Bellevue City Council (11 candidates, vote for 6)

Mike Almoslechner

Mike Almoslechner joined the Bellevue City Council in 2023. A main focus of his campaign at that time was on fixing the streets in the city, he said.

He and the council have made streets a priority over his term, he said, and have fixed seven streets and done curb work in six locations. Still, he said, there is more work to be done.

“I want to keep that a priority until all our streets are taken care of.  I want to see all the trees that have hurt our sidewalks removed. I want to work on getting a dog park.  I would like to see us contract a couple times a year with a street cleaner,” Almoslechner said.

The city has done a good job of marketing city events and bringing visitors into the city, he said. The city has a good infrastructure program for sidewalks and drainage challenges that is well underway and has a program to assist residents to create more off street parking where needed, he said.

He said he encourages the city to continue working to improve its public parks. Funding is a challenge, but the city has applied for and received several grants.

“Our parks  are always a big concern.  We are just finishing Brun and Swope Park.  We are waiting on a grant that we have, but is stuck in Frankfort for O’ Fallon Park.  We are looking at the Beach Park,” he added.

Street repair and sidewalk replacement continue to lead the list of priorities, he said. Again, the city is seeking grants to help tackle its many infrastructure projects.

“We need to look at all our bridges and continue to work on the pedestrian bridge on Van Voast.  Donnermeyer Drive is a big project being worked on by our city engineer as we speak,” he said.

Almoslechner listed out more improvements that are taking priority in the city. The city has a grant to address a number of concerns, including construction of 180 square feet of new sidewalks at Grandview School. Work has started to address sidewalk replacement and improvements on Fairfield Avenue in the city’s main business district. The city is also working on plans for the development of a safe route to Grandview school on Lincoln Road. Other grant-funded projects include a sidewalk and drainage project on Covert Run Pike and sidewalks on Frank Benke Way.

“We need to stay on top of our grants for these projects,” he said. “All that I have mentioned above will take time. They are all priorities.  There are others that will come along and need to be addressed. We need to try to keep our taxes as low as we can and be good stewards of our citizen’s money and pursue as many grants as possible,” he said.   

Steve Guidugli

Steve Guidugli is a Bellevue native. He has served on Bellevue’s city council for more than 20 years. When asked why he decided to run for council office again this term, he said he is happy to be representing and addressing the needs of his community.

“Simply put, I enjoy serving the citizens of Bellevue, and we have much more work to do,” he said.

He said he is most proud of the reputation Bellevue has built in recent years – “putting Bellevue on the map.” He said he’s proud that the city is being recognized as a small but vibrant destination in the region.

“For a city that is one square mile, we have over 20 businesses in the top 10, according to City Beat,” he said.

The topography of the Northern Kentucky region is a challenge, and there have been major issues of slippage along hillsides affecting home owners in Bellevue. Guidugli has been a part of the city leadership working on ways to address the issues and to find money to help support those efforts.

He noted the city was able to secure a FEMA grant to address some of the slides this year, saving about 20 home owners’ properties from sliding down the hill at Bonnie Leslie and South Sherry Lane. Still slides and related issues are a concern.

He noted several projects underway in the city. Work has been ongoing for sidewalk and infrastructure projects, and many more are in the planning stages. Repairs are being made to sidewalks in the city’s central business district along Fairfield Avenue. Renovation is taking place as well along Donnermeyer Drive, and work on Covert Run Pike is about to begin.

Grant funds have been key to many of the city’s projects. The city is waiting to learn about funding for the city’s pedestrian bridge. Plans are in place for a number of other projects. Design is complete for a sidewalk along Lincoln Road and is waiting for state approval.

The many specific infrastructure projects underway or in planning stages will continue to be a focus in years ahead, yet Guidugli also said he sees the bigger picture.

“My top priorities have always been working to have the best possible employees in place so we can continue to grow and to always address citizens’ concerns as needs,” he said.

Shauna Kruse

Shauna Kruse joined the Bellevue city council in 2019. She is running for the upcoming term, she said, because Bellevue is her favorite place and serving on council gives her the opportunity to give back to the community she loves.

She said she is happy with the city’s outward focus, bringing more visitors to support the city’s restaurants and businesses. She is also proud of the work the city has done focusing on the needs and interests of residents, especially the improvements in city parks.

