Eight candidates are vying for six seats on the Fort Thomas City Council this November. With only three incumbents in the mix, at least half of the next council will be new faces. As part of LINK nky’s efforts to keep our community informed and prepared for the upcoming elections, we asked each candidate the same seven questions. Here are their questions and answers.
Jeff Bezold (incumbent)
1. Why are you running for this office, and what would be your top priority if elected?
On City Council I bring a commonsense approach to move the city forward in a conservative way.
2. With heightened concern around the region related to pedestrian and cyclist safety, what do you think should be done to improve this area in your city?
Our city is one that encourages outdoor activities. On any given day you will see multiple people running, walking or biking. The addition of electric scooters has added a new variable to our active city and I’m going to assume your question is regarding the attention some of the electric scooter riders have caused. Most of these riders are following the rules, but there have been some that need a lesson in safety and the proper way to use the machine. The city has laws in place to address public safety concerns and a very good Police Department that enforces them. Community education is key, and the education of our younger generation starts at home.
3. Cities have benefited from federal funds to recover from the pandemic, but that one-time cash infusion is unlikely to happen again. What steps should be taken to ensure that the city remain on strong financial footing?
We have had and will continue to have a strong financial footing due to our conservative spending and smart approach to prioritizing spending/projects. Pre-pandemic the city was in a strong financial footing, and there is no indication this will change after receiving the ARPA funds. To go one step further, most of the ARPA funds are going to projects that were already scheduled or planned to schedule for completion that would have been paid out of city funds.
4. Access to affordable housing in Northern Kentucky, as well as across the country, is increasingly a challenge. What role do you see the city government playing in addressing these concerns?
Housing costs are determined by fair market value. Fortunately, Fort Thomas has always had a consistent housing market. This is due to a multitude of things including but not limited to, a very well-run city and an excellent school system. I don’t believe any government entity should dictate which type of housing our city has to offer or play a part in fair market value.
5. What are the most significant infrastructure concerns in your city, and what should be done to address them?
We have a living plan to handle infrastructure issues, therefore I don’t see any concerns that need to be addressed.
Our parks are incredible and only getting better, we are actively redesigning the main play area in Tower Park (and taking suggestion from the public on amenities they would like to see included).
Our city is very well maintained by our top-notch Public Works department.
Our street program allows us to address the streets that are in need of repair or resurface.
Our city building is being remodeled after its 50 years, as opposed to being torn down and a new structure being built.
There may be some one-off situation that could be addressed, but as a whole we are in great shape.
6. Communications and transparency have long been a discussion topic in the city and a frequent concern of residents. How would you improve council communications?
Times are changing, advancements in communication are all around us. People don’t receive information the same way they did years ago. The city has always met the state statue requirements on communication, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do more. Improving our communication is a top priority for staff and is much better than “just meeting the minimum requirement.” There is no form of communication that will reach everyone; print, digital, website, social media are all ways we use to communicate. There are more improvements to come, an example would be an opt in/out email system. With all the effort the staff makes to reach as many as people as possible, individuals still need to take it upon themselves and proactively research topics they have interest in such as meeting dates (which are typically the same day/time each month).
7. The city is undergoing a review of its zoning ordinance and has pushed it into 2023 so the new council can be involved in the full discussion. How will you approach this review, and what would you like to see addressed in the discussion?
There is a process that needs to be followed to ensure we have the proper zoning that aligns with Fort Thomas in its current and future states. Zoning changes can be good or bad depending on the outcome of changes and those affected. If the zoning review process suggests any zoning changes I will only support changes that tighten up the zoning, which gives the city more control over future developments.
Adam Blau (incumbent)
1. Why are you running for this office, and what would be your top priority if elected?
I decided to run for re-election for Fort Thomas City Council to continue to give back to the community that has given so much to me. I take my job as councilman very seriously and put in the time to do the job right. My track record on council speaks for itself. It makes me proud to say I am from Fort Thomas, and I want to help our city maintain its high esteem in our region.
Currently my top priority is fighting to stop any changes to our zoning ordinances that would allow our historic single family homes to be destroyed for multi-family or apartments. Not only do I want to preserve our history, we as a city don’t have the infrastructure to handle a larger population.
2. With heightened concern around the region related to pedestrian and cyclist safety, what do you think should be done to improve this area in your city?
