Councilor Ruth “Mayors Garden Nome” Ludwig

Four Terms, No Revolutions, and Loyal to the Mayor’s Clown Car

Council Vice President Ruth Ludwig has officially been on the Superior City Council for eight years—which, for context, is as long as George freakin’ Washington led the entire country. But while George was crossing the Delaware, Ruth’s been mostly crossing off “Yes” boxes in perfect rhythm with the Mayor’s Clown Council Caucus.

Yes, Ruth originally ran to foster diversity, change, and improve lives—and somehow ended up rubber-stamping every half-baked agenda item City Hall could throw at her, like a substitute teacher too tired to argue with the kids anymore.

A retired business ed teacher, grandmother of six, and certified master gardener, Ruth can coax life out of soil… but not out of city policy. Her vision for the city? Well, it mostly involves plants, parks, and sidewalks—you know, the municipal equivalent of elevator music.

Her prized accomplishment? The Oakes Avenue Community Garden, which is admittedly nice—but while she’s out there composting, residents are wondering why she hasn’t once composted a bad policy.

And don’t let the soft demeanor fool you—Ruth’s voting record is more obedient than a golden retriever at obedience school. When the Mayor says jump, Ruth doesn’t ask how high—she just politely votes “Aye” and maybe sprinkles mulch on it later.

And sure, she talks a lot about pedestrian mobility, but where’s the real fight? The bold challenge? The “hey, maybe we don’t paint a grain silo for half a million dollars” moment? Crickets.