Fort Wright City Council (7 candidates, vote for 6)

Click on the candidate’s names to learn more about them:

Dave Abeln

Councilman Dave Abeln has served on Fort Wright city council since 2012. He has been a Fort Wright resident for 53 years. 

Abeln declined LINK’s request for an interview. 

Jason Collins

Councilman Jason Collins will finish his first term on Fort Wright city council this year. He has been a resident of Fort Wright for 23 years and is a longtime community volunteer at St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church. Collins was elected to council in 2022 and his time in city government has given him specific insight into Fort Wright’s functioning. 

“I’m proud of the work we’ve done balancing the budget, reducing taxes, expanding commercial development, and addressing property maintenance issues,” Collins said. “[We work on this] in order to keep everyone’s property values high thus protecting their investment in their private property.”

LINK also asked about Collins’ concerns for Fort Wright. Like many of his fellow council members, he is worried about the impact of inflation on the average Fort Wright citizen. 

“The economy continues to escalate out of control,” Collins said. “The high prices of groceries and everyday living is a challenge for many, especially our young families and senior citizens who have been hit the hardest by inflation.”

As for the city’s functioning, he looks at Fort Wright’s struggles with employee recruitment and retention. Just in the past year, Fort Wright has had to hire a new police chief, city clerk, finance clerk, and city attorney. Though they have also hired several police officers they are proud of, police departments like Fort Wright are at constant risk of staffing shortages. 

“We are fortunate enough to have highly trained and educated staff members but they are constantly being recruited by other entities as a result,” Collins said. “Creating and maintaining a positive work culture, providing competitive wages and benefits are key components of what we do.”

LINK asked Collins about his thoughts about the increased traffic concerns from Fort Wright citizens. He acknowledged that while their police department’s increased traffic enforcement (done at the request of council and the mayor) is one approach, it’s not the only one. 

“Many of our traffic issues involve state maintained and controlled highways and we are committed to continuing to address and lobbying our state representatives for traffic improvements,” Collins said. “In the meantime, the Fort Wright Police Department is stepping up patrols in key areas to make sure that traffic laws are followed and enforced.”

LINK also asked Collins about what he thought should be done with the Fort Wright Civic Club property, now in the hands of the city. He is aware of the historic value of the spot and wants outside opinions. 

“I’m very interested in receiving input about the future of this property from residents and working to put a plan in place that sees the property benefit our community as a whole.” 

As for his goals, Collins sees himself on a trajectory of public service. 

“I see my past service as a building block towards continuing to reduce taxes, provide high quality emergency services, retain and help grow our business base, provide safe neighborhoods, and continue to focus on street improvements,” Collins said. “We have the foundation in place already to continue to achieve all of these objectives.”

Scott Wall

Councilman Scott Wall has served on Fort Wright city council since 2007 and lived in Fort Wright his entire life. He grew up visiting the Fort Wright Civic Club, and is now a member of the Community Improvement Committee helping to decide what to do with that property, among other public spaces. To get an idea of Wall’s priorities, LINK asked him what he thinks should be done with the now city-owned property. 

“The Fort Wright Civic Club was the center of the universe when I was growing up,” Wall said. “So many of our citizens have cherished memories [there]. I do think that the Civic Club will continue to be a recreational gathering spot for the citizens, but whether it is in the existing building or a new building, remains to be seen.” 

Wall was referring to the unflattering functionality report that CT Consultants gave the Fort Wright Civic Club building in July of 2024. Council is still undecided on whether to demolish the building and start over or to invest funds in restoring the building. 

Wall believes that the greatest issues facing the Fort Wright government and its citizens come from the same root—inflation. 

“Runaway inflation is driving up the cost of everything that it takes to provide a high level of service to our citizens,” Wall said. “From road building material to police cruisers, the cost of everything has nearly doubled in the last four years.”

Like many of his fellow council members, Wall is counting on Fort Wright’s cash reserves to help them “weather the storm.” He credits city council and Mayor Hatter with working together to build those reserves. This group also works together to address how inflation affects citizens’ daily lives.

“Reducing taxes to help our citizens is something we talk about constantly.”

Another citizen concern is traffic. LINK asked Wall what role the city council takes in that fight. 