For now I am focused on the issues we face with electric scooters and electric bicycles. Technology moves so fast, it can be difficult for the laws to keep up. With the rate of speed these machines can travel and the amount of them that are on the road and/or the sidewalk they truly are dangerous and need to be regulated. I want to focus on ways we can keep the riders and the public safe with regulation.
3. Cities have benefited from federal funds to recover from the pandemic, but that one-time cash infusion is unlikely to happen again. What steps should be taken to ensure that the city remain on strong financial footing?
We are very fortunate we live in such a wonderful and generous city. Our citizens really step up when needed to help with anything that can not be covered by the city or schools through either fundraisers or personal donations. As far as what the city needs to do, for me, it is all about our infrastructure. It is very important that we continue to make sure Fort Thomas stays healthy, beautiful and accessible to ensure the values of our homes continue to grow. We need to be cautious to make sure we don’t spend tax dollars on unnecessary amenities or projects that don’t add any value to our city. We need to concentrate on the needs of our city and not the wants.
4. Access to affordable housing in Northern Kentucky, as well as across the country, is increasingly a challenge. What role do you see the city government playing in addressing these concerns?
I personally think there are plenty of affordable houses to buy or rent and apartments to rent. In life you don’t always get what you want, so if you have to give up a little on size or amenities to ensure your children have an opportunity for not only a great education but life-long friendships, then you sacrifice a little for their future.
5. What are the most significant infrastructure concerns in your city, and what should be done to address them?
There are a few things, but I really believe we need a better schedule for simple maintenance around town. Painting the curbs and doing the mulch beds the day before the 4th of July parade is unacceptable, in my opinion. To me, the city is currently focused too much on ensuring One Highland and the Central Business District will work and missing other issues around town. Riggs Park, for example, should be a priority, it’s one of the first things you see when coming into town. When enough small things fall to the wayside they add up, start to show and are harder to catch up on. I also believe we put the cart before the horse a lot, and it costs us more in the long run because we do not have our ducks in a row prior to approving projects. We need to make sure we have everything lined up prior to approving anything and that simply has not been the case the last few years.
6. Communications and transparency have long been a discussion topic in the city and a frequent concern of residents. How would you improve council communications?
I do believe we have grown significantly with the area since I have been on board but there is still a lot of room for improvement. I volunteered for a board where we chose a group who is currently working on a common message for our city and helping to bring us up to speed with communication so the public is able to find the answer they need quickly. I tell people all the time, “Whether you agree with how I vote or not, I want to make sure you have the information about why I made that decision.”
7. The city is undergoing a review of its zoning ordinance and has pushed it into 2023 so the new council can be involved in the full discussion. How will you approach this review, and what would you like to see addressed in the discussion?
I do believe you need some change over time if you want to stay relevant, but from what I have read this overall proposal is ridiculous and only benefits a few. Any change in zoning from single family to multi-family or apartments is off the table. We do not have the infrastructure to handle a bigger population. We also need to make sure it preserves the historical aspects of town.
Kevin Duke
1. Why are you running for this office, and what would be your top priority if elected?
Put quite simply, I am running for City Council to serve our incredible community that has given me so much in life. As a native to Fort Thomas, I understand how wonderful our city is, and I believe that passionate residents are needed to serve the city. My top priority when elected will be to ensure opportunities for our residents to participate in the process as we continue to move our city forward by modernizing and diversifying our communication methods (and publicizing those modern methods that already exist) with a goal toward extreme transparency. There are critical issues our city faces, and it is imperative that residents are well-informed and given every opportunity to engage in those. As a servant leader for our city, I will work to ensure we remain good stewards of taxpayer monies while ensuring viable and value-added projects, such as parks and green space improvement, infrastructure and community safety, are moving forward.
2. With heightened concern around the region related to pedestrian and cyclist safety, what do you think should be done to improve this area in your city?
The city should work toward improving safety in both a short-term and long-term manner. In the short-term, we need to enforce the ordinances that exist to protect the safety of pedestrians and motorists alike, including age restrictions on scooters and e-bikes, traffic laws to ward against erratic behaviors and similar actions. Additionally, we should partner with the schools to better educate students on safe use including the use of helmets, those same ordinances and possible repercussions related to unsafe or illegal usage. This should begin in the middle and high schools in the city and should be included for parents’ benefit in the newsletter to ensure these same discussions are being held at home. In the long-term, we should be seriously reviewing traffic patterns, speed limits and intersections for further or different safety equipment including lights, lighted crosswalks and speed humps. Additionally, we should review the possibility of adding bike lanes, and the impact to traffic that may have, to be sure we make an educated and responsible decision.
