ELSMERE, Ky. — An Elsmere city councilwoman who was just re-elected has missed more than 70 percent of public meetings since 2024, according to publicly available data attendance records reviewed by WCPO 9 News.

Councilwoman Serena Owen has missed 13 of the 18 public meetings held this year through Nov. 12, including city council meetings and city caucus meetings. According to documents on the Town of Elsmere website, the last public meeting Owen attended was a June 4th caucus meeting.

WCPO has reached out to Owen several times for comment in recent months.

She finally answered our questions by phone Tuesday after a city council meeting she didn’t attend.

“There are a few men who attacked me,” Owen said. “They are attacking me on social media, defaming my character, spreading rumors and lies.”

Owen said at least one man made threats against her, but could not elaborate on the nature of the threats, other than to say the man said, “Show up (for meetings).”

She said the man legally carries a firearm with him at public gatherings, which makes her uncomfortable.

When asked if she had filed a report or complaint with the Elsmere police, including the police chief who attends the town’s public meetings, about the matter, she said no.

“I want everyone who serves and everyone who attends our meetings to be safe,” she said.

In an article by our news partner LINKnky, Owen described himself as “… a loving leader with a servant’s heart and a win-win spirit.”

Owen previously served on the Erlanger-Elsmere School Board. Her previous experience also includes work for the Kentucky Voting Rights Coalition and the Erlanger-Elsmere Historical Society.

Although Owen hasn’t voted since at least June, she told LINKnky that her goals this term include improving parks, roads and sidewalks, encouraging business and economic growth in the city, and promoting education and public services.

To provide context to the extent of Councilman Owen’s absences, WCPO 9 News reviewed the attendance records of officials from cities around northern Kentucky through October 9 of this year:

• Newport Board of Commissioners: 98.6% average participation rate.
• Covington Board of Commissioners: 97% average participation rate.
• Florence City Council: Average attendance rate of 82.3%.
• Edgewood City Council: Average attendance rate of 89.5%.

Asked about the attendance number of Owen, Mayor of Elsmere Marty Lenhof told WCPO 9 News, “No comment.”