A Monroe citizens’ group officially launched a recall campaign against Mayor Friday Ellis this week, with Chair Edith Hudson explaining that her own journey from supporter to leader of the recall illustrates the committee’s deep concerns about city leadership.
Hudson, who cast her vote for Ellis when he first ran for mayor, says she believed he would prioritize all neighborhoods equally and bring new hope to South Monroe.
“I was impressed with his help for citizens during the tornado when he was first elected. He seemed to care about South Monroe, but that soon faded,” Hudson recalled.
For Hudson, frustration grew as city council decisions appeared to consistently favor North Monroe over her own district.
“I knew a lot of funding was coming to Monroe, but I watched as the city council voted to send it all north. We would get something, but it would be underground and we wouldn’t be able to see it,” she explained.
The recall effort, led by Hudson and Vice Chair Robert “Truck” Johnson, centers on what they describe as a lack of accountability and transparency under Mayor Ellis.
Hudson cited instances where the council “rubber-stamped” plans without proper review, leaving residents like herself feeling excluded from the city’s future.
She also expressed concern over a 40% raise Ellis awarded himself, saying it signaled a troubling disconnect between leadership and everyday citizens: “Then he gave himself a 40% raise. My plumbing went to hell and when I complained, nothing changed,” she said.
Many committee members, Hudson included, feel Ellis’s administration has focused heavily on downtown development and North Monroe interests, often at the expense of other communities.
“Friday Ellis only dealt with people who were interested in developing downtown and North Monroe,” she noted.
Hudson said she tried to join an earlier recall effort, but it stalled. Now, she is determined to see this campaign succeed. Her team hopes to gather 7,500 signatures by April 2026 to force a recall vote, with ongoing outreach and union support to engage residents across Monroe.
“This is about accountability and giving Monroe residents a direct voice in the future of our city,” Hudson stated, emphasizing a renewed commitment to ensuring all voices are heard and represented.