3. Cities have benefited from federal funds to recover from the pandemic, but that one-time cash infusion is unlikely to happen again. What steps should be taken to ensure that the city remain on strong financial footing?
The city’s finances are already on solid footing with plenty currently in reserves and the overwhelming budget areas coming in at or under budget, with only a few exceptions. However, as we push to execute in different areas of the comprehensive plan, we certainly need to ensure those decisions are accompanied by long-term financial analysis and planning. A lot of concern has been shared regarding the financing and tax deferments for the One Highland project and not having been directly involved, I cannot speak to that specifically. But I would work to ensure that all decisions made by council have long-term financial solvency in mind. In a year where the full allowable 4% tax increase was passed despite the PVA assessments, which increased Fort Thomas residents’ tax liability, this is an important issue.
4. Access to affordable housing in Northern Kentucky, as well as across the country, is increasingly a challenge. What role do you see the city government playing in addressing these concerns?
Most of the factors that drive housing costs are out of our control at the local level. One of the most important things we can do is focus on customer service and lowering the cost of doing business. This means that as a city we need to be expeditious in turning around permits and inspections. We need to ensure that our zoning and building codes are sensible, efficient and contain only value-added requirements. In addition, we need to remember the city is on solid financial footing and seek to set tax rates at what is needed to run the city. This will help lower the overall cost of home ownership; encouraging owner-occupied housing units in the city as much as possible is a goal of mine.
5. What are the most significant infrastructure concerns in your city, and what should be done to address them?
Parking. Our businesses have a major lack of easy on or off-street parking which makes it difficult on them. Those parking lots that do exist in the Creative Arts District and Midway are not well-known and poorly advertised. Additionally, from the parking lots to the businesses, there are no clear walkways or crosswalks. Finding parking solutions in those two areas would be a major boost to those businesses. There are, of course, other challenges we face such as availability of public wi-fi throughout the town, aging and decaying streets, and aging parks that require attention, all of which I hope to address as a council member.
6. Communications and transparency have long been a discussion topic in the city and a frequent concern of residents. How would you improve council communications?
Firstly, I would highly publicize the communications that are already in place. For example, there is a Fort Thomas mobile app that I believe very few people know about. It lists all the public events, meetings and other important information for residents to know. It’s great! But if few use it, it does not serve its purpose. Secondly, similar to the survey that just came out for the city’s rebrand, I would utilize more direct surveys to engage with all our residents. I would also encourage more direct phone-call surveys to gauge public opinion on different matters. Finally, a redesign of our city website is needed to make it easier to find meeting schedules, minutes and city-wide information, and we need to ensure that everything is posted publicly and expediently.
7. The city is undergoing a review of its zoning ordinance and has pushed it into 2023 so the new council can be involved in the full discussion. How will you approach this review, and what would you like to see addressed in the discussion?
Most importantly in this review is engagement and transparency with the residents. I believe there is a lot of misunderstanding about the current zoning ordinance and the process and current proposal. The ordinance as it currently stands is decades old and allows for a wide variance of form and appearance for buildings, so long as it complies with the function required for that zone. It is important to review and update the current ordinance. However, the proposal that is circulating is unclear as to what types of businesses, residential, construction, etc., will be allowed in different areas of the city. I believe we need to ensure clarity in intent of this new ordinance and be sure that the changes made serve the purpose of supporting existing neighborhoods, preserving the “City of Beautiful Homes” moniker and supporting businesses all while allowing for continued growth of our city. Through listening with the intent to understand the experts and engaging directly with our residents, I am confident we can accomplish this task.
Vickie Ellis
1. Why are you running for this office, and what would be your top priority if elected?
My top priorities include safety (addressed in the questions below), representation, communication and preservation. I have lived on the south end of town for 38 of my 46 years here, and I am the only candidate who lives next to the Highway 27 corridor and south end, which could be impacted by the community plan. Having city council representatives from all areas of the city benefits us all.
I believe my background in the communicating arts and nonprofit sector will be beneficial to improving our relationship with residents and can help foster a boots-on-the-ground approach to listening and addressing their concerns. It aids transparency and helps rebuild trust in our leadership and planning for the future.
I also support more research and the adoption of an historical overlay to ensure preservation of our buildings that connect our history and sense of place.
