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The LaFayette city council elections will be held on Tuesday, August 26. Candidates from each of the five districts (A, B, C, D and E) must be registered and qualified by June 24 to be eligible for candidacy.  

Charlene Story is running for the city council in District D. The decision to run for the city council has been one she has considered for the past 10 years.  Story’s dedication and loyalty to the city of LaFayette will bring new life and new ideas for the town.

Story’s leadership skills in her current role as a planning administrator have prepared her for the opportunity to expand those skills into the municipal arena.  Her degrees in business management, computer science and criminal justice present unique skill sets that could benefit city council members.

Story believes LaFayette’s beauty comes from its size, describing it as having “that small town feel,” as she speaks of the town’s charming qualities. She spoke of how the town comes together, neighbors strengthening bonds with one another. 

Family is important to Story, and she has the full support of her family in her decision to run for city council.

“That’s a no-brainer because you love the city of LaFayette, and you’re always doing something behind the scenes for the City of LaFayette,” Story said, recounting a conversation with her mother and sisters. 

The revitalization of LaFayette’s Parks and Recreation program is a top priority for Story. Currently, there is a vacancy in the Parks and Recreation department for the City of LaFayette, and Story plans to fill the position with a qualified individual. Currently, the community is volunteering to ensure that facilities are maintained and events are organized. 

As an active member of the community, she emphasizes the importance of youth-specific programs, focusing on the development of Lafayette’s younger population.  She believes that “our youth is the future of the City of LaFayette,” and seeks to grow the existing programs while adding new ones to benefit seniors as well. 

Outside of work, Story enjoys photography, often driving around the county in search of natural scenes that inspire awe. She also enjoys quiet days by the lake with nothing more than a chair and a book to keep her company.

Those who know her have described her as a “people person.” She claims to have “never met a stranger,” a testament to her outgoing and engaging nature.  

Fame and recognition are low on the list of priorities for this candidate as she wishes to see progress and prosperity for the town she calls home.