CityBeat - Volume 28, Issue 21 - October 14 - 27, 2026 by LINK nky

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History, legends and the paranormal haunting Cincinnati's Halloween attractions BY NADYA ELLERHORST

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VOL. 29 | ISSUE 21 UNDEAD SCARE CHARACTER AT THE DENT SCHOOLHOUSE. PHOTO PROVIDED | THE DENT SCHOOLHOUSE

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BLINK lights up Cincinnati, Covington By CityBeat Staff

incinnati’s biggest show is over! BLINK, the exclusive biannual Cincinnati light and art festival that debuted in 2017, lit up the night sky Oct. 8 to Oct. 11. More than two dozen streets shut down to vehicular traffic. Visitors experienced art from Findlay Market all the way down to Covington. Special highlights for this year included a skatepark set up on the corner of Liberty and Elm, Asianati’s “Night Market” featuring all sorts of Asian food and culture at Court Street Plaza, a light-based fashion show at the Black Music Walk of Fame and a polka dot-themed block party at the Art Academy of Cincinnati. Check out some of our photo highlights below.

BLINK 2026. PHOTOS BY ETHAN QURESHI | CITYBEAT

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Ohio gets a failing mark on sex education policy from national group By Meghan Henry | Ohio Capital Journal

hio received an “F” for its sex education policy, according to a new report from the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States, or SIECUS. This is the second year in a row Ohio has earned an “F” on the report card from SIECUS, a national organization that advocates for comprehensive, medically accurate and inclusive sex education. “It’s deeply concerning that such an important part of our responsibility to prepare students for life is being so poorly managed,” said Abortion Forward Executive Director Kellie Copeland. “The goal should be to help students be prepared to make decisions about their bodies and their lives, and that’s just not what the Ohio curriculum does at all.” The grades were determined using two categories — sex ed requirement and sex ed content requirement. Ohio earned a “D” on the sex ed requirement and an “F” on the sex ed content requirement. Nine other states also received an “F” on SIECUS’s report card: Arkansas, Arizona, Idaho, Indiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. “What young people are allowed to learn about their bodies is increasingly being determined by politics — not by what they need to be healthy and safe,” Callie Simon, SIECUS executive director, said in a statement. “This goes beyond the classroom because what young people are allowed to learn today will shape their health, safety, and wellbeing for years to come.” California, Illinois, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington each received an “A” on the SIECUS report card. A 2021 report from the Journal of Adolescent Health reviewed three decades of research and determined there is strong support for comprehensive sex education. “When you have a curriculum that is scientifically accurate, and teaches young people about the emotional, the physical, the social aspects of sexuality in an age-appropriate way, they understand their bodies better. They develop healthy relationships,” Copeland said. Ohio’s curriculum stresses abstinence as a general policy and requires some instruction about sexually transmitted infections, according to the Ohio Revised Code. Schools are required to “emphasize adoption as an option to unintended pregnancies” and “teach the potential physical, psychological, emotional, and social side effects” of sex outside of marriage, according to Ohio’s law. Ohio lawmakers decide curriculum requirements, so the State Board of Education can not require health education standards. Because Ohio lacks comprehensive sex education, it’s ultimately up to each school district on how they decide to teach it. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, or ODEW, is required to

THE OHIO STATEHOUSE. PHOTO BY MEGAN HENRY | OHIO CAPITAL JOURNAL

conduct an annual audit to ensure school districts are in compliance with the state’s law. Every school district completed the 2024-25 audit and all but two school districts were found to be overall compliant. Jefferson Township Local School District (Montgomery County) and Ridgewood Local School District (Coshocton County) were noncompliant. Both districts were also noncompliant during the 2024-23 audit as well. “Many family structures exist today, and all can provide children with a loving and supportive environment,” Ridgewood explained in ODEW’s audit. “We have school staff and students who come from single-parent households, same-sex couples and traditional marriedcouple families alike. This highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting all family types. Furthermore, sex education should never be used to shame students for their family background.” Jefferson Township’s district explained there was an “unexpected resignation of our Jr./Sr. High School principal on Feb. 21” who was making arrangements for the sexually transmitted infection education. “Our interim building principal was unable to restart/reconnect for the training,” Jefferson Township said in ODEW’s audit. “We also lost our Phys. Ed. teacher this year. We have hired a new staff member certified in Health and Phys. Ed. She will be responsible for scheduling the sexually transmitted infection education during the 2025-2026 school year.” The Ohio Center for Sex Education is the education arm of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio that teaches comprehensive sex education in schools and community organizations using the Get Real comprehensive sex education curriculum for middle and high schools. “That curricula focuses a lot on social and emotional learning, so we’re excited that not only do we get to talk about the stereotypical STIs, birth control, pregnancy prevention, but we also talk to folks about how to be members