2. With heightened concern around the region related to pedestrian and cyclist safety, what do you think should be done to improve this area in your city?
We need to assess how our traffic and vehicle usage has changed and continues to evolve, especially with the development of our DORA districts. The types of vehicles on our streets have changed significantly, too, with the addition of golf carts and low-power options. Do we really need four-lane traffic in some areas of town, or would we not be better served with bike lanes that can better accommodate current modes of transportation? We also need to address accessible parking and ADA compliance within our business districts while ensuring safe sidewalk access for all. As the spouse of one with disabilities, we regularly encounter issues in navigating sidewalks and businesses that we enjoy. I would also like to explore the feasibility of bike patrols within our business districts. This could lead to better enforcement through interaction and education of best practices with safe transportation.
3. Cities have benefited from federal funds to recover from the pandemic, but that one-time cash infusion is unlikely to happen again. What steps should be taken to ensure that the city remain on strong financial footing?
The pandemic funding was very helpful in sustaining our community and improved our public parks and businesses during an unusually difficult time. Our fiscal responsibility will be necessary to maintain our projections for a healthy budget and distribution of funds to our most critical needs.
4. Access to affordable housing in Northern Kentucky, as well as across the country, is increasingly a challenge. What role do you see the city government playing in addressing these concerns?
What is happening in Newport right now is a reminder that we need to be proactive in reviewing and adapting ordinances regarding property management and zoning for future development. The city’s long-term vision should have influence and involvement with significant changes in ownership and development. We have a great mix of rental property types throughout town, and we need to be vigilant in our approach to how we are involved in weighing the benefits of opportunities and the effects on families.
5. What are the most significant infrastructure concerns in your city, and what should be done to address them?
We have ongoing conversations with the water district, and there are concerns of storm water collection and other issues that affect our city’s streets and neighborhoods that I hope can be addressed.
Our traffic flow and safety are another concern for patrons and pedestrians, especially within the business and DORA districts. For instance, the south area of the Midway District contains an artery of work traffic traveling from Highway 27 to River Road. I would like to see a review and design proposals that allow good traffic flow at a safer speed through this area.
We also need to add EV charging options as part of our development plans to accommodate those who travel to our business districts.
6. Communications and transparency have long been a discussion topic in the city and a frequent concern of residents. How would you improve council communications?
Communication is key to inclusion and well-informed decision-making, and providing it in a timely or proactive manner allows for more participation and involvement. Posting meeting agendas earlier and building opt-in text or email alerts would allow people to be better informed and increase transparency. The addition of an IT/Communications Manager would not only help expedite the communication process, it could also help secure our server from security breaches that many of our neighboring cities have had to endure. I also think that casual “Coffee with Council” conversations and public forums can be added as ways to engage and address concerns.
7. The city is undergoing a review of its zoning ordinance and has pushed it into 2023 so the new council can be involved in the full discussion. How will you approach this review, and what would you like to see addressed in the discussion?
In the years that have followed since the community plan was initiated, our world has changed in many ways. A thorough review is necessary to assess our current and future stability as one of the most desirable, livable communities in Northern Kentucky. I personally have questions and concerns about the inclusion and management of short-term rental usage and how that affects our neighborhoods with everything from transient behavior to congestion and parking issues, especially within school zones. But since most of the zoning changes would affect properties as they change hands, we have legitimate concerns to address for the future. Our vision must remain one of economic vibrancy within a city rich with history, beautiful homes, tree-lined streets and wooded trails that maintain our identity.
Andy Ellison
1. Why are you running for this office, and what would be your top priority if elected?
Developers are getting a free ride as we get overburdened with traffic and displacement all while the city as a whole benefits little. I am running for Fort Thomas City Council because I believe we can do a better job of preserving what gives Fort Thomas its unique sense of neighborhood and great schools. My loyalty will lie with the neighborhoods and taxpayers.
2. With heightened concern around the region related to pedestrian and cyclist safety, what do you think should be done to improve this area in your city?
We can improve pedestrian and cyclist safety by using education and enforcement together. We have a responsibility to ensure that the public is aware of safety laws and regulations and that the laws are enforced.
3. Cities have benefited from federal funds to recover from the pandemic, but that one-time cash infusion is unlikely to happen again. What steps should be taken to ensure that the city remain on strong financial footing?