“Nearly all of our arterial roads are state or county owned,” Wall said. “Continuing to foster our relationships with the state and county and keep[ing] communication lines open will be key as we work together to manage the flow of traffic through our city. This will be critical as the Brent Spence Bridge project ramps up.” 

Those arterial roads are a big part of what has made Fort Wright one of the fastest growing cities in Kentucky. Wall says that local government can encourage that growth through “sensible zoning regulations.”

“[We can] encourage economic growth and also maintain the infrastructure to the highest level possible, which will attract both businesses and residents.” 

When he first ran for Fort Wright city council in 2006, Wall told the Kentucky Post that his main goal was to “help keep property values high.” According to data from the Northern Kentucky Multiple Listing Service, average home sale prices in Fort Wright have continued to climb since 2007, once they recovered from the housing market crash. LINK asked Wall what his goals would be if reelected in 2024. 

“To continue working with this excellent team to deliver the highest level of service with the least amount of taxation to the great citizens of Fort Wright.”

Justin “Jay” Weber

Councilman Justin “Jay” Weber has served on Fort Wright city council since 2019. He is a member of the Finance Committee which contributes to drafting the city’s annual budget. Weber has been a resident of Fort Wright for 51 years. 

Weber did not respond to LINK’s request for an interview. 

Bernie Wessels

Councilman Bernie Wessels, owner of Wessels Construction, has served on Fort Wright city council since 2008 and has resided in Fort Wright for 36 years. Prior to his time on council, he served as Fort Wright’s representative to the Kenton County and Municipal Planning and Zoning Commission. 

Wessels currently serves on the city council’s Finance Committee. Wessels is proud to be part of a team that has reduced tax rates, created a sizable reserve fund, and increased city staff over the last 10 years in Fort Wright. In the past decade, the city’s budget has expanded to create several new positions in the fire and police departments.

“Being able to increase staff [means Fort Wright can] provide better service to the residents,” Wessels said. 

When LINK asked Wessels about the main issues facing Fort Wright, he looked at the big picture. 

“With the current state of the economy, spiraling out of control with cost, this is obviously a big concern of ours,” Wessels said. 

However, Wessels believes that the budget and financial state that he and fellow city council members have worked to preserve can carry the city through. 

“With the reserves we have in place and our continued economic growth success, that should help us overcome the obstacles given to us by the economy.” 

He remains concerned about the effect of the economy on senior citizens with fixed incomes. 

“That is why we are so conscious of placing any kind of burden on them by increasing taxes,” Wessels said. 

LINK asked Wessels about another high profile issue in Fort Wright—traffic. Citizen concerns about traffic have increased over the past year. LINK asked all Fort Wright candidates what they attribute these rising issues to and what the city can do to mitigate it. 

“Obviously with two major interstates running through the city, traffic is always going to be a major concern of ours,” Wessels said. “Since COVID, I have noticed a lot of visitors with a blatant disregard for our traffic laws. With the new police chief and the increased staff in the police department, the enforcement of these violations should be getting better.”

Wessels also looks forward to working with the city’s planning consultants to rework some of the more problematic roads in the city. 

“We have been working with the state highway department for the redesign of a couple of state roads,” Wessels said. “If the state works with us, it should certainly help with a couple of traffic problem areas.”

In the future, Wessels is looking forward to increased economic growth in Fort Wright. He believes that city council should take an active role in supporting that growth.

“[City council] just recently adopted the Z21 plan. [ . . . ] We take economic development very seriously. The business community is a major financial contributor to the residents of Fort Wright which must be maintained.” 

If reelected, Wessels wants to build on what’s already working for Fort Wright. 

“[I aim] to continue the successes that we have had over the last 10 years with the current council and staff.” 

Margie Witt

Councilwoman Margie Witt has served on Fort Wright city council since 2017. She has been a resident of the city for 27 years. She had a history of community involvement even before joining city council. 

Prior to being appointed, she was a member of the city’s Garden Club and organized the “Clean Up Fort Wright” initiative. She also started the citywide Annual Fort Wright Clean Up Day. Witt continues to coordinate this annual litter-pickup event with the Public Works Department. As a member of the city’s Community Improvement Committee, she also oversees a group of volunteers who “adopt” a street to regularly pick up litter on. 

In 2023, LINK asked Witt about her commitment to keeping the city clean.

