Candidate for
County Commissioner; County of Hamilton; Democratic Party

Why Brownie for the County?

I decided to run for Hamilton County Commissioner after watching the significant focus change within our county. I believe Downtown Cincinnati is important to the health of the county, but not at the expense of ignoring the majority of citizens who live outside the Cincinnati city limits. While we see all the construction and money spent on the riverfront, we are seeing cuts in basic services in the rest of the county.

The primary difference between me and my opponents is a serious issue, and comes down to essential experience. My training in government administration comes from managing a Township, where we balance the budget and operate prudently. My opponents received their experience from the City of Cincinnati, certainly a different approach to fiscal management. With 14 years experience as a Township Trustee, I understand the limitations of a government which does not have ordinance making authority. A limited form of government can economically and efficiently serve the people. County government is all about basic services, which are being cut to the people and businesses it serves.

We must bring a balance to basic services, economic development, and fairness to all the residents of Hamilton County, not just downtown. The County Commission desperately needs the diversity of representation from outside Cincinnati City Council. I will bring a fresh perspective in management and representation to the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners.

Return to basic government

County government was designed by the legislature to take care of the basic needs of the people. Public safety, roads, the court system, jails, public works, social services, elections, and more. Here in Hamilton County, we had done that for over two centuries. In the 1990s, this county took a different path, it (we) became a landlord for two sports teams. This is a path that we can't afford and may bankrupt the county. While we scramble to fund this moneypit, we cut basic services to the people of Hamilton County. Laying off Sheriff patrolman to support sports teams is the wrong priority.

We must return county government to its original design. Basic services. My 14 years as Township Trustee gives me a perspective on what basic government should be. This will be difficult and it will take time, but we need to start it now. The Reds and Bengals have an ironclad deal (signed by former commissioners), but must share in the solution. My goal as commissioner is to return Hamilton County to fiscal solvency, return the county to a path of supporting basic services to all the people in Hamilton County. Fiscal responsibility to support public safety and basic services must return to the County Commission. That is my top priority.