By adhering to a fiscally responsible budget Fort Thomas can remain financially strong. Our rainy day fund should be designed with clear objectives on how much financial cushion will be needed in the event of an emergency or downturn. If our revenue is exceeding our budget and our rainy day fund is funded, we should be lowering taxes.
4. Access to affordable housing in Northern Kentucky, as well as across the country, is increasingly a challenge. What role do you see the city government playing in addressing these concerns?
The lack of affordable housing has been created by unbalance growth and development. Affordable housing is being removed and not enough is being added. Sustainable urban development can be achieved through a regional development approach. All cities that have adequate public transportation, available jobs and community services have a common goal of increasing the amount of affordable housing to the region. A town like Fort Thomas would not be able to support an affordable housing development.
5. What are the most significant infrastructure concerns in your city, and what should be done to address them?
Undergrounding the electric poles through the center of town added more to the city than anything. I believe we should continue to underground the electric poles on South Fort Thomas Avenue to the Midway District and on North Fort Thomas Avenue to the Inverness District.
6. Communications and transparency have long been a discussion topic in the city and a frequent concern of residents. How would you improve council communications?
In order to increase the transparency, accountability and effectiveness of the city government we need broader avenues for civic engagement. I will ensure that neighborhoods will have their own input in the decisions that are being made by the city council.
7. The city is undergoing a review of its zoning ordinance and has pushed it into 2023 so the new council can be involved in the full discussion. How will you approach this review, and what would you like to see addressed in the discussion?
We need to take a step back and review the comprehensive plan before any changes to the zoning ordinance are made. The proposed zoning changes will permanently change our city. Any proposed zoning change should include a comprehensive comparative study describing the affects of the proposed changes.
Lauren McIntosh
1. Why are you running for this office, and what would be your top priority if elected?
I am a firm believer that state and local politics are some of the most effective ways to make an impact that directly affects our everyday lives. By getting involved, we can truly make a difference in our communities and see policies in action. My top priority is to be an advocate for the residents of Fort Thomas. I will ensure their voices are heard, and communication is transparent.
2. With heightened concern around the region related to pedestrian and cyclist safety, what do you think should be done to improve this area in your city?
It is one thing to create policies that protect our pedestrians and cyclists, but it is another to enforce it. We must have strict enforcement policies and make it a top priority that they are reasonably enforced. Communicating with our police officers, as well as feedback from pedestrians and cyclists, is imperative.
3. Cities have benefited from federal funds to recover from the pandemic, but that one-time cash infusion is unlikely to happen again. What steps should be taken to ensure that the city remain on strong financial footing?
As a local business owner myself, I have come to find that state and local grants are a huge help during this uncertain time. Providing such funds, and making the application process manageable, can be a great way to keep our economy strong. I also believe in the “shop local” mind set. I think there is more the city can do to provide marketing and “shop around town” opportunities to these businesses. I also believe that a thorough, continuous review of our finances and financial decisions is necessary to ensure that we are not wastefully spending our residents’ tax dollars.
4. Access to affordable housing in Northern Kentucky, as well as across the country, is increasingly a challenge. What role do you see the city government playing in addressing these concerns?
I have researched other cities that are implementing their own housing finance agencies. This could be a way for Fort Thomas to generate our own mortgages, which in return, a way to reinvest profits back into these entities — basically creating more subsidies down the road to offer home buyers. I think this is an interesting process to explore and a way for Fort Thomas to create its own program to provide affordable housing in the future.
5. What are the most significant infrastructure concerns in your city, and what should be done to address them?
There is no doubt Fort Thomas infrastructure needs to be on the top of everyone’s priority list. We have made significant changes to our city over the last few years that has drastically changed the flow of our town. We need to be strategic moving forward in order to manage this problem — whether its putting a halt on multi-unit apartments in certain areas, creating safer and efficient traffic stops or designing an area that is “new” but also upholds the historical and “small town” vibe that makes our city special.
6. Communications and transparency have long been a discussion topic in the city and a frequent concern of residents. How would you improve council communications?
This has been the biggest feedback I’ve received while on the campaign trail. We must make communication transparent and easily accessible — and that includes the city of Fort Thomas website, social media marketing and even our “grassroots” marketing material. The majority of people I have talked to said they would recommend bringing in a communication expert to renovate the website, which I agree needs to be revamped. City Council should also lock arms with local business owners, city administrators and our residents to provide feedback moving forward on what seems to work and what doesn’t so we can put forth a plan on clear communication throughout the city.
