CITY CLERK POWER STRUGGLE?

MULDRAUGH, KY – May 10, 2025 — What should have been a straightforward public records pickup turned into a contentious encounter at Muldraugh City Hall on the morning of May 9, 2025, when local advocate and 2026 Meade County Jailer candidate Joshua Ferguson found himself in a verbal standoff with City Clerk Lynnette McAdams.

Ferguson, a longtime public servant and advocate for government transparency, had submitted multiple open records requests in accordance with Kentucky’s Open Records Act. He was later contacted via email by McAdams, who informed him that one of his requests was ready for pickup, while another required payment before copies could be made. She also stated that it would take 15 business days to produce the remaining records—an explanation Ferguson found both excessive and unlawful.

“At that point, the documents were no longer in active storage, the page count was finalized, and payment had already been addressed,” Ferguson explained. “The only step left was copying. Telling me it’s going to take 15 business days just to hit ‘print’ is absurd.”

Asserting Rights, Met With Resistance

Upon arriving at City Hall at 8:30 a.m., Ferguson hand-delivered a letter formally requesting clarification for the delay. He emphasized that, under the Kentucky Open Records Act, such a delay is only permissible with a written explanation citing specific reasons—none of which had been provided.

Rather than resolve the issue professionally, Ferguson says McAdams doubled down, stating she had spoken with her attorney, and that the 15-day delay was legal.

“She told me she knows the law and that’s just how things work,” Ferguson recounted. “I told her that if she failed to respond in writing, I would file a formal complaint with the Attorney General of Kentucky—which is the next legal step in the process. Her response was chilling: ‘I don’t care about that.’”

According to Ferguson, her tone became defensive and combative, signaling to him that this interaction was less about compliance and more about control.

“It was clear she was trying to exert authority she doesn’t have. The law doesn’t say a city clerk gets to delay access to records just because she wants to. She works for the people—not above them.”

A Professional Visit Turns Personal

Ferguson tried to de-escalate the situation by keeping the conversation focused on completing the transaction and retrieving the requested invoices and documents.

“I told her, ‘Let’s just do this. Just give me the documents and let’s both go about our day.’ But she wouldn’t let it go. She accused me of yelling—which I wasn’t—and tried to flip the situation on me,” he said.

It was at that point the exchange took a dramatic turn. McAdams reportedly raised her voice, shouting “LET ME FINISH!”, and continued to argue. That’s when Ferguson informed her that he was recording the interaction for his own protection.

“I told her very clearly—I am recording this conversation. Kentucky is a one-party consent state, and I don’t need her permission,” Ferguson explained. “And as a city employee acting in her official capacity, she has no expectation of privacy.”

Once McAdams realized she was being recorded, Ferguson says her tone changed “very quickly.”

“Her whole demeanor shifted. The arrogance disappeared. It’s amazing how people behave differently when they know they’re on the record.”

Abuse of Power or Misunderstanding?

To Ferguson, the incident was not just about delayed records—it was about a pattern of behavior from a public official who seems more interested in controlling access to information than serving the public.

“This is exactly the kind of behavior that erodes trust in local government,” he said. “We expect public servants to follow the law, communicate respectfully, and serve with humility. None of that happened here.”

Ferguson says he is preparing to file a formal complaint with the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office and will be including all documentation, communications, and audio recordings.

Understanding the Law

Under the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884), public agencies are required to respond to a request within five business days. If a delay is necessary, the agency must provide a detailed written explanation citing the specific reason for the delay and a firm date for when the records will be available.

Unjustified delays, evasive responses, or lack of communication violate the law and are grounds for administrative review by the Attorney General.

“The law is clear. The process is simple. What happened in City Hall wasn’t about law—it was about attitude and authority,” Ferguson said.

A Call for Respect and Reform

Ferguson has pledged to continue advocating for government transparency and citizen rights, both as a private individual and as a candidate for public office.

“No citizen should ever be treated with hostility for exercising their legal rights. Public records belong to the people—not to one city clerk,” he said.

As of this article’s publication, City Clerk Lynnette McAdams and the City of Muldraugh have not released a public statement regarding the incident. Ferguson, however, says this event underscores the need for stronger oversight and clearer expectations for those who serve in public roles.

“We don’t need people in City Hall who think they’re in control of the citizens. We need people who remember that they work for the citizens.”

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