Julia Terry Navarre is one of three candidates for the Ludlow mayoral seat, alongside incumbent Sarah Thompson and fellow challenger Paul Hallinan Miller.
Navarre has served multiple terms on the city council and was a latecomer to the mayoral race.
“I am running for mayor because I’m concerned about the direction in which our city is heading,” Navarre said. “Having worked with multiple administrations as a council member, I believe it’s time to steer Ludlow toward stronger communication and greater transparency.”
The dynamic on Ludlow City Council is sometimes contentious, and Navarre has butted heads with Thompson over the role of city council members and the mayor. Ludlow uses a so-called strong mayor form of government that vests broad operational authority for city departments in the mayor’s office.
“I want everyone in our community to feel welcome, no matter where they are in their lives,” Navarre said. “That means creating safe spaces for families, dedicated places for our youth to gather and grow, and restaurants and lounges where neighbors can come together and enjoy time with one another.”
Beyond transparency and changing the city’s direction, Navarre said she wanted to strengthen the city’s economy by improving its central business district and supporting a unified business association.