Community Election Statement | October 12, 2026
On November 3, residents of Falmouth and Pendleton County will have an opportunity to decide who represents them.
With The Falmouth Outlook having suspended publication, I believe it’s especially important that residents have access to information about their candidates, their records, and the decisions facing our community.
I’m a Falmouth property owner and landlord who has spent considerable time reviewing public records concerning infrastructure, development, government spending, and the former Falmouth School Center at 500 Chapel Street.
Here are our local choices, followed by my personal endorsements and concerns.
Falmouth Mayor — Vote for One
– Rick Mineer
– Sebastian Ernst
My personal preference is Sebastian Ernst.
I recognize that Sebastian’s time in city government has involved serious controversy, including his removal from office in 2024. That history deserves scrutiny.
Nevertheless, I believe he has demonstrated a willingness to discuss property improvement, redevelopment, and the future appearance of Falmouth.
One issue I want better explained is the previously proposed approximately 44-unit housing development associated with the former school property, including what surrounding land would have been needed and who controlled it. I am still seeking records that establish that history.
I have asked both mayoral candidates to address code enforcement, infrastructure, the 500 Chapel redevelopment, and their plans for Falmouth. Residents deserve substantive public answers from both candidates.
Falmouth City Council — Vote for Up to Six
The eight candidates appearing on the official ballot are:
– Juanita Thornton Hughes
– Craig Owen
– Anthony Cox
– Amanda R. Moore
– Eric Love
– Steven Jenkins
– George Smith
– Stephen “Red” Gales Jr.
My preference is for substantial change on City Council.
I am inclined to retain Craig Owen. I believe he has shown a willingness to engage with difficult city issues, although every council member should still be evaluated on documented votes and actions.
I do not support Anthony Cox’s reelection. My objections concern his record of council service and my dissatisfaction with the handling and oversight of Chapel Street matters.
Eric Love is not my first preference, but I would consider him over some returning council members.
Steven Jenkins has been relatively quiet on the issues I’ve followed. I do not believe silence alone establishes wrongdoing, but I would like to hear his positions and see more public accountability.
I also encourage Juanita Thornton Hughes, Amanda Moore, George Smith, and Stephen Gales Jr. to explain their proposals for infrastructure, redevelopment, public spending, and municipal oversight.
Pendleton County Circuit Court Clerk — Unexpired Term
The printed ballot lists Sabrina Hazen, Republican, along with a write-in option.
My personal preference is Melanie Seever Hyden, the current Pendleton Circuit Court Clerk, as a write-in choice, provided her write-in eligibility is confirmed with election officials.
My objection to Sabrina Hazen is based on my experience seeking accountability and explanations from Falmouth city government over many years, particularly concerning infrastructure, public records, and the former school property. These are political judgments, not claims of criminal wrongdoing.
This office must not be confused with Pendleton County Clerk, a different position for which Kinley Glahn Scott appears on the ballot.
Other Important Elections
The ballot also includes county offices, Kentucky legislative races, congressional races, judicial positions, and Constitutional Amendment 1.
Notable countywide candidates include Anthony Strong for County Judge/Executive, Kinley Glahn Scott for County Clerk, Stacey Sanning for County Attorney, Jared Brewer for Sheriff, and John Steele for Property Valuation Administrator. The District Judge contest includes Gregory E. J. Coulson and Brian T. Canupp.
What I Want Every Candidate to Answer
Our community needs clear plans for water and sewer infrastructure, electric reliability, fire protection, code enforcement, affordable housing, redevelopment of vacant buildings, transparent financial records, and compliance with Kentucky’s open-records laws.
The investigation into 500 Chapel Street remains particularly important. Public records establish that the property passed through different owners and redevelopment proposals, while questions about financing, professional work, municipal expenditures, and the completeness of certain government records remain unresolved.
No candidate should be presumed responsible for misconduct merely because they held office during these events. But every candidate should be willing to answer reasonable questions about decisions made and what they intend to do differently.
These endorsements are my personal opinions. The candidate names and ballot choices should be evaluated independently of them.
I encourage every Falmouth resident to examine the records, question the candidates, and vote based on what they believe will improve our community.
Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Official ballot: https://web.sos.ky.gov/ballots/Pendleton%202026G.pdf
Kentucky voting information: https://elect.ky.gov
For any write-in vote, verify that the candidate is eligible and follow the ballot instructions.
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