7. The city is undergoing a review of its zoning ordinance and has pushed it into 2023 so the new council can be involved in the full discussion. How will you approach this review, and what would you like to see addressed in the discussion?
I am happy to hear that this will be put on hold until 2023. I will approach this review with an open mind and promise to give due consideration to all viewpoints. I will weigh the pros and cons of all options and make an informed vote when the time comes based on what I believe is best for our city. What I want to see addressed is simple. I want the facts/data, I want to hear from our residents and I want to have a meaningful discussion of the impacts of our decision, both short-term and long-term impacts. This is the only way to ensure each council member can make an informed vote based on the best interests of our city.
Ben Pendery (incumbent)
1. Why are you running for this office, and what would be your top priority if elected?
I am running to represent Fort Thomas for a second consecutive term for reasons not unlike why I decided to seek this position two years ago. We’re blessed to live in a safe, thriving city with access to the best schools in the state, an abundant and improving parks system, and neighbors who share the values of family, community and tradition. As I raise my own (new) family in town, I want their experience to be everything and more than mine has been over the past 35 years. My top priority is to champion Fort Thomas and preserve our way of life, and with one term under my belt I’m uniquely qualified as a level-headed thinker who is not afraid to lead and represent our community.
2. With heightened concern around the region related to pedestrian and cyclist safety, what do you think should be done to improve this area in your city?
In Fort Thomas, we’re blessed with a second-to-none team of police, firefighters and first responders. The fact that we live in one of the safest, most efficient cities in Kentucky is not by accident; the years of work and sacrifice to make this a reality have been intentional. My biggest concern lately involves minors riding electric scooters on main thoroughfares, often amidst vehicular traffic, sometimes with more than one rider and no helmets. This is not just a city issue but often involves state statutes pertaining to the legality behind the use of these vehicles. The city is aware of the inherent danger some of these riders bring to themselves and others, and we’re looking at what can be done from a city-standpoint to help promote safety. I’m a firm believer that parents also need to be involved in having honest conversations with their children about the dangers involved with these scooters sharing the road with vehicles.
3. Cities have benefited from federal funds to recover from the pandemic, but that one-time cash infusion is unlikely to happen again. What steps should be taken to ensure that the city remain on strong financial footing?
I chair the city’s Finance Committee, and in two years I have seen firsthand the years of planning and executing a budget that allows us the firm financial footing that we currently enjoy. I will continue to work to be fiscally responsible and protect taxpayer dollars. When we were presented with ARPA funding, we discussed over and over again that this is one-time cash and that the only way to use it would be to allocate it to projects that have the most lasting impact for the broadest section of the public. Fort Thomas doesn’t rely on ARPA funding, and we’ve got a great team in place to not only remain on strong financial footing but to continue to improve our finances while providing exceptional services and amenities to our town. This role is something I’m most proud of.
4. Access to affordable housing in Northern Kentucky, as well as across the country, is increasingly a challenge. What role do you see the city government playing in addressing these concerns?
Fort Thomas is a community of beautiful, largely single-family homes. Some refer to us as a “bedroom community” for this reason. When I was elected to council, I was surprised to learn the amount of rental properties that are available. I am not a proponent of adding more density to the town through “affordable housing,” and I don’t believe that it is the city’s role to have any hand in what the market determines as fair value for any home. We pay a price for our schools, for our police and fire, for our greenspace and for our community. I believe it’s something to be proud of.
5. What are the most significant infrastructure concerns in your city, and what should be done to address them?
In my time on council, I’ve learned a lot about our Public Works department and our Street Program, among other things. Most don’t recognize that maintenance, repair, replacement and general beautification of our streets, sidewalks, greenspace, etc. is literally a daily job. Sure, infrastructure improvements cause frustrating (and brief) traffic backups and inconvenience, but I am not concerned about the job the city does in this regard. Each street in town is on a schedule to be maintained, and that schedule is executed efficiently. In areas where improvements can be made, we will make every effort to hear those concerns and make those improvements.
6. Communications and transparency have long been a discussion topic in the city and a frequent concern of residents. How would you improve council communications?
The concerns of communication and transparency have become more pronounced during my first term on council. Some of these concerns certainly arise because we can do a better job communicating. There has been an effort to more clearly publish meetings on the website and on social media, and there will continue to be changes made to improve in this regard. We hear feedback from citizens and try to implement changes that appeal to the masses. A clear point I want to make here is that, in my time on council, I can say unequivocally that the members of council do not act independently of the citizens in the city. We are elected to be leaders and make (sometimes tough) decisions that represent the people in town, and we do our best to do that.
