Clermont County Commissioner
Biography:
Employed by Hamilton County for 35 years-mostly in management - Masters Degree in Public Administration - Served on Goshen School Board and Goshen Board of Trustees. First elected to the County Commission in 2018. Seeking a 3rd term. Currently leading the County America 250 celebration. Endorsed by the Republican Party.
Why are you seeking this office, and what motivates you to serve at this time?
My experience, education and conservative financial values makes me the best person to serve the citizens of Clermont. In my entire career, I have never voted to increase taxes. I will continue to be a guardian of all county resources. I have served as Trustee, School Board Member, and County Commissioner. I am the only Commissioner with this broad experience and education.
What professional or personal experiences best prepare you to understand the needs of small businesses and employers in Clermont County?
I serve on the Clermont County Port Authority and the County Community Development Corp. I have been very aggressive promoting development in the areas of the county that are outside Miami and Union Township. I come from a family of small business owners and understand their needs. Enhancement of infrastructure is a primary focus.
What are your top three policy priorities if elected, and what impact do you expect those policies to have on our region?
Economic Development - bringing in more businesses to Clermont which will bring more employment. Protecting our farmland from wind turbines and solar fields- and upgrading county personnel so that county government is more responsive to appropriate development in the rural areas.
What do you see as the most significant economic challenges facing Clermont County over the next four years, and how should government respond?
The potential for a loss of revenue if real estate taxes are voted down by the electorate. The legislature will be required to provide alternative taxing mechanisms. This new approach will require a great deal of study and adjustment. I believe my background will be needed to navigate these difficult waters.
How will you engage with the business community to ensure that taxes, fees, regulatory structures, and public services support long-term economic growth?
This is the reason the County Commissioners are so active with the County Chamber and other Chambers around the County. We also spend a great deal of our time attending every type of business in Clermont when they open or expand. Long term economic growth is my top priority.
Public trust and collaboration are essential in governing. How would you work with colleagues — including those with differing viewpoints — to advance meaningful policy solutions?
The County Commission is a 3 headed monster that is not unlike a Board of Trustees and School Board (5 heads). Our Commissioners have disagreements but we all seem to have the County best interest as a priority. My education and experience as a local government elected official allows me to provide a unique perspective to the Board of Commissioners.
What role should county government play in economic development and business attraction?
This is a question that has been debated for decades. If you are a "free market" Republican, you argue there is no role for government in private business. If you favor big government, you place a bigger burden on government to control growth. I fall in the middle. I believe in strong zoning laws while arguing against government being in businesses that competes with private industry. EXAMPLE: If government believes a gas station is needed in an area, should government purchase the land and make it available to someone that would build a gas station. I would vote against this as I believe that is for the free market to decide. However, I am fully supportive of assembling land parcels and providing infrastructure for a development like Purina that provides employment and tax revenue for the long run.
If voters approve substantial changes to the property tax system, how would you as a County Commissioner plan to maintain essential county services while ensuring long-term fiscal stability?
This question is impossible to answer as the legislature only allows for well defined revenue streams. Accordingly, the legislature will be required to provide for a mechanism to compensate for lost revenue. Property tax accounts for approximately 65% of local tax revenue. My history of NEVER voting for a tax increase allows me to carefully review any new tax structure and make the adjustments where possible. Undoubtedly the County will have to restrict spending. There will be tough choices ahead.
How will you balance growth, infrastructure investment, and quality of life in Clermont County?
Quality of life for the residents has always been a top priority. Accordingly I have carefully monitored growth with an eye on over-development. Additionally, it is important that county staff understand that all development is not necessarily "good" development. It is also important that our infrastructure continue to expand in the more rural areas of the county. This is especially true of broad band and sewers. I participate on the Port Authority and County CIC which allows for continued monitoring of county development.