of their community and have proper communication skills and healthy relationships and just think about consent as a whole and and gender as a way that’s affirming,” said Jes Fuller, director of the Ohio Center for Sex Education. Comprehensive sexual education is developmentally appropriate, she said. “We want to give information to young people before it becomes incredibly useful because they can have that information for the future.”

Ohio has a higher teen birth rate than the national average. The national birth rate for females 15 to 19 years old was 12.6 per 1,000 females and Ohio’s teen birth rate was 14 per 1,000 females in 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ohio lawmakers passed a bill over the summer that recently required schools to teach students to graduate high school, get a job, and get married — in that order — before having a baby. This is known as the success sequence and the law took effect Oct. 6. Ohio House Bill 485, also known as the Enact Baby Olivia Act, would require schools to show either the ‘Baby Olivia’ video or a similar video to students every year starting in fifth grade all the way up through 12th grade beginning with the 2026-27 school year. Ohio state Rep. Melanie Miller, R-Ashland, introduced the bill, which the Ohio House passed last year and has had two hearings in the Ohio Senate Education Committee. The Ohio lawmakers are currently on break and will come back after the November election. Any bill that does not pass before the two-year General Assembly ends in December would have to be reintroduced. This story originally appeared on ohiocapitaljournal.com

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Gas tax in Ohio suspended for 90 days after politically charged Statehouse vote By Andrew Tobias and Jake Zuckerman | Signal Ohio

hioans could soon see prices at the pump fall temporarily after state lawmakers passed a 90day pause of the state’s gas tax on Oct. 1. The Ohio House and Senate passed House Bill 519 on Oct. 1 in a pair of bipartisan votes. The bill will suspend Ohio’s assessment of its 38.5-cent-pergallon tax on gas and its 47-cent-pergallon tax on diesel. The bill also pulls $725 million out of the state’s reserve accounts to cover the lost road and bridge maintenance funding that will occur as a result of the tax holiday. The bill now heads to Republican Gov. Mike DeWine’s desk for his signature. Normally, laws take effect 90 days after they are passed. But the gas-tax bill will take effect immediately if and when DeWine signs it, since it got enough Democratic support to add what’s called an emergency clause. Recently, DeWine voiced skepticism about an earlier version of how to fund the tax break. But now that it’s funded via general budget dollars and not those earmarked specifically for road repairs and construction, DeWine plans to sign the bill, his spokesman said on Oct. 1. Ramaswamy revives stalled tax holiday idea Republicans have debated suspending the state’s gas tax since earlier this year, after the U.S. attacks on Iran in February. This led to a disruption in global oil shipping and a spike in gas prices. But the measure failed to advance. Legislative leaders said Oct. 1 some Republicans thought at the time that perhaps prices had spiked temporarily. But the idea landed on the Republicancontrolled legislature’s front burner last week after it became a top issue in the governor’s race. Nine days before the Oct. 1 vote, both gubernatorial candidates — Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy

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A PERSON FILLING UP ON GAS. PHOTO PROVIDED | ENGIN AKYURT VIA UNSPLASH