“This year we put a focus on two of our parks, and they have or will be receiving new equipment and a facelift,” she said. “We have a few more parks to go, and another city council member suggested a five- to 10-year plan be put into place so that we may budget for future park improvements.”

Kruse identified hillside slippage as one of Bellevue’s most pressing challenges. This year, the city worked with homeowners whose properties were affected or threatened.

“The hillside slippage issue (commonly referred to as the FEMA project) was a huge undertaking. It was actually a residential concern, but the city stepped up and engaged an engineering firm and worked with the funding.  I believe we still may have some of those hillside issues that may pop up, and the administration will need to continue be responsive to them,” she said.   

“There are also drainage and flooding issues along the Covert Run and the Bellevue High School football field   The city administration is constantly meeting with SD1 on these issues and working to adjust that infrastructure.”

She said the city needs to be proactive on road maintenance and infrastructure.

“There is always a yearly evaluation of our roads and sidewalks to prioritize replacement and repair.  I would like to see a focus on our alleys in the future and see what we can do to better repair and maintain them,” she said.

Looking ahead, Kruse agrees something must be done about the Marianne Theater, which has stood empty for decades.

“As it is with every year, finding a solution for the Marianne Theater… We have sent out a couple of RFPs without significant response.  I would like to see a rejuvenated focus on the Marianne,” she said.  

“I would also like to see the city continue to work with the various organizations like The Bellevue Neighborhood Association and Bellevue In Vue to maintain the promotion for the livability and enjoyment of the city,” she added.  

Chasity Bothman

Chasity Bothman has lived in Bellevue since 2020 and is an active volunteer and fundraising chair for the Bellevue Neighborhood Association. She works as director of corporate partnerships for a local profit and said she would bring skills in leadership, collaboration and project management to her position on council if elected.

“I’m deeply committed to our community…I’m running for city council to enhance communication, preserve our town’s character and address key infrastructure needs,” she said.

“My priority would be to engage our citizens by promoting opportunities for them to join committees, boards and commissions that reflect Bellevue’s diversity. Our residents have valuable skills and knowledge, and I want to create a mechanism to tap into that expertise. A great starting point would be the Annual Vision Session in February, where we can encourage broad participation from neighborhood groups and residents.”

On the issue of infrastructure, she said residents need better communication on funding and planning for projects.

“Bellevue has secured around $5M in grants for infrastructure improvements, requiring the city to provide roughly $1M in matching funds. We need clearer communication on grant deadlines, budget updates, and whether we’re meeting our matching fund requirements. Better planning for parking and earlier notice of construction are also essential for residents,” she said.

Bothman listed four areas of concern for infrastructure within the city — traffic congestion, pedestrian safety, preservation of green spaces and historic preservation.

As the city grows, traffic congestion remains a critical concern, she said.

“We need traffic signal updates and intersection improvements, especially along Fairfield Avenue, that focus on mitigating traffic jams, especially during peak hours. An updated traffic study and better timing of traffic lights could significantly alleviate congestion.”

Bellevue needs to work on sidewalk improvements and pedestrian crossings to provide safety, she said.  

Bothman also called for a balance between urban development and the preservation of green spaces and urban forests and to work to prevent issues like traffic congestion and hillside slippage.

“Revitalizing historic structures like the Marianne Theater is essential,” Bothman said. “I propose forming a local committee to focus on fundraising efforts from both private and public sources to support these preservation projects.”

Looking ahead for council, she said she’d like to secure more funding for additional infrastructure improvements, and to strengthen the partnership between the city and the Kentucky Transportation Department.

She would work on attracting more business, not just to Fairfield Avenue but to other commercial areas in the city. She said projects that preserve our green spaces, protect against hillside slippage and preserve the Marianne Theater and other historic places should also be high priorities.

Bothman said she would like to open up the opportunities for more community collaboration as well.

“Open up the visioning session to let residents address quality-of-life issues. Invite our small business community and neighborhood associations to provide additional input. Allow everyone to be heard,” she said.

“Clear, timely and accurate communication from our current administration will help build trust within the community and confidence in our leaders.”

Kara Harp

Kara Harp has lived in Bellevue since 2015, and she has served on the city’s Planning Commission since 2021.

“From community events and the Bellevue Entertainment District to recent infrastructure repairs, Bellevue is a place I’m proud to call home,” she said. “When three current council members decided not to run, I saw a chance to contribute in a new way and help keep our city moving forward. I’m running for city council to bring a fresh perspective, be a voice for our community and work with my neighbors to make Bellevue even better.”

