As I cast my vote at the First Baptist Church of Ludlow, I looked up and saw flags from around the world—flags that had hung in the Ludlow Theatre for Ludlow’s 150th birthday.
We had to remove them when the City shut down the theatre because it lacked a certificate of occupancy. That happened on the day the City of Ludlow, the funeral home, and I were bidding on the Huntington Bank building. The funeral home also lacked a certificate of occupancy.
But I am not from here.
Those same flags also hung outside Circus Suites, welcoming the world to Ludlow.
Why did Ludlow sell me a building for $1?
Why does City Hall keep undermining the circus?
Why didn’t City Hall execute the settlement offered in the civil lawsuit it filed?
When can I focus on restoring buildings and hosting events?
In 2015, when the City of Ludlow shut us down, I needed a place to hold circus camp. The Ludlow Baptist congregation welcomed Circus Mojo.
Pastor Paul told me, “You’re welcome here until you start making the devil’s juice. We know that’s your plan to reopen the theatre.” When we started making beer, the Ludlow Bromley Swim Club rented us the field, and we set up a tent determined to continue to serve the young people in town.
Summer Camp Ludlow Baptist 2015
For two years, we held summer camp and free after-school circus classes in the gym—the central polling location for our town of around 4,400 people. This year, 1,281 people voted.
If I could wave a wand and change one thing, I would do as the Aussies do and make voting mandatory. In Australian federal elections, someone who doesn’t vote for no valid reason can face an initial $20 penalty. I’d pair that with overturning Citizens United and ending unlimited campaign spending.
Circus Mojo Corporate Team Building at Ludlow Baptist Church
I ran for mayor to pressure City Hall and Fischer Development to complete the offered settlement. I love Ludlow and believe in our community's potential.
The election didn’t turn out the way I hoped, and I congratulate Mayor Sarah Thompson on her victory. I wish her success as she continues to lead our city. I also thank Julia Terry Navarre for stepping forward to run, and everyone who participated in the election.
To the 181 people who voted for me—about 14% of the votes cast for mayor—thank you.
People vote for different reasons, but the questions I raised during this campaign deserve attention. I intend to keep asking them, and I hope the mayor and City Council will listen.
A City That Listens
Mayor Thompson, you have spoken about responsible growth, business development, and greater community engagement. I share those goals. I hope we can work together to include the people and small businesses that have already invested their time, money, and lives in Ludlow.
That starts with trust.
For years, I have raised concerns about how City Hall and Planning and Development Services have treated our circus, our businesses, and our artist-owned housing project. I believe we have faced selective enforcement and obstacles that have made it harder to build something positive here.
Restored Marquee Ludlow Theatre 2022
I’m asking the mayor and council to support an independent review of those concerns, including my own case. Look at how permits, inspections, and enforcement decisions are handled. Compare similar situations. Give residents and business owners a clear way to raise concerns and receive answers.
We all want safe buildings and fair rules. We should also expect those rules to be applied fairly, whether someone owns a neighborhood business or represents a major development.
Open the Doors and Follow the Money
Transparency has to mean more than letting people speak for three minutes at a council meeting.
In 2025, the Kentucky Attorney General found that Ludlow’s City Council Finance Committee violated the Open Meetings Act by holding closed-to-the-public meetings. The committee acknowledged the meetings should have been open and said it would pause them until it set a public time and place.
Mayor Thompson, please tell residents what has changed since then and how the city will ensure public business remains open to the public.
Residents also have questions about the city’s finances. Ludlow’s fiscal year 2025 audit found that the city spent $1,125,684 more than budgeted in the General Fund and $114,635 more than budgeted in Municipal Road Aid. That budget year ended before Mayor Thompson was appointed, but her administration can explain what happened and show residents how the city will prevent it from happening again.
We also need an honest public accounting of development agreements. The city authorized up to $120 million in revenue bonds connected to Fischer’s Cityview Station development. That authorization was not a $120 million cash payment, and the city says it is not obligated to repay the bonds. Residents should still be able to understand the financing, the tax arrangements, and what the community receives in return.
My own questions remain.
The proposed settlement in the City’s lawsuit against our circus connected the settlement to a stormwater easement for the Fischer development. I signed the proposed settlement and later signed the easement. The copy of the proposed settlement I have shared does not have the City’s signature, and the lawsuit continues.
What happened? Why wasn’t the settlement completed? What will it take to find a fair path forward? I hope Mayor Thompson will help get those questions answered.
What Does Growth Mean for Ludlow?
A major development can bring investment, construction work, and new residents. Those things matter. So do the businesses that are already here.
At Bircus, we have hired people who live in Ludlow. Other local businesses provide jobs, gathering places, services, and reasons for people to visit and spend time in our city.
When we talk about economic development, let’s ask how many jobs and contracts go to Ludlow residents and businesses. Let’s ask what opportunities remain after construction is finished. And let’s give the same attention to the small business owner trying to make payroll that we give to a developer with lawyers and a large project.
I want Ludlow to welcome investment and make room for artists, working families, small businesses, and neighbors who want to build something of their own.
I’m committed to completing our developments
Mayor Thompson, I would welcome the chance to sit down, share the concerns I’ve raised, and look for a way forward. We won’t agree on everything, but we should agree that the people of Ludlow deserve fair treatment, open government, and answers to reasonable questions.
To everyone who supported me: please stay involved. Attend a meeting. Ask a question. Support a local business. Encourage your neighbors to be heard.
I didn’t win the election, but I haven’t given up on Ludlow.
Poor lives matter. Our voices matter. The Show Must Go ON!