Acton — called for passage of a gas tax holiday within hours of one another. The same day, Midwest diesel prices reached an all-time high of $6.68 a gallon while regular gas prices reached their highest levels since May, according to federal data. Republicans’ polling numbers, meanwhile, have plunged as gas prices have started to go up. Republican legislative leaders heeded the call, calling members back to Columbus on Sept. 30 for an unexpected vote. The resulting legislation was added to an unrelated bill that previously had to do with deterring auto theft. At times the legislative process grew contentious. Senate Republicans invoked a rarely used procedural maneuver to squash debate on the bill and block Democrats from proposing amendments on unrelated, politically charged subjects. And in the House, GOP Speaker Matt Huffman repeatedly cautioned Democrats that their floor speeches could be cut off if they deviated too far from the bill. “We tried to offer amendments. Obviously, they won’t let us,” said Rep. Munira Abdullahi, a Columbus Democrat. Republican Senate President Rob McColley, Ramaswamy’s running mate, described the restrictions as needed to keep debate on the topic. “If we would have gotten bogged down with a lot of other stuff solely for political theater …, it would have, quite frankly, been a disservice to Ohioans,” McColley said. The idea to suspend gas taxes was

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dusted off and then passed within nine days — a breakneck pace by typical legislative standards. Speaking with reporters following the vote, Ramaswamy called the episode a preview of how he’d govern the state. “We’re going to be focused. We’re going to be substantive. And we’re going to be fast,” Ramaswamy said. Tax holiday splits Democrats Democrats took two major tacks on Oct. 1 when it came to the gas tax holiday legislation. Regardless of how they voted, most said in floor speeches and in interviews that they believed between 30% and 60% of the savings would not be passed on to customers and instead stay with the oil and gas industry or retailers. Those who voted for the bill credited Democratic gubernatorial candidate Acton for helping come up with the idea, since Acton called for her own gas tax holiday hours before Ramaswamy did. After the bill passed Oct. 1, the Acton campaign released a statement praising the vote’s outcome. “As the first candidate in this race to propose a gas tax holiday, Dr. Acton is glad the Statehouse has voted with bipartisan support to establish a gas tax holiday and provide Ohioans much needed relief at the pump,” the statement said. Some Democrats also quibbled with aspects of the bill, criticizing it for not dealing with broader issues like property taxes or data centers, or for pulling from

state reserve funds instead using $600 million the state previously agreed to use to build a new Cleveland Browns football stadium. Other Democrats more critical of the Republican proposal called the tax holiday a gimmick that would only save Ohioans a few dollars while politically benefitting Ramaswamy and other Republicans ahead of the election. They also said it ignores the real culprit of surging gas prices — the U.S. war on Iran. “This is a stunt,” said state Rep. Allison Russo, who’s also the Democratic candidate for Ohio Secretary of State. “It’s a stunt because you’re worried about what’s going to happen in 35 days.” Rep. Terrence Upchurch, a Cleveland Democrat, said in an interview he’s confident he can explain what looks like a tough vote against the always-popular idea of a tax break. “This is temporary relief, there are no guardrails for consumers, and this is just irresponsible,” he said. Still, enough Democrats voted for the bill to hand Republicans a crucial victory — to attach the emergency clause that allows the law to take effect immediately, which could lead to a drop in gas prices before early voting starts. Some Democrats described their belief that Acton’s team wanted the bill to pass and urged Democratic caucus leaders to vote for it. “A lot of Democrats are a frustrated ‘yes,’” said Abdullahi, who voted ‘no.’ Dani Isaacsohn, the House Democratic Minority Leader, told reporters Sept. 30 that he spoke to Acton about the gas tax holiday proposal “at length.” He then laid out the sequence of events — Acton’s proposal followed by Ramaswamy’s legislative push hours later. “She is centering the relief that people need, and she recognizes even before she’s in office that it’s time to start taking people’s needs seriously,” Isaacsohn said. This story originally appeared at signalohio.com.

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From a killer janitor to a haunted riverboat and ghost-filled historic homes, some of Cincinnati’s favorite Halloween frights blur the line between history, urban legend and the paranormal. BY NADYA ELLERHORST

egardless of how loose the ties, a “Based on a True Story” title card in a horror movie can arguably make a plot scarier, even slightly. The same can be said for the numerous haunted and paranormal attractions across Greater Cincinnati that leverage history to give the experience a special edge. Be they unpredictable ghost hunts, or places where visitors pay to be repeatedly jumpscared, there are numerous experiences that allow Cincinnatians to encounter the frightening and otherworldly. But there’s a distinct handful that channel actual histories into the ordeal. From a killer janitor to homes belonging to early Cincinnatians still bustling with old bones, for those seeking reality-based frights this Halloween season, the Cincinnati area seems to have plenty to offer.

