Clermont County Auditor
Biography:
My love of Clermont County began in the mid 80’s working at my father’s IGA in Amelia. After receiving my Bachelor of Business Administration at Ohio University and beginning my professional career, my wife and I settled back in Clermont County in 1994 where we raised a family and have lived ever since. I retired from a long and successful career in the private sector and have since made it my mission to serve my community. I took a position in the Clermont County Auditor’s office as Deputy Auditor, and I have found my passion. Combining my decades-long experience in senior leadership with my hands on experience inside the Auditor’s office, I am prepared to meaningfully serve my community by providing responsible financial stewardship, professional leadership, protect property owners, safeguard taxpayer dollars and keep Clermont County financially strong and business friendly.
I’m proud to have earned the endorsement of longtime Clermont County Auditor Linda Fraley, who supports me in continuing the office’s tradition of integrity and fiscal responsibility. I’m also honored to have the support of the Fraternal Order of Police, who understand my commitment to strong public safety and responsible government.
Why are you seeking this office, and what motivates you to serve at this time?
I’m running for Clermont County Auditor because this office plays a critical role in protecting taxpayers, maintaining transparency, and ensuring our county remains financially strong.
As the only candidate currently working inside the Auditor’s Office, I see firsthand how sound financial management and accurate property valuation impact homeowners, businesses, local governments, and schools. Every day I work directly with taxpayers, local leaders, and business owners to solve problems related to valuation, financial oversight, and tax reform.
That experience has also allowed me to work alongside legislators and local officials to support property tax reform efforts and advocate for additional relief for homeowners and businesses.
I’m motivated to continue strengthening public trust, educating taxpayers with relevant information, and ensuring Clermont County remains a responsible and business-friendly place to live and work.
Because I am already working in the office and its systems, I am prepared to provide continuity of operations and experienced leadership on day one.
What professional or personal experiences best prepare you to understand the needs of small businesses and employers in Clermont County?
My career spans both the private sector and public service. I learned the value of hard work as a teenager in my father’s grocery store— Amelia IGA—where I learned customer service, accountability, and what it means to serve your neighbors
I spent decades in private-sector business leadership, financial management, and operations where budgeting, efficiency, performance, and long-term strategic planning were essential to success.
That background allows me to understand firsthand how government decisions affect employers and property owners.
Today, as Deputy County Auditor, I work directly with property owners, commercial taxpayers, and business operators to ensure fair valuations and clear processes. I understand that predictable costs, fair assessments, and responsive government are essential for businesses to grow, invest, and create jobs.
Because I’m the only candidate with both private-sector leadership experience and hands-on experience inside the Auditor’s Office, I bring a perspective that combines business practicality with operational knowledge of county government.
What are your top three policy priorities if elected, and what impact do you expect those policies to have on our region?
Taxpayer Understanding: Expanding access to clear, user-friendly financial information so taxpayers and businesses understand how property values are determined and how public dollars are used. I will improve access to clear, user-friendly financial information so taxpayers and businesses understand how tax dollars are spent so our county governments can be held accountable.
I will ensure taxpayers are afforded a fair and accurate property valuation process by ensuring assessments are consistent, defensible, and market-based so property owners and businesses can rely on predictable and fair valuations.
Efficient, Customer-Focused Service built on Smart Technologies: Continuing to modernize processes and improve responsiveness so residents and businesses receive timely, professional support from the Auditor’s Office.
These priorities strengthen trust in local government, create predictability for businesses, and help maintain a strong economic environment for investment and job creation in Clermont County.
Provide Steady Professional Leadership: As Deputy Auditor, I know that being Auditor is about leadership. The County Auditor is at the center of competing interests and needs a good communicator, steady decision maker and a strategic thinker to be effective. This office has been occupied for over 30 years, and I am the only candidate with experience running this office. I offer continuity, stability, and a seamless transition for our taxpayers, business owners, county officials and government entities.
