Fort Thomas City Council (7 candidates, vote for 6)
Click on the candidate’s names to learn more about them:
INCUMBENTS
Jeff Bezold
Jeff Bezold is a lifelong resident of Fort Thomas and one of the longest serving members of council. He has three children in Fort Thomas schools and said he chose to stay in the city, not just because of the great school system, but also because of the strong sense of community.
He is chair of the council’s Parks and Greenspace Committee, and said the Tower Park playground upgrade has been a passion project of his. He is proud of the work of the city’s leaders and staff.
“We are one of the safest cities in the commonwealth, our police and fire have worked extremely hard at their craft to earn this badge of honor. Our public works do an amazing job keeping our public spaces, roadways, sidewalks, buildings and parks in great shape and safe. Our city staff runs like a well-oiled machine under the guidance of Mayor Haas and Matt Kremer (CAO). The city is in a great place financially, we are making smart decisions that not only affect the present but also the future.”
The city’s zoning update has been a lengthy but much needed project, he said.
“We started this project with the end goal to tighten up our very broad current zoning. Our broad zoning regulations left parts of the city exposed to business types that wouldn’t fit the area they would be in and overdevelopment of other areas. Attention to the current zoning needed to be addressed,” he said.
Council has worked closely with the staff, the Planning and Zoning Committee, and the city’s consultant, he said.
“We discussed potential property development and limiting the overall size, width and height to be consistent with our current and historic dimensions. With the incredible history in our city, we have hired an individual to ensure our historic districts remain true and intact for years to come,” he said.
“We have focused a lot on keeping density and intensity to a minimum. A priority of mine was to expand the opportunity for single family homes and keep our central business districts inline with what the citizens of the city want and need.”
Citizen input has been key, and he thanked the community for its participation and feedback.
The safe use of motorized vehicles, such as e-bikes and e-scooters, is a concern going forward. He does not want more laws, but would like training and certification for operators and parents, he said.
Bezold said he wants to see a service-focused professional approach to council.
“We, who hold a seat on council, need to treat our citizens and business owners with respect and compassion…As we move forward writing the history of our time in Fort Thomas there are many decisions and projects that need strong leaders. Leaders that take a common sense approach, receive and process feedback and gather as much information to make the best possible decision. Over the past 10 years on council these are guidelines that I have followed and will continue to follow,” he said.
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Adam Blau
Adam Blau joined Fort Thomas city council in 2019. He said he was inspired while working on his brother’s campaign and meeting city and state leaders who wanted to make a difference and give back to the community.
“I started off slowly, volunteering for the city and was eventually appointed to the Renaissance Board. From there I continued to grow my appreciation for what the time and dedication our public servants and volunteers gave to our city and wanted to do more.”
While the city’s zoning update has taken a lot of attention, Blau said he is proud to have been able to convince council to eliminate the individual assessments on homes for street resurfacing based on home frontage, something he said he’s been working on since joining the council.
Among the issues to be addressed, Blau said he was concerned the executive branch has used the comprehensive plan to initiate change in the community that does not align with what most want. He said he is concerned about the time and money spent on projects that are not producing the results promised.
As with all members of council, Blau has been intensely involved with the zoning update project.
“I would first like to take this opportunity to thank a group of dedicated citizens who have been extremely diligent over the last couple of years to be engaged and informed on what exactly has been going on. They have dedicated hundreds of hours of their personal time to making sure that the community is aware of this process along with making sure that we, as the council, hear from the community,” he said.
“Density causes intensity, and we do not have the infrastructure to handle a larger population,” he said. “We are going to hire outside council to review the zoning plan. This does not mean we can take a step back; we still need to keep our eye on the prize. And to me the prize is to protect our city from becoming something it was never meant to be.”
Going forward, he said, he would like to see more projects based on how city streets, parks and landscaping are managed and maintained.
“I would love to see a plan in place to finish what we started on North Ft Thomas Avenue, completing the project of burying the power lines through town and continuing that on South Fort Thomas Avenue to Woodfill Elementary,” he noted.
“I would like to see us focus more on making sure we have the most walkable, pleasant city to be in so that when you are here you feel like you can take your shoes off, let your hair down and forget the hustle and bustle of day-to-day grind. I want everyone here to come home and appreciate why they work so hard and enjoy the fruits of their labor and enjoy time with their family and friends… We have an incredibly special place here and I want to keep it that way.”
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Andy Ellison
Andy Ellison joined the Fort Thomas city council in 2023. He is the chair of the city’s Law Labor License Committee and serves on the Public Works and Recreation committees.
“We live in a charming bedroom community with great schools, neighborhoods and parks. I am running for reelection to make sure Fort Thomas stays that way. I have been blessed to have raised my children in a city that cares and supports their schools and youth as much as Fort Thomas does. I am committed to ensuring our city council makes sound, informed decisions to preserve what gives Fort Thomas its unique sense of neighborhood,” he said.