Charlie McFree’s roots On or off season, it’s hard to miss an iconic building on Cincinnati’s West Side that remains looming long past Halloween. Known nationally as one of the best haunts, The Dent Schoolhouse had a fine local reputation back in its day. But as the story goes, throughout the 1940s, clusters of students began disappearing from the school, bewildering authorities. In 1952, following the disappearance of three more pupils, strange smells led to the questioning of the janitor, Charlie McFree, who brushed them off as plumbing issues. After the disappearance of more students a few years later, a group of Dent vigilantes stormed the school, where they found the remains of all the students in the basement — but Charlie was nowhere to be seen. Parts of this attraction’s lore are rooted 8

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in the legitimate history of the site. The building was an actual school, opened in 1894 as part of Cincinnati Public Schools’ 12th District; the building itself still has the original (and operational) school bell, chalkboards and hooks where students would hang their bookbags. It operated as a machine shop following the school’s closure in the 1950s, hence the warehouse attached to the structure. In 1996, the schoolhouse began its haunt journey as a more generalized scare attraction run by a local Boy Scout troop — think nonlinear scenes featuring cameos by mainstream horror figures like Michael Myers and Freddy Krueger. Co-owner Bud Stross, alongside his father Chuck and Josh Wells, acquired the attraction in the mid2000s. As he toured the building, one of the staff members turned to Stross in the nowinfamous basement. “He’s like, ‘Don’t you know the legend of this place? There’s a killer janitor,’” Stross recalled. “And then he just kept walking. “ That little nugget, that little epiphany was really what set us to dive deeper and find out, what is this urban legend that came with the building?” Stross and the team soon embarked on research, consulting historical societies, locals, the Boy Scouts they acquired the venue from and public records. The fact that the schoolhouse closed its doors in the 1950s, and had a janitor by the name of Charlie employed, checked out — but then information got murky, according to Stross. “That kind of led to speculation of, well, back in the day, they tried to make dirty secrets kind of go away,” Stross explained. Stross also mentioned having found children’s shoes in the basement, although he clarifies that they’ve never found any traces of human remains… yet.

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Stross and the team ultimately took these threads and ran with them, crafting the now legendary, grisly story. But as the embellished urban legend behind the attraction gained more traction, people also began reaching out with claims of having attended the school or having relatives who witnessed Charlie, although Stross can’t determine the veracity of these stories. “We’ve just kind of accepted that gray, and it leads into the big fact or fiction kind of thing, which I think is fun for our audience when they’re walking through,” Stross said.

THE DENT SCHOOLHOUSE 5963 Harrison Ave. Cincinnati OH 45248 Runs Sept. 11-Nov. 13. Times vary. Special events, including “Lights On” and ghost tours, available on select dates.

SCARE ACTORS AT THE DENT SCHOOLHOUSE. PHOTOS PROVIDED | THE DENT SCHOOLHOUSE

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About This Guide This guide for voters was prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area (LWVCA) to provide a forum for candidates and information on the ballot issues. The candidate materials in this guide were assembled in the following manner: The information for the Hamilton County candidates is solicited and compiled by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area (LWVCA). LWVCA uses the following criteria: The questions selected by LWVCA were advertised to the candidates, who were informed that each response would be printed as received and that all candidates would be solely responsible for the content of their replies. Because of the nonpartisan nature of the guide, candidates were informed that any reference to other candidates is prohibited. Because of space limitations, candidates were informed of the word limit requirements and were advised that any reply over the word limit would be cut off at the correct number. In making this information available to the public, the LWVCA neither endorses nor rejects the views of any candidate or political party. The League does not and cannot assume responsibility for any candidate’s reply, or for the candidate’s motive in making it. The summaries and background for the Hamilton County ballot issues were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area volunteers. Descriptions of other ballot issues come from the Hamilton County Board of Elections.

Voting by mail In Ohio you may obtain an absentee ballot for ANY reason. The process is explained on the Board of Elections (BOE) website https:// votehamiltoncountyohio.gov/voting-options/mail/ Questions? Call (513) 946-8500. Submit an absentee ballot application until 8:30pm on October 27

Submit it to the BOE office by mail or drop it off in the secure drop box at the Board of Elections Office, 4700 Smith Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45224.

