From Marathons to City Hall: Sue Pogue’s Tenacious Vision for Somerset’s Future

By Michael R. Grigsby, Editor | Somerset-Pulaski Advocate

Sue Pogue, Image courtesy of the candidate. (C) 2026 All Rights Reserved

Somerset, Kentucky (SPA)—In 2018, Sue Pogue did something many only dream of—she built her "forever home." Having lived in Somerset in the early 2000s, she always felt a pull back to the city limits, regretting the years she spent away. Now firmly rooted, Pogue is taking her commitment to the next level by running for the Somerset City Council Ward 10 seat in the November General  2026 election. With only two candidates for ward 10 as with only two candidate running they will not apppear on the ballot in the May Prinary election. 

Her decision to run wasn’t a sudden whim but a natural progression from being an engaged observer to an active participant. "When I first started attending council meetings, I just wanted more understanding of local government," she says. "Gradually—then suddenly—I decided that I wanted to be part of the decision-making."

A Career Rooted in Service and Empathy

Pogue brings a wealth of professional experience to the table, having served as a professional educator and counselor for 33 years. Holding a master’s degree and Rank 1 in counseling, she spent her career navigating the complex needs of families from all walks of life. Whether helping parents access vital services for their children or supporting families through the struggles of addiction, Pogue has developed a deep, professional empathy that she intends to bring to the council.
Beyond her educational career, Pogue is a proven entrepreneur, having successfully launched a small business in 2021 during the height of the pandemic. She has used her business to support local non-profits and youth organizations, further cementing her reputation as a community-minded leader.

Strategic Vision: Balancing Growth and Tradition

Pogue’s platform is built on the belief that while Somerset is great, it can be even better through deliberate and intentional planning. Inspired by a community meeting for the city’s 25-year plan, she envisions a Somerset that attracts bright emerging leaders to stay and raise families while ensuring senior citizens live with security and dignity.

Her economic vision includes several specific, innovative proposals:

• The Carnegie Children’s Museum: Pogue proposes renovating the old Carnegie Building into a hands-on children’s museum. "It would be another place to attract tourism," she notes, while emphasizing the need for such projects to be carefully considered to ensure they become revenue-makers rather than tax drains.

• Recreational Enhancement: She suggests adding fitness stations to Rocky Hollow Park, citing their durability and low maintenance as a cost-effective way to serve both residents and tourists.

• Connecting the Community: To bridge the gap between Lake Cumberland visitors and downtown, Pogue envisions a city-operated shuttle service. This would not only boost local business but also provide a safer alternative for those enjoying the city’s downtown entertainment.

Prioritizing Infrastructure and Public Safety

Pogue is a vocal advocate for the basics that make a city livable. She has frequently addressed the council regarding the state of the city’s sidewalks and roads.

• Accessibility: She is eager to see the grant-funded sidewalk connecting downtown to SCC begin construction and advocates for more bike lanes and designated pedestrian paths, like Lexington’s Legacy Trail.
• Public Safety: Acknowledging that rapid growth has stretched police and fire departments thin, she argues that safety is "not a budget line where we need to scrimp," supporting competitive salaries and benefits to ensure top-tier emergency response.
• Compassionate Solutions: To address the growing unhoused population, she proposes an advisory committee to streamline services between non-profits, churches, and government agencies to reduce overlap and maximize impact.

The Power of Tenacity

Perhaps the best illustration of Pogue’s character is her "God-given talent" for tenacity. At age 55, after a lifetime of feeling like the "uncoordinated kid," she followed a rigorous six-month training program to complete the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon.
"When I set my sights on something, anything less than my full, educated, and prepared effort is unacceptable," she says. This is the same focus she promises to bring to the City Council, working as a "voice for the constituents" and ensuring every resident of Somerset is heard.

"I want to be an advocate for all city citizens regardless of the ward in which they reside." — Sue Pogue