LEXINGTON, Ky. – A local judge issued a ruling this week prohibiting fourth district councilmember Brenda Monarrez from approaching the Government Center until 2027. This decision stems from an emergency protective order requested by sixth district councilmember Denise Gray.
The protective order results from Gray’s claim of feeling vulnerable following two separate interactions with Monarrez over the past three years. The specific details prompting the request are being withheld to respect privacy concerns. “The way that Ms. Monarrez has carried herself is entirely inconsistent with the values of the people who live in our district,” remarked Emma Curtis, a candidate for Urban County Council District 4. She criticized Monarrez for her decision not to resign, stating that it undermines representation for constituents in the district.
As part of the court’s order, Monarrez is barred from contacting Gray, even through intermediaries. Consequently, she has been participating in council meetings virtually, unable to engage directly with other members or constituents at the Government Center. “It’s having the impact of denying representation to the people in our district. There is no formal mechanism to remove her from office. There should be,” Curtis added.
Current regulations specify that council members can only be removed in cases of official misconduct, a category that does not encompass the allegations against Monarrez. No criminal charges have been filed, and Monarrez has not publicly commented further since releasing a statement in August in which she refuted the allegations as “patently false.”
The ongoing situation raises concerns about the effectiveness of governance in Lexington and highlights potential gaps in the city’s charter and code of ethics regarding the accountability of elected officials. As the matter continues to unfold, constituents and fellow council members await clarity on the implications of the protective order and its impact on city representation.