Your ballot will be mailed to you beginning October6 or when the application is processed. Use the BOE website or phone 513-946-8500 to check the progress of your vote-by-mail ballot.

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Return your completed ballot – Place it in the BOE drop box by 7:30 p.m. November 3, 2026; OR received by mail by 7:30pm on November 3, 2026.

• An expiration date that has not passed

Allow at least 5 days for each mailing, or use the BOE drop box if time is short.

• A photograph of the voter • The voter’s name, which must substantially conform to the voter’s name as it appears in the Poll List or in the Poll Book NOTICE: An unexpired Ohio Driver License, State ID Card, or Interim Documentation with your former address IS an ACCEPTABLE form of ID when your current address is in the pollbook

If you do not provide one of the above forms of photo ID, you will still be able to vote using a provisional ballot. However, for that ballot to be counted, you must return to the board of elections no later than four days following Election Day to provide a qualifying form of identification. If you do not have a photo ID because of a religious objection to being photographed, you may complete an affidavit of religious objection at the polls and have your provisional ballot count.

Above all, if you are sure you are at the correct polling precinct and voting a regular ballot is not an option for whatever reason, don’t leave the polls without voting a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot is the same as a regular ballot ONCE YOUR REGISTRATION AND ID IS VERIFIED. Give poll workers the information they request and your vote will be counted.

Obtain an absentee ballot application from the Board of Elections by printing it from the BOE website, by phoning the BOE at 513-946-8500, or by picking one up at the Board of Elections Office or any Hamilton County Public Library.

What ID to Bring When You Vote • Ohio driver’s license • State of Ohio ID card • Interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV • A US passport • A US passport card • US military ID card • Ohio National Guard ID card • US Department of Veterans Affairs ID card

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Polls are open from 6:30am until 7:30pm. By law, if you are in line at 7:30pm, the polls must stay open to allow you to vote. Contact your county Board of Elections (call 513-946-8500 or visit www.votehamiltoncountyohio.gov) or visit www.vote411.org to check your voter registration and to find out your polling place and precinct. Sometimes several precincts share the same polling place. To assure that your vote is counted, verify that you are voting in the correct precinct!

The information in this guide is current as of September 11, 2026. LWVCA’s online voter guide VOTE411.org includes additional candidate information not included in this guide as well as any updates candidates may have made to their profile information after our publication deadline as stated above.

There are several types of valid photo identification.

Voting on Election Day

Voting Early In-Person Location for early voting in Hamilton County: Hamilton County Board of Elections 4700 Smith Rd. Norwood, OH 45212 513-632-7000

https://votehamiltoncountyohio.gov/

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A1: Our political system should belong to working people, not corporations and billionaires. I support outlawing corporate lobbying and corporate political donations, making Election Day a federal holiday, and banning racist gerrymandering and voter suppression. Further, I support measures which tie Congressional salaries to workers’ wages. Beyond elections; we are in desperate need of democratic systemic reform: replacing the undemocratic Senate with a representative national legislature, abolishing the unelected Supreme Court and transferring its powers to democratic institutions, and expanding direct participation through worker councils, neighborhood assemblies, and community organizations. A2: The rising cost of living demands emergency action for working people. I support an immediate nationwide price freeze on essential goods and services, raising the federal minimum wage to $30 an hour, and canceling student, medical, and utility debt. I will fight to ban evictions and foreclosures, prohibit rent increases, and guarantee free universal childcare so families aren’t forced to choose between working and caring for their children. We can pay for these measures by cutting the Pentagon budget by 90% and taxing the massive windfall profits corporations have made while working people struggle to afford basic necessities. For too long, our policies have been dictated by the tiny clique of billionaires who stand to profit from rising costs. A3: We need a political system that gives working people a real voice while reducing the stranglehold of corporations and billionaires. Mentioned above, I support banning corporate political donations and lobbying, protecting voting rights, and expanding democratic participation. I will work with anyone when it advances the interests of working people, while refusing to compromise on racism, attacks on immigrants, or assaults on basic rights. Our politics must be grounded on providing dignified lives for working people—not avoiding necessary political disagreements.