Ellison said there are a number of things he feels the city has done well recently — most notably the renovation of community’s city parks. He said he is also pleased with the collaboration between the city, the state and the school district in funding and bringing about the new community sports complex for all to enjoy. He’d like to see more such partnerships.
City government that is accountable to its residents through detailed budgets showing how their tax dollars are allocated and spent is also one of his goals.
“Creative approaches to financing are increasingly necessary to create access to amenities that support a high quality of life,” he said.
The city’s ongoing zoning project has been a challenging one — it’s about balancing growth, while also preserving the city’s existing character, he said.
“I feel that we are achieving this balance through thoughtful consideration and common sense. We must focus on what our community has, rather than what it does not have,” he said.
“Our existing/current zoning ordinance allows for a great deal of increased density. Increased density would undermine the safety and character of our city. The new/proposed zoning code reduces potential increased density in our central business district by more than half compared to our existing zoning code. I believe this update will have a positive effect on our city’s character, property values and safety for years to come.”
The most important thing moving forward, he said is to give the residents of Fort Thomas ample time to review the final draft. To ensure that happens, he suggests the city include a comprehensive review of significant changes by comparing the existing zoning code to the final draft.
“Getting our zoning update right is our top priority. This document will affect our community for years to come. It will affect public safety, historic preservation, and the general welfare of all residents,” he said.
“Long-term priorities need to include continued fostering of walkable and accessible amenities that allow residents to stay active and connected to the community. Also, putting utilities underground will enhance aesthetics, safety and durability. We are moving forward with undergrounding the utility poles in the Midway District from River Road to Grandview. I believe that continuing to underground utilities through the core of our city will greatly improve the charm and character of our city.”
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Lauren McIntosh
Lauren McIntosh joined the Fort Thomas city council in 2023. She said she feels the city has made great progress with improvements to city parks, public safety and other city projects.
“Fort Thomas has an incredible sense of community that I’ve always admired,” she said. “Our city prioritizes education, safety, parks, local businesses and history. We tackle problems head-on instead of ignoring them. I believe our city council, administration and staff are deeply committed to fostering this community spirit and going the extra mile to make Fort Thomas a great place to live.”
The zoning ordinance update is been the leading priority since she started in office but McIntosh said she’d been following the issue as a citizen before joining council.
“Although I closely followed the zoning project before running for city council, the last two years of my term have shed light not only how important it is we update it, but how meticulous we have to be on seeing this project through. We have spent countless hours making sure the decision we make today will shape the future we want for our city, all while preserving the past,” she said.
Citizen input has been a guiding force for McIntosh.
“We’ve had more public input and attendance at meetings than ever before. This gives me a clear understanding of what our community wants, and I’ll continue to prioritize these ideas,” she said. “We’ve made significant progress, with many positive changes proposed directly by community members, which is fantastic!,” she said.
“As we near the end, we must continue listening, communicating and keeping the big picture in mind. It’s a balancing act to ensure the community gets what it wants without overregulating and hindering positive development. Ultimately, we all want to preserve Fort Thomas’s history, charm and safety.”
McIntosh is also chair of the Public Safety Committee. In addition to the zoning ordinance update, she said the issue of scooters and pedestrian safety is a concern in the city.
“State law limits our options, but it’s a community concern that requires a community solution. We’re taking steps like educating students, adding bike lanes and installing “Walk Your Wheels” signs. However, we recognize that more needs to be done to make our city safe for everyone, including scooter users,” she said.
Managing growth while protecting the character of the community is a challenge going forward, she said. It’s a balancing act.
“Fort Thomas is becoming increasingly popular, thanks to improvements in parks, schools and public safety, along with new businesses. It’s important to manage growth carefully to preserve the community’s unique charm,” McIntosh said.
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Ben Pendery
Ben Pendery has served on Fort Thomas city council for four years. As chair of the Finance Committee, he is proud of the council’s decision not to raise property taxes this year.
“We have been diligent with our annual budget, and in my time as finance chair we have cleaned up how we allocate funds and worked hard to keep a tight and fiscally-responsible book,” he said.
He noted the city’s achievements in improving city parks and greenspaces and also said he was proud of the city’s staff, especially police and fire personnel.
The city zoning ordinance update has been an intense focus for council this year. Pendery said he has appreciated the community’s input and feels the council has listened and will continue to listen.
“The priorities in this project are simple: Develop an up-to-date code that protects what makes our community so exceptional without infringing upon the rights of property owners. We’ve heard and agree that added density is not something that we want in Fort Thomas. Everything we’ve done with the draft UDO [Unified Development Ordinance] has been to tighten our existing language and to protect and preserve all that makes Fort Thomas so unique and special,” he said.
Pendery said the project is indeed complex, but it is an important move for the city’s future.
