Most know Leah Leman as a co-owner of Limestone Coffee & Tea. But for six years, she's been balancing that with her role as alderperson for Ward 2, which Leah describes as Batavia's "introverted ward." And as a self-proclaimed introvert herself, Leah's a good fit.

So I wanted to know: how do you represented a part of Batavia that doesn't speak up very often? And what does her role as a downtown business owner bring to her time at city council?

On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, Leah Leman comes out of her shell long enough to talk to me about the inherent tensions involved in local politics, the inherent personality clashes in council meetings, and what it was like being the lone "No" vote on the data center.

PLUS: Richard and Alexa discuss the closing of Red Hive Market. Sad!

• Listen to our very first episode - a conversation with Leah and Joy from Limestone Coffee & Tea.
• Red Hive Market Announces their closure
• For 630 Members This Week: Richard and Alexa rank their top 5 favorite local Halloween decorations!

This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by 212° Construction Group.

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Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Our associate producer and co-host is Alexa Swidenbank. Edited and mixed by Cray Allred. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark. Theme song by Graham Swidenbank.