizes.

“I want to make sure that Berea grows so that you all, as college students, want to stay here and that my kids want to stay here.”

Steve Caudill

Caudill is proud of the city’s financial management, noting that Berea consistently maintains one of the best budgets for towns of its size in Kentucky. During his prior term, he spearheaded the implementation of hazard duty retirement for first responders, a significant change aimed at supporting local emergency personnel.

Looking forward, Caudill plans to expand Berea’s outdoor recreation amenities by improving mountain bike paths and hiking trails. He also wants to bring a new grocery store to Berea, acknowledging it as a longstanding community need. While he recognizes this has been a recurring promise, he insists, “We’re closer than we’ve ever been.” and that “Unfortunetly, you don’t see it until they start digging.”

Caudill encourages open communication between local leaders and young voters. “I think one of the most common things that young people specifically take for granted is that they think you can’t contact a candidate; you can’t reach out and get to know somebody,” he says. He urges students to reach out directly through his publicly listed contact information if they have any concerns or questions.

Martin Richards–7

Martin Richards has a strong background in community engagement and policy work, shaped by his experience with the Community Farm Alliance and his role on the Berea City Commission. In his work with the Community Farm Alliance, Richards promoted sustainable agricultural practices and local food systems, believing that farming and community development go hand-in-hand. As he often states, “Farming is a political act,” reflecting his belief that agriculture is deeply tied to economic and policy decisions that affect the wider community.

In his role on the Berea City Commission, Richards has worked on housing and economic development projects, gaining experience with zoning laws and land use policies. He supports updating Berea’s 5-year land use plan, including reforms to zoning laws that benefit smaller rural communities and ensuring that future development incorporates affordable housing.

Richards is particularly focused on addressing homelessness and hunger in Berea, emphasizing that these issues require structural, long-term solutions. “Hunger and homelessness are not handled by charity,” Richards says, advocating for the establishment of a homelessness task force and policies that help individuals build financial self-sufficiency. His platform includes supporting public housing initiatives, connecting affordable housing efforts with homelessness programs, and providing resources to help residents develop financial management skills.

Richards also calls for increased collaboration between the city council and Berea College, particularly in finding ways to utilize college-owned land for community benefit. His focus on policy reform and community building highlights his commitment to addressing Berea’s housing challenges and ensuring that development benefits all residents.

“Farming is a political act”

Martin Richards

If you are inerested in learning more about other candidates, a full list of candidates can be found here. The Madison County Clerk Office also has information on early voting, polling locations and any other information to help you vote on November 5th or before!

Steve Davis–11

Steve Davis has lived in Berea since 1986 and brings over 40 years of experience as a tax accountant and business owner. He is deeply invested in Berea’s future, emphasizing the importance of transparency in government and ensuring the city grows while maintaining its unique identity. “Any ordinances that come before the council should come with a sponsor and co-sponsor for full transparency,” Davis states. He advocates for a more open government where residents have better access to city decisions and detailed information on proposed ordinances.

“Any ordinances that come before the council should come with a sponsor and co-sponsor for full transparency”

Steve Davis

Davis aims to reorganize the city’s budget to increase funding for recreational facilities such as parks and Pickleball courts, believing these improvements will enhance community well-being. He also supports including Berea College and the local tourism industry in the next strategic growth plan to ensure the town’s future development without losing its sense of identity. “Berea needs to grow without losing its unique character,” Davis says, emphasizing the delicate balance of preserving tradition while embracing change.

Additionally, Davis is focused on addressing the lack of transparency surrounding the alcohol ordinance and other city issues. He believes that Berea should be a community for everyone, regardless of how long they’ve lived there, and aspires to serve multiple terms, with ambitions to run for mayor in the future.

John Payne-13

John Payne, an employee of Madison County Public Library, is focusing on improving quality of life, transparency, and economic growth in Berea. Though he was a city council member in 2022, he lost his seat in the last elections and is once again running to regain his position. A strong advocate for community engagement, Payne emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and staying updated on legislation. To better understand local challenges, he has engaged in initiatives like police ride-alongs, gaining insight into law enforcement issues.

“We need comprehensive strategies that extend beyond short-term fixes.”

John Payne

Payne aims to address homelessness by utilizing resources like the Frank Gailey Fund and building partnerships with nearby regions. He acknowledges that current city efforts are limited and stresses the need for coordinated, long-term housing solutions. “We need comprehensive strategies that extend beyond short-term fixes,” Payne asserts.

Payne’s platform includes enhancing public safety and city services through targeted improvements like clearer parking restrictions. He also calls for economic development initiatives such as building an amphitheater to strengthen tourism and community engagement. Payne prioritizes quality of life, pushing for more small businesses and better public spaces, all while maintaining Berea’s distinct character.

Erica Chambers–15

Erica Chambers is a photographer, community organizer, and small business owner who has worked in Madison County for over 25 years. She’s running for city council to bring better representation for the arts in local government. “We are a community dubbed the arts and crafts capital of Kentucky, but there is no representation of art in the city council,” says Chambers. A champion of small businesses and the arts, she’s deeply invested in building stronger community ties.

“We are a community dubbed the arts and crafts capital of Kentucky, but there is no representation of art in the city council”

Erica Chambers

If elected, Chambers plans to establish a coalition of art organizations in Berea to facilitate collaboration on larger projects. She also advocates for a dedicated budget line for the arts to ensure sustainable support. “The city should not profit off of art organizations,” Chambers emphasizes, noting that organizations like the Kentucky Guild pay hefty rental fees. She proposes repurposing vacant buildings for artistic and community purposes and improving conditions at the Madison County Animal Shelter.

Chambers is also a staunch advocate of keeping religion out of government, pushing for a clear separation of church and state. Her overarching goal is to elevate the quality of life for all Bereans.

Jeffrey Martin-17

Jeffrey Martin, the owner of Martin Metalwork, LLC, emphasizes the need for fresh perspectives and community revitalization. He has closely followed local politics and relates to fellow candidate John Payne in his assessment that Berea is facing stagnation. Martin believes there is a need for more effective enforcement of existing regulations, noting that “property owners have too much unchecked power in the city.”

“There wasn’t one moment that made me decide to run; I’ve just seen us stagnating.”

Jeffery Martin

Martin’s campaign focuses on strengthening the arts community and fostering greater public involvement. As an artist himself, he started his business in the arts and dove fully into it, but he notes the lack of city involvement in promoting the arts. He aims to develop studio spaces and cultivate a stronger connection between the city and the arts community. “We need more people involved in the arts,” Martin says, stressing the potential for creative spaces to enrich Berea.

Martin also prioritizes infrastructure improvements, specifically highlighting the need for more sidewalks and advocating for increased access to grocery options beyond chain stores like Dollar General. He also emphasizes better use of current city properties to enhance green spaces, particularly in housing developments behind the Tractor Supply area.

As the youngest person running for city council in this cycle, Martin is acutely aware of the challenges in establishing roots in Berea and wants to encourage more young people to join the council and remain in the city. His main priority would be to learn as much as possible about city government while working to strengthen the relationship between Berea College and the city. By doing so, he aims to ensure Berea remains a welcoming place for all residents, focused on safety, transparency, and supporting community growth.