These priorities strengthen trust, create predictability for businesses, and help maintain a strong economic climate.
What do you see as the most significant economic challenges facing Clermont County over the next four years, and how should government respond?
Rising costs, property value volatility, workforce pressures, and regulatory complexity present real challenges for both businesses and families. Property taxes in particular have become a growing concern for homeowners and employers.
Government must respond with fiscal discipline, predictable tax structures, and efficient services. The Auditor’s Office plays an important role by ensuring fair property valuations, transparent financial practices, and reliable data for policymakers.
By providing strong financial oversight and helping decision-makers understand the impacts of tax policies, the Auditor’s Office can support economic stability and help Clermont County remain competitive for investment and job creation.
How will you engage with the business community to ensure that taxes, fees, regulatory structures, and public services support long-term economic growth?
In my current role as Deputy Auditor of Outside Services, I maintain open communication with local governments, property owners, and business leaders.
I will continue working closely with the Chamber of Commerce and the business community to ensure concerns are heard and addressed. Providing clear guidance on valuation processes, offering educational resources, and maintaining accessibility within the Auditor’s Office will help businesses plan with confidence.
My private-sector background also allows me to bring a practical, business-minded approach to government operations, focusing on efficiency, responsiveness, and removing unnecessary barriers to growth.
Public trust and collaboration are essential in governing. How would you work with colleagues — including those with differing viewpoints — to advance meaningful policy solutions?
Public service requires professionalism, respect, and a commitment to results. As Auditor, I will continue working collaboratively with local officials, school districts, municipalities, and community stakeholders to ensure accurate data, fair processes, and responsible financial oversight.
The Auditor’s Office must also remain independent and impartial in overseeing county finances and the budgets of local governments and schools. Maintaining that independence ensures decisions are based on facts and financial data rather than politics.
By focusing on transparency, professionalism, and shared goals, we can build consensus and deliver solutions that benefit the entire community.
How will you ensure transparency, fairness, and accuracy in property valuation and tax administration?
Transparency and consistency are essential to maintaining confidence in the property tax system. Our mission is to ensure valuations are accurate and defensible, especially as Clermont County prepares for its next property reappraisal cycle.
Our team uses technology, field inspections, and nationally recognized IAAO valuation standards to determine property values. I support using proven and certified valuation methodologies, maintaining open records, and providing easy access to information so property owners understand how values are determined.
I will also ensure staff are well trained, appeals are handled fairly, and communication with taxpayers is timely and clear. Accuracy and fairness build trust in the system.
What steps would you take to improve communication between the Auditor’s Office and businesses regarding property assessments and tax processes?
I will continue prioritizing proactive communication through improved online resources, informational workshops, and direct outreach to commercial property owners.
Simplifying explanations, improving website tools, and providing clear points of contact within the Auditor’s Office will help businesses better understand assessment and tax processes. Clear communication allows businesses to plan and reduces confusion about how valuations and taxes are calculated.
How can the Auditor’s Office use data and technology to improve efficiency and public trust?
Modern technology can significantly improve accuracy, accessibility, and efficiency in government operations.
I support expanding online tools that allow property owners to review property data, improving digital access to records, and streamlining internal workflows to reduce processing time.
When taxpayers and businesses can easily access accurate information and government services are delivered efficiently, public confidence in government grows.
Closing Statement
Clermont County deserves an Auditor who combines real-world business experience with hands-on knowledge of the Auditor’s Office. As the only candidate currently serving inside the office, I understand the responsibilities of the position and the importance of protecting taxpayers while supporting a strong business climate.
I am honored to have earned the endorsement of Clermont County Auditor Linda Fraley and the support of the Fraternal Order of Police, organizations that recognize the importance of responsible leadership and strong communities.
Safe communities, strong law enforcement, and responsible financial oversight all work together to create the environment businesses need to grow and families need to thrive. As Auditor, I will work every day to ensure Clermont County remains fiscally responsible, business-friendly, and a great place to live and work.