peace, sovereignty, and international cooperation—not endless war. I would cut the Pentagon budget by 90% and redirect those resources toward housing, healthcare, education, and other social needs. We should dismantle the vast network of over 800 U.S. military bases abroad, end military alliances used to enforce U.S. domination, and end military aid to Israel and support for occupation and genocide. I also support lifting sanctions that punish ordinary people in countries like Cuba and Iran, defending the independence of colonies and Indigenous nations, and cooperating internationally to confront the shared threats facing humanity and the planet; like climate change, pandemics, and poverty. A5: We must fundamentally change our immigration system to protect human dignity and workers’ rights. I support abolishing ICE, ending immigration raids and mass deportations, and closing immigration detention camps. We need a clear and immediate path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants already living and working in our communities. Immigrant workers should have full labor protections and the right to organize into unions without fear of retaliation or deportation. Immigration policy should never be used to divide workers, suppress wages, or pit people against one another. Additionally, we must address the war machine and an imperialist foreign policy which compels so many to flee their home countries in the first place.

William B. Redpath Party: Libertarian Website: billredpath.com Facebook: www. facebook.com/

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Education: BA, Indiana University; MBA, The University of Chicago Training and Experience: Certified Public Accountant, Ohio & Illinois. Chartered Financial Analyst-Retired. Accredited Senior Appraiser, Business Valuation, American Society of Appraisers-Retired. Work Experience: Auditor or Accountant with Arthur Andersen & Co, Cincinnati; WISH-TV, Indianapolis; ABC & NBC, New York. Total: 5 years. Business Appraiser, specializing in Media & Telecommunications, with BIA Advisory Services, Washington, and Summit Ridge Group, New York & Chicago. Total: 38 years. Volunteer/Community Service: Co-Editor, Ballot Access News and ballot-access. org. National Ballot Access Coordinator, Libertarian Party. Treasurer, Libertarian National Committee & Libertarian Party of Ohio. Former Chair, Libertarian National Committee.

A4: I support a foreign policy based on

2026 HAMILTON COUNTY VOTER GUIDE

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: A two party system is unnatural and only occurs through political repression, which we have in Ohio and the US because of very high signature requirements for non-R&D candidates to get on the ballot. Our Single Member Plurality (single member legislative districts, person with the most votes wins) voting system props up the two old and unpopular parties, because it boxes too many people into feeling they have to vote for “the lesser of two evils.” I support Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) for single winner elections. But, elections for federal, state and local legislatures should be changed to either a system of “self-districting,” whereby voters select the district they want to be in, or a system with multimember districts elected through RCV. This would allow non-R&D candidates to be elected. A2: Reduce Federal government spending. If not, we might have a debt crisis, the easiest response to which might be tolerating higher inflation. End the Federal Reserve’s “dual mandate”: maximum employment and stable prices. Focus on an inflation rate no higher than 2% every year. Repeal not just Trump’s tariffs, but all tariffs. I support a policy of unilateral free trade, which is a pro-consumer trade policy. We’re all consumers. It will also promote international peace. President Trump just suspended the Jones Act, which is a protectionist maritime policy, for 60 days due to high oil prices. It should be totally repealed. End product price support programs, like the sugar support system, which causes sugar to cost double the world average. Terminate all corporate welfare and farm subsidies. A3: I think hyperpartisanship and a lack of civility are largely due to the combination of our two party system, in which too many people feel they have to side with one of the two old parties, and the advent of social media and our highly siloed media platforms. Honestly, when was the last time you heard a real debate on either Fox News or MS NOW? I don’t think much can be done re: the media situation. There is a First Amendment, and Walter Cronkite isn’t walking through that door again. But, making changes to our electoral systems that would allow new and more diverse voices to be heard and elected to public offices will help the public understand that there are more than two opposing views to policy issues, which will give people alternative means to be politically effective. A4: The United States now frequently behaves as a rogue nation, with its military attacks on several nations and threats to longtime allies, such as Canada and Denmark. This will make US citizens less safe over the long run. I support a noninterventionist foreign policy, and only when the US homeland or territories are threatened, with very rare exceptions. That would allow us to cut the Defense budget. We need to regain the moral high ground, with a renewed emphasis on

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U.S. SENATE

William B. Redpath [CONTINUED]

human rights. The Founders correctly made war declaration a committee decision. Congress must reassert its war powers. The US should treat the Middle East with benign neglect. The “special relationship” with the government of Israel only leads the US into problems. We should treat Israel as we would any other allied nation.

