Greg Steffen is one of three candidates running for mayor of Independence. The other two are Carol Franzen and Kevin Stambaugh II. Incumbent Mayor Chris Reinersman is not running for reelection.
Steffen formerly worked as an air traffic controller and has worked for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet since 2020. He is currently on the Independence City Council.
Both during his time on council and in his mayoral campaign materials, Steffen has been critical of development expansion in the city.
“I entered city politics because I was tired of seeing council approve nearly everything the developers wanted at the expense of the people who live here,” Steffen said. “The center of my platform was to fight against over-development and protect the quality of life of the people of Independence.”
As such, Steffen said, “my first priority as mayor will be to work against development projects from beginning to end. I will continue to oppose zoning changes that allow higher density residential development. I will be at every Kenton County Planning Commission meeting where such an issue is proposed to oppose approval recommendations by the commission.”
Steffen said his campaign wasn’t simply about what he opposed. He said he hoped to improve the city’s current parks and work to create smaller pocket parks throughout the city. He also hoped to improve pothole repair and response times.
“I have always worked in public service….,” Steffen said, referencing his time as an air traffic controller and with the cabinet. “Serving in an elected position is just a different form of public service for me.”