“Opening the code brings all of the complexities of zoning public. The ‘sausage making’ process is not always simple or straightforward, so it is important to understand that from a protection/preservation standpoint we will be in a much better place as a city once we have passed the new UDO. I feel strongly that our work with the expert advisors, the Planning Commission and the community is and will benefit Fort Thomas for years to come.”
As the zoning project progresses towards completion, Pendery listed additional priorities for the coming year.
He said the city and community must work collaboratively to improve pedestrian, e-bike and scooter safety. He noted a step in that direction has been the implementation of the “Walk Your Wheels” program.
“There is more work to be done,” he added. “That includes improving parking in our business districts, resolving citizen issues more promptly and always looking inward with a critical eye for areas to capture improvement.”
Pendery noted two projects underway. The city is working closely with the school district to ensure safety as the new athletic complex in Tower Park takes shape. He said he also is looking forward to the development of Carlisle Park and its potential for the community.
Lastly, he emphasized teamwork as a key to a strong community.
“A final priority of mine is to continue to emphasize that we’re a team in Fort Thomas. Elected officials, city staff and the community are all bonded by the blessing of calling this place home. We need to support one another, buy local and have open dialogue about how we can continue to improve without compromising the quality of life that we’re all accustomed to.”
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Eric Strange
Eric Strange joined Fort Thomas City Council in 2023. He said he originally decided to run for council because he felt the city could benefit from thoughtful leadership that takes a thorough approach to decision making. He said he sees progress on that front but feels continuity is important.
“A number of projects have been completed or are underway that will further enhance the city’s reputation as an outstanding place to put down family roots. In the past couple years we’ve completed work on Riverside Park, and the new Tower Park playground is now open for all to enjoy. New pickleball courts are under construction and should be open this fall,” he said.
“Creative work is also being done by our staff with event planning, which helps foster a more vibrant atmosphere in the city, and importantly, provides support to our small businesses that choose to call Fort Thomas their home.”
He also noted changes in the city’s street resurfacing program that make the cost more equitable and how the city has been able to make improvements without raising taxes this year.
After several years, the city’s zoning ordinance update project is nearing completion.
“We’re in the final phase now and throughout the process many changes have been proposed that affect nearly the entire city. Council has already held three joint meetings with the Planning Commission to vet proposed changes. We have a plan in place that includes outside review by legal and historic consultants as well as an upcoming public hearing with residents. Once additional input is received, council will have the opportunity to review all proposed changes and to make adjustments before a final vote,” Strange said.
“I’ve had more conversations with residents about this topic since I’ve been on council than any other, by far. Overwhelmingly the feedback I’ve received is that residents love Fort Thomas for its small-town look and feel that gives it its unique charm. Over-development and resulting density are probably of greatest concern for residents. Historic preservation also tops the list…I share these concerns with the citizens of Fort Thomas and believe addressing them should be a high priority,” he added.
In the coming term, Strange said he’d like to see improvements in the area of street and sidewalk safety. He noted that council is working on the issue of e-bikes and scooters, but said more research and discussion is needed.
Clear communication across the community is key, he added.
“This includes communication between staff, council and commissions of the city as well as external communication with our residents,” said Strange. “I believe actions have been taken in this area and are evolving in a favorable manner, but certainly more can be done. Poor and ineffective communication in any organization often leads to misunderstanding, speculation and mistrust. This in turn wastes a lot of time and energy and over time erodes confidence. As I see it, building an ongoing culture of transparency and trust should be an important goal for our city.”
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CHALLENGER
Frances Anne Hoffman
Frances Hoffman is the owner of Alterations by Frances, a local business she has owned for 15 years. She is a longtime resident of Fort Thomas.
Her primary goal, she said, is in being a voice for her neighbors and community.
“My first order of business would be to make sure that I am representing what the citizens of Fort Thomas want their city to be,” she said.
She has been following the progress of the zoning update issue and said she wants to ensure the character of the city, all the qualities that make the city so popular, is kept intact.
“I believe, as the final phase of the city’s zoning issues approach, that the priority should be in maintaining the integrity of the amazing sleepy bedroom community that we all know and love. We are the city to emulate. I believe we must be very careful in allowing zoning changes that may compromise the very reasons we choose to live here,” she said.
Hoffman said she also is running because she wants to ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability in the city.
“The other priority that would top my list for the foreseeable future would be to reward our current citizens who have willingly paid premium prices to reside in a safe community with an amazing school system. In previous years, both property values and property tax rates have increased,” she said. “This has led to a surplus of city funds and an increase in unnecessary spending. We could avoid future tax increases with the knowledge that our increasing property values will ensure necessary levels of city revenue and we could be more selective in our spending.”
She concluded by noting her commitment to Fort Thomas.
“While I am not from Fort Thomas, I married a hometown boy, Rick Hoffman, and we have lived here for 36 years. We raised our children here, and I can think of no better place to live. I am running for city council because I believe it is important to give back to the community that we have been a part of for so many years by helping to be a voice for its citizens,” she said.