Marianne Butler fulfilled a lifelong dream to serve the public when she was elected to represent District 15 in the 2006 May Primary. She was unopposed in the November election. While Iroquois Park and Churchill Downs are familiar landmarks in the District, its neighborhoods include South Louisville, Cloverleaf, Hazelwood, Wilder Park, Oakdale, Wyandotte and Taylor-Berry.
In 2010, she was appointed to a second term as Chair of the Labor and Economic Development. She is also a member of the Appropriations, NDF's & CIF’s and Contracts committees.
For the last six years she has worked for the Louisville Water Company. One of her key accomplishments was using technology and information to help employees and retirees stay on top of issues of concern. She has also spearheaded work between the public and private sector in giving campaigns.
Councilwoman Butler also has experience in government service working for then “C” district County Commissioner Darryl T. Owens through out the 90’s. In his office, she worked closely with neighborhood groups helping many of them organize. She also served as a Public Information Officer for the city of Maywood, Illinois. In 2004, she graduated from the Leadership Kentucky program.
A native of Louisville, she is currently a member of Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. She has also served as a volunteer at St. Mary and Elizabeth’s Hospital. She attended the University of Louisville graduating with a Bachelor of Science and Masters Degree in Public Administration.
Councilwoman Butler is an active member of the U of L Alumni Association, Phi Alpha Alpha. She is also a past board member of the Southwest YMCA, Jefferson County Solid Waste Management District and the Jefferson County Telecommunications Board.
She is also currently the 38th legislative district chair for the Jefferson County Democratic Party executive committee.
“Helping residents understand how government can assist them and giving them the tools they need to plan for the future is what I enjoy doing,” says Butler. “I want the people of District 15, with not only problems or concerns but with suggestions to make our area a better place to live.”
A top priority in the next four years will be creation of a District advisory council and economic development. The Councilwoman wants to make sure residents offer input into future directions of the District. She also says economic development is essential for the area to keep pace with other areas of Metro Louisville.
Susan Hughes will be Butler’s Legislative Assistant. Susan grew up in south Louisville in the Cloverleaf Acres neighborhood and graduated from Doss High School. She attended the University of Louisville and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Associate in Applied Science Degree in 1994. She has 29 years experience with the Department of Inspections Permits and Licenses and served as the Chief Code Enforcement Officer in the Property Maintenance Division for 5 years.
Gary James will join the District 15 office as a staff helper. He recently retired after 35 years with the Road Sprinkler Fitters Local 669. Prior to that, he was a member of the Commercial Food Workers Union Local 227 and Teamsters Local 89. James grew up in the Oakdale area and graduated from Iroquois High School He lives in the North Iroquois area and is a member of the Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral.