The battle of the ball coaches is coming to Campbell County’s 67th House district, as local business owners Terry Hatton and Brian Ormes prepare to face off in the May 21 primary.
Hatton owns VSP Management Co., a private security and consulting firm for clients including DHL, Duke Energy, the Kentucky Horse Park and more. He lives in Bellevue with his wife, Kathy, and has four children and seven grandchildren.
Ormes owns Boss Mechanical Construction in Southgate, where he lives with his wife, Bonnie, and family. Ormes has seven children.
Both Republicans have coached youth sports in Northern Kentucky over the decades.
Whoever wins the primary will compete in November against Democrat Matt Lehman, a health industry executive who lives with his family in Newport. Lehman is running unopposed in the primary to succeed Rep. Rachel Roberts, who is not seeking reelection.
Kentucky’s 67th House District includes Newport, Southgate, Bellevue, Dayton, Highland Heights, Wilder, Woodlawn, and parts of Fort Thomas and Cold Spring.
Update: Brian Ormes was arrested April 8 at a Fort Wright Walmart on charges of strangulation, assault and menacing involving a juvenile.
Jerry Gearding withdrew from the 67th House race on Feb. 27, according to the office of the Kentucky Secretary of State. Gearding’s name will still appear on the ballot because he withdrew after ballot certification.
Terry Hatton
Hatton is a U.S. veteran who spent years coaching knothole baseball and has been involved for over 25 years with the Bellevue Vets youth leagues. He has served in different leadership roles with the Bellevue Veterans Club, is a member of Knights of Columbus and Divine Mercy Catholic Church, and serves on the board of CHN-Cincinnati Health Network homeless clinic.
In February, Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams publicly supported Hatton’s campaign by speaking at his kickoff event at the Bellevue Vets Club.
LINK nky asked Hatton to respond to two questions about his plans if he is elected to the 67th House seat in November. These are his responses:
What plans do you have for Northern Kentucky?
“As your state representative, my focus will be on revitalizing our region through robust economic development initiatives. I will work tirelessly to attract new businesses and investments that will create jobs and opportunities for our residents.
“Additionally, I am committed to improving our education system by advocating for school choice and ensuring that every child has access to a quality education. It is time to give parents a say again in their child’s education.
“Safety is paramount, and I will work with law enforcement and community leaders to ensure our neighborhoods are a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.
“Finally, I will fight to lower taxes and combat record-high inflation, putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking Kentuckians. Together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous Northern Kentucky for all.”
How will you make sure NKY’s voice is heard in Frankfort?
“I am committed to ensuring that our community’s voice is heard loud and clear in Frankfort. I will work tirelessly to represent the interests of all citizens, regardless of background or political affiliation. My goal is to represent each and every person in our district with integrity and transparency. By working together, we can make sure that District 67 is a place where everyone’s concerns are addressed and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Brian Ormes
Brian Ormes is a local business owner who has coached several sports teams in Campbell County. He spent years coaching youth football in Newport and Dayton and has coached both youth and high school football in Bellevue. Girls basketball in Southgate and knothole baseball in Campbell County are on his resume, too.
After a hiatus, Ormes returned to the bench last season to coach with the Fort Thomas junior football league alongside some of his former players. “I coached with guys I coached as kids, and had six kids on the team whose parents I coached,” said Ormes.
LINK nky asked Ormes to respond to the same two questions concerning his plans if he is elected to the 67th House seat in November. These are his responses:
What plans do you have for Northern Kentucky?
“My vision for my district and NKY is for its people to live in freedom and prosperity. Freedom from government regulations and restrictions. And prosperity from no new or increase in taxes or fees. I’d like to see a resolution to the traffic situation in Bellevue and Dayton without costing taxpayers a fortune, a resolution ironed out before more development happens.”
How will you make sure NKY’s voice is heard in Frankfort?
“As far as being a voice for NKY, I vow to do my best to be in Frankfort when I need to be and with the abilities my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has given me, I’ll stand up for my district’s voices.”