Sarah Thompson is the current mayor of Ludlow. The Ludlow City Council appointed her last year after the previous Mayor, Chris Wright, resigned. She will face Julie Terry Navarre and Paul Miller on the ballot in November.
“I’m running for mayor because I want to continue the work I’ve already started,” Thompson said, adding that since she’s become the mayor, she’s attempted to improve communication between the city and the residents, general understanding of the different functions of the city government, and generally how city hall operates.
Thompson said her campaign priorities included infrastructure, economic development, public safety, improving the riverfront and seeking grants and other opportunities for funding city projects. She also said she generally wanted to improve the city’s overall administrative functioning.
“That also means continuing to establish clear processes and respecting the boundaries between the mayor, council, staff and department heads,” said Thompson. “Good government works best when everyone understands their responsibilities, follows established procedures and is held to the same standards.”
Thompson emphasized the importance of attracting businesses and economic development to the city.
“I also believe Ludlow’s future depends on supporting our existing small businesses while attracting thoughtful new investment,” said Thompson. “Economic development should strengthen the character of our community, rather than erase it.”
“The Mayor’s job is not simply to preserve the way things have always been done,” Thompson concluded. “It is to make sure government is functioning properly, bring people together where possible, make difficult decisions when necessary and continue moving Ludlow forward.”