By Travis Gettys
Enquirer contributor

LUDLOW - Voters defeated a property tax increase for schools known as the "nickel growth tax" on Tuesday, 509-367.

The proposal, which would have raised property taxes by five cents for each $100 of assessed value, sparked heated debate since it landed on the ballot after a petition drive this month.

Supporters said the tax increase would pay for needed school repairs and upgrades, but opponents accused school officials of reckless spending.

The tax would have added about $43 a year to the tax bill for a $75,800 home. It would have generated about $75,000 a year.

After a man was arrested last week and accused of violating election laws, Kenton County sheriff's deputies monitored the city's four polling places for irregularities.

Edward C. Lucas, 40, of Ludlow, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to offering beer in exchange for the "no" vote of Tim Grogan, an 18-year-old student at Ludlow High School. Police said in court documents that Lucas also threatened to slash Grogan's tires and egg his house if he voted for the increase.

Dyana Fox, 17, was named by police as a witness to the conversation. On Tuesday, Fox told the Enquirer that Lucas' comments had been taken out of context.

Grogan was visiting her house at the time, and Lucas, who lives nearby, had stopped for a chat, Fox said. Lucas asked Grogan if he was old enough to vote. Grogan said he was, Fox recalled.

"In a joking manner, (Lucas) said, 'Whoever ends up voting yes may end up having slashed tires and windows broken out, because a lot of people are against this,' " Fox said. In her opinion, she said, the comment was not directed at anyone in particular.

Fox also confirmed that Lucas told Grogan he would buy him a 12-pack, but she said that comment was also made jokingly.

Lucas said he asked businesses this month to remove pro-increase fliers from their windows, but he disputes allegations that he tried to intimidate business owners.

"I'm not out to harm no one," he said.

Stephanie Wallace, an employee at Flower Basket florist, said Lucas came into the store just after pro-increase supporters, and asked her to remove the flier they had left behind.

"He was very nice about it," Wallace said.

An employee at Reeves Fruit Market said Lucas warned her not to hang a flier in support of the tax.

"He came in and said that if we put one up we would be boycotted," said Robin Webb.

Drawing the line

Kenton County Commonwealth Attorney Bill Crockett said such actions are difficult to prosecute because of First Amendment rights.

"Where do you draw the line?" he said. "Is that intimidation or is that just politics?"

Officials expressed surprise that voter turnout, which was 34.5 percent, was not much higher than what Ludlow sees in most elections.

"I really thought they would vote in the 50 percent range," said Kenton County Clerk Bill Aylor.

Opponents of the increase blanketed the town Monday night with letters that accused school officials of supporting a top-heavy administration and paying some teachers excessive salaries.

Kristy Seither cited that letter among the reasons she voted against the tax hike.

"I think we need to teach our kids fiscal responsibility," Seither said.

"Part of that is taking what you have and making the most of it."

School officials, however, dispute some claims made by opponents, saying that state law prohibits money raised by the increase to be used for any purpose besides school construction.

"It's kind of sad to know that people will make up their mind over something that's untrue," said Elizabeth Grause, superintendent of Ludlow Independent Schools.

Karen Gutierrez of the Enquirer contributed.