Taylor Mill is a city of approximately 6,800 residents in northeastern Kenton County. Its government operates under a commission-style format, where voters elect a group of commissioners who serve as the city’s legislative and policymaking body.
Taylor Mill’s City Commission is comprised of four commissioners and the mayor. Together, the legislative body is responsible for approving local tax rates and budget, developing strategic plans, considering major projects and progressing community goals.
In Taylor Mill, commissioners are elected every two years, according to the city government’s website.
Taylor Mill City Commission (6 candidates, vote for 4)
Click on the candidate’s names to learn more about them:
Caroline Braden
Caroline Braden is a current city commissioner and was first elected in 2018. She’s lived in Taylor Mill since 1992.
Braden has a background in nursing, working as the head nurse at Shriners Burn Institute. She’s also served on the National Board of Directors for the Center for Justice and Democracy in New York City and managed the Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati’s Medical Navigator Program in four Northern Kentucky Hospitals.
In an email interview with LINK nky, Braden identified that one of the most pressing issues facing Taylor Mill is protecting the safety and well-being of the city’s residents. This includes supporting the city’s police department, firemen/women and public works employees.
Braden highlighted road management, business growth and expansion, zoning issues, taxes, and revenues as other important issues facing Taylor Mill.
Braden said her background in advocacy, education and years of experience serving as commissioner provides her with the necessary tools to help lead Taylor Mill toward the future.
Ed Kuehne
Ed Kuehne was first elected to the Taylor Mill City Commission in 2009. Since then, he’s served nonconsecutive terms. He was reelected to the commission in 2022.
Kuehne has been a Taylor Mill citizen since 1988. Professionally, he worked as an electrical equipment procurement specialist for General Electric for 12 years. After that, he left to create Power Distribution Services – a Power service company. The company was sold 17 years later and CE Power Solutions was created. It, too, was eventually sold.
In an email interview with LINK nky, Kuehne said these years of company ownership taught him how to run a successful business, something he believes is transferable to city governance. Keuhne first decided to run for office because he felt he could use his past experiences to positively impact the city.
Kuehne said some of the most significant issues facing Taylor Mill are repairing or replacing multiple city roads, aggressively recruiting new businesses and restaurants, and retaining the city’s current employees while recruiting new hires.
Mark Kreimborg
Mark Kreimborg has an extensive career in public service. He was first elected to the Taylor Mill City Commission in 1985, and he previously served as mayor. He was reelected to the commission in 2017. Additionally, he served as Kenton County’s deputy judge/executive for a few years.
Professionally, Kreimborg worked as a territory manager in the medical sales industry for over 30 years. He first decided to run for public office because of his extensive roots in Taylor Mill, where he’s lived for over 60 years.
In an email interview with LINK nky, Kreimborg touted the city’s accomplishments throughout his tenure in office, including creating Pride Park, the community Recreation Committee and the city’s full-time police, fire, and public works departments.
Kreimborg said Taylor Mill must continue to improve its streets and monitor growth within the city in a controlled way.
Daniel Murray
Daniel Murray was first elected to the Taylor Mill City Commission in 2007. According to the city’s website, he’s been a resident for over 34 years.
Before moving to Taylor Mill, Murray served in the United States Air Force. After his time in the military, Murray worked at the United States Postal Service, retiring after 41 years. He delivered mail in Taylor Mill for over 20 years.
Since 2009, Murray has served as the Taylor Mill Fire Commissioner. He regularly volunteers with the Taylor Mill Recreation Department and assists the Maintenance Department. He also represents the city on the Planning Development Services of Kenton County Board.
Murray notes several projects he was proud to be involved in, including creating the Pride Park and the Pride Parkway. He’s also proud of the growth of the city’s fire department, which has grown from one full-time employee to a combination of two or three full-time employees plus one part-time staff per shift.
Rose Merritt
Rose Merritt has lived in Taylor Mill for 39 years and is a small business owner and former commissioner. Merrit previously served as commissioner from 2019 to 2022.
In an email interview with LINK nky, Merritt said she decided to run for public office to give back to the community now that her children are grown.
Merritt said her experience as a small business owner has acquainted her with budgets, accounting, and managing employees. She also values customer service and negotiation.
If elected, one of Merritt’s primary goals is to pursue commercial development in Taylor Mill’s Business District while also working to maintain the city’s “small town feel.” Additionally, Merritt wants to help the city control spending while increasing revenues through commercial development.
Merritt said she wants to dedicate herself to continuing Taylor Mill’s public services, including supporting the police, fire, and public works departments.
Stuart Bowns
Professionally, Stuart Bowns was a part owner of an international infrastructure assessment company that performs engineering and field operations across multiple states and foreign countries. In the public sector, Bowns is a member of the Taylor Mill Board of Adjustments. He’s also a veteran of the United States Army.
In an email interview with LINK nky, Bowns said he decided to run for public office because he’s traveling less for his job, allowing him more time to dedicate to public service. Bowns said his job as an infrastructure investor will enable him to interact with public officials regularly, collaboratively working on developing goals, budgets and schedules.
Bowns classified Taylor Mill as “primarily a bedroom community.” As such, he believes the city must focus on effectively communicating with its residents, being fiscally responsible in regards to spending, and having an eye toward the future.
Bowns said he hoped his run for public office would inspire other Taylor Mill residents to get involved in the community.