“Our community is beautiful – full of amazing people, beautiful homes, thriving businesses,” Witt said. “Litter is an insult to our community. Honestly, I feel like when the city looks clean, we have greater pride in the city.” 

However, community improvement is not Witt’s only focus.

“I think our primary responsibility is always the safety of the residents,” Witt said. 

LINK asked her what she has been proudest of, working with this team. 

“Our chief accomplishment is [the] focus on the most important services that the city provides to residents: excellent police, fire, and public works departments,” Witt said. “[In addition to] our continued efforts on road and infrastructure improvements and keeping taxes as low as possible.” 

Infrastructure improvements have become especially pertinent to council as concerns about traffic rise. Witt sees traffic as an issue that will require collaboration. 

“With the help of our city engineers, we have developed several ideas which we hope to present soon to the KYTC,” Witt said. “We are hopeful that these suggestions will be implemented.” 

Traffic becomes more of an issue with increased city growth. Fort Wright was recently named one of the fastest growing cities in Kentucky. Witt supports “smart growth” to best support the city. 

“While we welcome new business and support existing businesses, our focus has to remain narrow,” Witt said. “[This growth] is a result of excellent city services in the form of public safety, maintained infrastructure, and an involved community.”

LINK asked Witt about the main issues facing Fort Wright today. 

“I think our main issue is preparing for the future by being smart with city funds today,” Witt said. “[Also], retaining top-notch staff in all departments, providing high-level services, and maintaining our infrastructure plan will require careful planning.” 

If reelected, Witt’s goals for her next term are to maintain the work already completed by this council. 

“I hope that our current team can continue [on] the path of providing excellent services, fiscal responsibility, common-sense solutions, and new ways for residents to stay connected.”

Jason Worms

Jason Worms has been a resident of Fort Wright for 15 years. He is the only challenger running for Fort Wright city council. 

“I really like this city and I want to be part of continuing its upward trajectory,” Worms said. 

LINK asked Worms about how he is currently involved in his community. He volunteers with Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, a grassroots advocacy group. He also has “adopted” a street to regularly clean up litter on and participates in the Annual Fort Wright Cleanup Day, under the direction of Fort Wright’s Community Improvement Committee. He is a regular election poll worker. Worms is a member of the Kenton County Community Emergency Response Team. 

To gain insight into how Worms would contribute to city council if elected, LINK asked him what he considered to be the “main issues” facing the city. 

“The biggest issue is the Brent Spence companion bridge being built,” Worms said. “Part of that reconstruction is in Fort Wright. Our Kyles Lane overpass is being replaced, so there is a lot of opportunity for us to have a seat at the table and a say in how that development works for Fort Wright.” 

Worms believes that he could bring a more collaborative, cooperative approach to the city’s relationship with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. 

“Maybe having a new [city council] member would help,” Worms said. 

He also says that the relationship with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will be vital in addressing recent citizen traffic concerns. 

“Fort Wright has a lot of state-owned roads, so the city is very limited in what it can do to mitigate issues on those roads,” Worms said. “We need a collaborative relationship with the [Kentucky Transportation Cabinet]. We need structural changes, especially on Highland in front of the city building. There are areas ripe for reimagining and redesign. But it is out of the city’s hands in a lot of ways.”

LINK also asked Worms about his thoughts on Fort Wright’s recent rapid growth. 

“The way the city has been run over the past several years has been a huge contributor,” Worms said. “They’ve kept taxes low and brought in commercial developments that helped the city grow.”

However, he says that growth cannot go on forever. 

“As the city begins to run out of real estate, we’ll stop growing, and run out of places that can be developed. The way that the city plans is going to have to change. What is the plan for the city when growth begins to taper off? How do we maintain the businesses we have and stay vibrant and strong?” 

Worms also says that in the midst of all this growth, there are still issues for many members of the community. 

“While in general, Fort Wright has experienced a lot of growth and affluence, we still do have neighbors who are struggling,” Worms said. “There are more and more reports from the police about the homeless population. Many of our neighbors have fallen on hard times and if the city can make efforts to identify them and connect them with services, they can get back on their feet.” 

If elected, Worms wants to work on city outreach to every corner of the community. He believes that this is shown in his campaigning. 

“I plan to knock on every door in the city before election day, so people can see what kind of council member I’ll be. I’ll be out talking to my neighbors and interacting with the city.”