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

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

In recent months, WCPO has contacted Owen several times for comment.

He finally answered our questions by phone on Tuesday after a city council meeting he did not attend.

“There are several men who have been attacking me,” Owen said. “Attack me on social media, defame my character, spread rumors and lies.”

Owen said she was threatened by at least one man, but could not elaborate on the nature of the threats beyond stating that the man said, “Show up (for meetings).”

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

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

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

In an article by our news partner LINKnky, Owen described herself as a “…loving leader with a heart of service 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.

While Owen hasn’t voted since at least June, he told LINKnky that his goals for 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 on the extent of Councilwoman Owen’s absences, WCPO 9 News has analyzed the attendance records of officials in surrounding Northern Kentucky cities through October 9 of this year:

• Newport Board of Commissioners: 98.6% average attendance rate
• Covington Board of Commissioners: 97% average attendance rate
• Florence City Council: average attendance rate of 82.3%
• Edgewood Town Hall: 89.5% average attendance rate

When asked about Owen’s attendance record, Elsmere Mayor Marty Lenhof told WCPO 9 News: “No comment.”