While she said she’s pleased with the recent infrastructure improvements in the city, there’s more work to be done. The city has completed improvements as some of its parks. Harp said parks should continue to be a priority.

“We have only scratched the surface on the improvements that are needed,” she said. Bellevue is home to many young families, children, and pets. We must ensure that children of all ages and abilities have safe, fun places to gather and play. As an urban city, we should also think about adding a dog park or off-leash area in an existing park to give our city’s many dog owners a place to gather with their pets,” she said.

In a growing city with increased traffic, she said pedestrian safety is an important issue.

“Walkability is a key feature of our city and an important way for residents and visitors to patronize our small businesses,” said Harp. “Beyond working toward keeping our sidewalks in good shape, we need to take steps so that pedestrians and bicyclists can safely navigate the city. We should strongly consider flashing crosswalk markers or a similar means to alert drivers of pedestrians in crosswalks in high traffic areas.”

Harp shared a list of priorities for the next year and beyond. She mentioned support for the work of the Bellevue Neighborhood Association, whose volunteers take on many projects for the city including maintaining plantings along the streets and in green spaces. She also noted that the city has a vibrant business community, and city leaders should continue to support small business.

Like many in Bellevue, Harp said there must be a solution for the historic Marianne Theater.

“We need to do everything possible to get the Marianne operational again. Given its current state, we must be realistic about what can be done and open to practical ideas that prevent it from sitting vacant and deteriorating further,” she said.

Funding is a challenge, and she said the city must seek creative solutions, taking advantage of grants and using city resources wisely.

Lastly, she pointed to the importance of good communication and relationship building.

“I want to encourage an open dialogue between city council members, city leaders, and citizens. The city council should speak for our community. To be an effective voice, we need to ensure that all opinions and ideas are heard and discussed in an organized, productive manner.”

Kris Kaelin

Local business owner/contractor Kris Kaelin is a Bellevue native. He graduated from Bellevue High School and has served as a volunteer fireman, EMT and paramedic for the city. He is also a lifetime member and trustee at the Bellevue Veterans Club.

He said great things are going on in the city, but there are things he would like to see changed.

“We need to get out of the real estate business, and either directly or indirectly, we need to hire a CPA. We need to stop trying to add taxes on bars and restaurants and instead continue to apply for state grants,” he said.

Although the city has done some projects, he said the there are still streets in terrible shape and in need of repair. He said some of the problems stem from issues with the Northern Kentucky Water District and SDI, and he feels someone in the city should hold them accountable.

Philip Lanz

Philip Lanz has been a Bellevue resident for three years, and said he is running for council to help ensure the city continues to move in a positive direction on several key goals.

“These include improving the transparency and communication between local government and residents, utilizing my accounting background to promote financial responsibility and sustainability, and protecting and enhancing our neighborhoods by improving pedestrian safety and increasing the tree canopy.”

One of his first orders of business if elected would be to tap into his financial experience to help the city bring its website up to date on budget information.

“A couple of early initiatives that could be implemented quickly include adding more recent budgets to Bellevue’s City website finances page and instituting a public feedback survey. Making the most recent budgets available and easy to find would enhance transparency and clarify how tax dollars are being utilized. A Resident Survey, similar to the initiative in Dayton, would provide an easy way for citizens to share their input and help the government better understand the community’s top priorities,” he said.

He noted the city’s efforts to manage a number of street and other infrastructure projects. He said the city is doing well with these recently but it’s important to manage these projects in a financially sustainable way, taking advantage of grant funding available. He also pointed to the ongoing efforts and costs of dealing with Bellevue’s hillside slippage issues.

“The city needs to make an effort to protect against hillside slippage, as has happened recently in town on Sherry Avenue and Bonnie Leslie Avenue, and even more recently in nearby Southgate. To guard against this, the city should limit excessive development of hillside areas, such as the wooded area behind Berry Ave and Geiger Ave,” Lanz said.

Ensuring pedestrian safety should be a high priority going forward, he said.

“Using techniques like curb expansions and daylighting intersections, Bellevue could make Fairfield a safer street for crossing and spending time on.”

He encouraged continuation of the city’s work on the Riverfront Commons bike trail, saying it will provide residents a safe bike path and bring more visitors to the business district.

