News Summary
The Lexington Fayette Urban County Council recently rejected Mayor Linda Gorton’s nomination of Anissa Martinez for the Board of Adjustment. This decision came during a public hearing, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding timely appointments and effective governance. The Board plays a critical role in resolving zoning issues, and this rejection places the focus on leadership and accountability among city officials, particularly as the mayoral race approaches in 2026.
Lexington – The Lexington Fayette Urban County Council has rejected Mayor Linda Gorton’s recommendation for a new member to the Board of Adjustment, a key body within the city’s planning division. The rejection came during a public hearing held on June 26, 2025, when the council chose not to confirm Anissa Martinez, the mayor’s appointment to fill a vacancy.
The Board of Adjustment is essential in resolving zoning issues in Lexington, including granting construction variances and conditional use permits. Members of the board are not elected by the public but are appointed by officials such as the mayor. The process for appointing board members requires that the mayor submits a candidate within 60 days of a vacancy occurring, which must then be approved by the city council.
Board Chair Raquel Carter, who is nearing the end of her second term, has announced plans to run for mayor in the upcoming 2026 election, further emphasizing the importance of leadership within the Board of Adjustment. The board vacancy on which Martinez was nominated was among eight applications received by the city for consideration. As the city’s spokeswoman, Susan Straub confirmed the number of applicants, highlighting the competitive nature of the nomination process.
Following the council’s decision, Mayor Gorton now has until August 30, 2025, to recommend a new candidate for the Board of Adjustment. If the mayor fails to submit a nominee within the required timeline, the authority to appoint a new member will transfer to the Planning Commission. This scenario echoes a previous incident that occurred last summer, where another appointment failed and the Planning Commission had to fill a vacancy due to the mayor’s inaction.
Criticism has arisen from several council members regarding Mayor Gorton’s handling of the appointment process. They have expressed concern about the timeliness of her submissions, with specific incidents noted where the mayor presented candidates just days before the approval deadline. For example, earlier this year, Gorton provided a nominee to the Planning Commission only eight working days before the deadline, leading one council member to describe her actions as “extremely disrespectful” to the residents.
Councilmember James Brown voiced the importance of having volunteer members actively serving on city boards, reflecting the council’s dedication to resolving existing vacancies efficiently. Additionally, Councilmember Tyler Morton emphasized the critical nature of ensuring that elected officials are responsible for staffing city boards to uphold governmental integrity and maintain the balance of power. Morton argued that it is inappropriate for the Planning Commission to take on the responsibility of appointing members to the Board of Adjustment, as this duty resides with elected representatives.
The rejection of Gorton’s nomination highlights the intricate balance of power and accountability among city officials and illustrates the ongoing need for effective communication and cooperation between the mayor’s office and the council. As the board’s leadership transitions into the upcoming mayoral race and further vacancies arise, the council remains committed to addressing these challenges promptly to ensure responsive governance for the residents of Lexington.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky: Lexington Council Rejects Mayor’s Board Appointment
- Wikipedia: Lexington, Kentucky
- Kentucky: Update on Lexington’s Board of Adjustment
- Google Search: Lexington Kentucky government appointments
- LEX18: Emma Curtis Discusses Council Role
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky
- Fox56: Overview of Lexington Urban County Council Races
- Google News: Lexington Urban County Council
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