7. The city is undergoing a review of its zoning ordinance and has pushed it into 2023 so the new council can be involved in the full discussion. How will you approach this review, and what would you like to see addressed in the discussion?
Since before the decision was made to push the zoning review to 2023, I have been an active participant in discussions with citizens about this process. I feel that the zoning review process is unclear to many and that it’s the right decision to put these conversations on hold. There’s a sentiment out there that this is a one-side-against-the-other situation. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. I think that by taking time to explain the process, the role of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the purpose of its review, the city will be more educated on any recommendations that are made. Ultimately, if a proposal comes before council for a vote, we’ll be more prepared to place a vote. That’s our job in roles of public trust, and it’s not one I take lightly.
Eric (John) Strange
1. Why are you running for this office, and what would be your top priority if elected?
I am running because I believe our community can benefit from leadership that’s 1) meaningfully engaged in the policy-setting process, 2) thoughtful about decision making (and the longer-term implications) and 3) fiscally conservative — good stewards of our tax dollars. Top priorities for me include increasing transparency and communication with residents, protecting and preserving green space as well as the heritage of Fort Thomas and addressing needs that foster future growth and the vitality of the Fort Thomas community.
2. With heightened concern around the region related to pedestrian and cyclist safety, what do you think should be done to improve this area in your city?
I appreciate the parks and greenspaces in town and have enjoyed them since I was a young boy riding my own bike to Woodfill each day. I would like all residents to feel the same sense of safety and security as I did when they’re out enjoying all Fort Thomas has to offer. My aim is to learn more about specific areas of concern in an effort to address deficiencies, as safety is of prime importance.
3. Cities have benefited from federal funds to recover from the pandemic, but that one-time cash infusion is unlikely to happen again. What steps should be taken to ensure that the city remain on strong financial footing?
Spending and investment are essential to keep Fort Thomas an attractive place to live and to support future growth. However, short-term spending decisions should be thoughtfully considered before being undertaken, because they can have longer-term financial impacts. In short, wants should be prudently balanced with needs and prioritized on an ongoing/annual basis.
4. Access to affordable housing in Northern Kentucky, as well as across the country, is increasingly a challenge. What role do you see the city government playing in addressing these concerns?
Local governments have the opportunity to influence different types of housing available to residents over time through the city’s comprehensive plan. This should be a transparent planning process and should occur with input from key stakeholders, most importantly current residents.
5. What are the most significant infrastructure concerns in your city, and what should be done to address them?
The most significant concerns would be maintaining the existing infrastructure and modernizing it to run more efficiently in the future. Additionally, new infrastructure to lay a foundation for better business recruitment, resident experiences and community amenities should be prudently considered.
6. Communications and transparency have long been a discussion topic in the city and a frequent concern of residents. How would you improve council communications?
Communication, transparency and accountability are of utmost importance in any relationship — especially between city officials and their constituents. I recommend taking advantage of multiple forms of communication, because not everyone consumes information in the same way and the goal should be to reach as many residents as possible. Frequent communication with ample time to respond is key for allowing residents to plan for upcoming events they may wish to attend. Also, accessibility and approachability of council members is key, in my view.
7. The city is undergoing a review of its zoning ordinance and has pushed it into 2023 so the new council can be involved in the full discussion. How will you approach this review, and what would you like to see addressed in the discussion?
The long-term implications of any changes should be very carefully considered in order to avoid unintended consequences. In my view, consideration of historical structures and areas of the city, in terms of protection and preservation, should be a priority. Their importance goes well beyond the physical — they’re woven into the fabric and heritage of many families that have called Fort Thomas home over multiple generations. Additionally, community involvement and input of those whose lives will be most impacted by any changes should be prioritized as the review resumes next year.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 8
While Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, here are more opportunities to vote according to the State Board of Elections:
- The mail-in absentee request portal is open until October 25.
- Mail-in absentee ballots must be received by the clerk by 6 p.m. on November 8.
- In-person, excused absentee voting is available October 26 to 31 and November 1 and 2.
- In-person, no excuse absentee voting is available November 3 to 5.
- In-person Election Day voting runs from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on November 8.
To find your polling location, see the Polling Locations page on the elect.ky.gov website.