Lanz shared more ideas for the future, including exploring uses for the Marianne Theater and considering working with a developer who would maintain the building’s historic facade. He also suggested the city continue its moratorium on vape shop permits to limit them in the city’s business districts.

He also introduced an idea of allowing homeowners to add Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, to their properties. ADUs are small secondary housing units on the same lot as a primary single-family residence. This would provide much needed “middle housing,” Lanz noted.

“Additionally, the city should protect and expand its tree canopy by working with the tree commission to provide the necessary resources to accelerate tree planting, and by avoiding the removal of more of the city’s existing trees, such as the ones that were previously cut down on Wilson Road,” he said.

John Ondeck

John Ondeck moved to Bellevue in 2016. His background is in financial services, and his work has taken him around the world. Living on Fairfield Avenue, he said, has given him a front-row seat to watch the city grow.

“The growth and change of our city has been pretty dramatic, and we consider ourselves lucky to witness it change and yet retain its small town appeal,” Ondeck said.

When he learned that there were openings on council, he said he decided to run. He would use his expertise to promote responsible growth in the city.

“I will be the first to admit I am not an experienced politician. What I believe I can offer however, is some sound financial experience on running organizations and planning for the future…With an accounting degree and operations background, it should come as no surprise that my first priority would be to look deeper into the city’s $7 million dollar budget and to determine how best to plan the budget in the coming years.”

He praised Bellevue leadership for garnering state and federal dollars to help fund infrastructure projects.

“The biggest and most complicated issue I see, however, is the traffic situation especially during the week in the mornings and evenings. I can sit on my front porch and watch as the cars line up all the way to Dayton trying to merge onto I-471. This situation will continue to get worse as Manhattan Harbour continues its build out,” he said. “I do believe we need to look at all possible solutions, including ones that may take several years to complete.” 

One of the most important priorities for the city’s future, he said, is supporting and developing businesses in Bellevue.

“Regardless of where you live in the city, having a strong commercial business sector is necessary, not only for city appeal, but these businesses contribute a significant revenue portion to the city that would otherwise have to be added to the existing property tax,” Ondeck said.

You can drive to nearby small towns and witness the issue, he said. Main streets are deserted, there are vacancies and decaying buildings and infrastructure. Lack of a vibrant business community means less commercial tax base and less money for repairs. Bellevue’s business community must remain strong to avoid a similar fate, he noted.

Another top priority for Ondeck is the Bellevue school system.

“Continued development of our school system and quality of education is also a top priority. My family and I had the unfortunate experience of living in a “break out city,” when we were younger.  This is a city that has very desirable characteristics except for the school system.  Young couples would only live there until their children were of school age, and then they would move out to areas with better schools. Losing those young families is a huge detriment to any city. Our schools should be viewed as an asset that draws and keeps young people in the city,” he said.  

Steve Wilz

Steve Wilz’ family has been in Bellevue for three generations. A marine veteran, many residents know him from his work at the Bellevue Veterans Club. He has been president there five times. He said he is most proud of helping the club pay off its mortgage to become debt free.

Wilz is a painter who joined the Painters Union and worked his way up through the ranks to become a regional training coordinator. He oversaw safety training and apprenticeship programs across an area that went from Columbus, Ohio, to Lexington and from Portsmouth, Ohio, to Lawerenceburg, Indiana. In 2010 he opened his own painting business.

He said he decided to run for council because he had some concerns.

“I’m running for council because I feel that the council has been making decisions that benefit the few not the many, and they seem to be more concerned about their personal projects or projects of friends over the entire city,” he said.

His first order of business would be to push for term limits for all elected officials with a maximum of 10 years of service. He said he would also hire a CPA to manage city finances. 

“The main thing is the city needs a CPA to track the money. The city has a well over a million-dollar budget, and a lawyer oversees the books. No business would ever put a lawyer in charge of their finances; they should have a CPA. When a CPA is in charge of the books, they can tell you where overspending is happening, and they can help project cost increases for the next year. When the council is working on the budget, they can work on grant paperwork, which could help the city in street repairs and development of underutilized areas.”

He said the city has done some good work making street repairs, but said he had concerns about what streets and other projects have been prioritized.

“There are several streets that do need fixed and here lately the city has been getting them fixed which is a good thing,” he said, “but they seemed to fix areas that were not as bad as other areas first. This could revert back to decisions that benefit the few and not the many.”