OHIO U.S. REPRESENTATIVE

NO. TO BE ELECTED: 1 per district TERM: 2 years

RESPONSIBILITIES: To represent the

people of Ohio, their district, & the U.S. in dealing national & international matters in the U.S. House of Representatives in Congress. They represent you in the U.S. House, where they: Propose & pass federal laws on Social Security, Medicaid/Medicare, taxes, parks & land use, food & drug standards, agriculture, veteran services, national & international interests & more. Decide the U.S. Budget for Social Security, Medicaid/Medicare, military, veterans benefits, National Parks, science & technology research, education, veteran services, & more.

QUESTIONS:

U.S. House District 8 Warren Davidson Party: Republican Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

Check VOTE411.org for information candidates may have added after print deadline.

A5: I agree with Alex Nowrasteh of the Cato Institute: “All immigration should be allowed except for a handful of people who fall into the categories of criminals, terrorists, the seriously ill, or others who would harm the life, liberty, and property of people here. Libertarian and classical liberal values, American Enlightenment values, our support of free market capitalism, and support for meritocracy all compel us to support free immigration.”

Open immigration would be the greatest anti-poverty program in history. Economist Michael Clemens has estimated that free immigration would increase the amount of global economic production, Gross World Product, by 50-150% – that’s $50$150 trillion of extra production a year. The United States will benefit from a more open immigration system.

Timothy Telymonde (Write-In) Party: Independent Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

U.S. House District 8 Vanessa Enoch Party: Democratic Website: enochforcongress. com Facebook: facebook.com/1DocEnoch Twitter/X: x.com/DrVEnoch Education: Dr. Enoch holds an MBA with a concentration in Information Technology from Xavier University and a Ph.D. in Public Policy from Union Institute & University Training and Experience: Dr. Vanessa Enoch a distinguished entrepreneur with an illustrious career spanning over three decades. Dr. Enoch worked in corporate America for nearly a decade before launching her business in 1999. As the Founder, President & CEO of Cultural Impact, LLC, a management and technology consulting firm, she has been at the forefront of providing innovative business support services. Additionally, she is President & CEO of Vision Works, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to workforce development. Volunteer/Community Service: Her accolades include being named one of the 15 Women in Business and a nomination for the Cincinnati Business Couriers Forty Under 40 award. Dr. Enoch has also served on the board of the Cincinnati and went through Chamber C-Change Leadership Class

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: The freedom to vote is the foundation every other freedom rests on. I believe access and security are partners, not opposites: we can protect early, absentee, and mail-in voting for seniors, veterans, and working families while investing in auditable, paper-backed systems that make every result trustworthy. I’ll fight to end partisan gerrymandering through fair, citizen-centered redistricting, so voters choose their representatives — not the other way around. And I’ll work to get secret money out of politics through full transparency and empowering smalldollar donors. I’ll know we’re succeeding

when turnout rises, wait times fall, no eligible voter is turned away, and Ohioans on both sides can trust that every election was free, fair, and truly theirs. A2: No one who works hard should struggle to afford the basics, yet too many Ohio families are stretched thin by rising prices for housing, groceries, healthcare, and childcare. I’ll fight to lower everyday costs by expanding housing supply and cracking down on price-gouging, capping outof-pocket drug and insurance costs, and making childcare and eldercare affordable so parents can work with peace of mind. I’ll push to strengthen wages and protect the tax credits that put money back in working families’ pockets, while easing the smallbusiness burdens that drive prices up. Relief has to be real, not rhetorical. I’ll know we’re succeeding when a family’s paycheck covers rent, food, and savings again — when working people across our district can not just get by, but truly get ahead. A3: Ohioans are tired of leaders who treat the other side as enemies instead of neighbors. Hyperpartisanship isn’t just unpleasant — it blocks real solutions our families need. I’ll work across the aisle without apology, judging every idea by whether it helps our district, not which party it came from. I’ll support fair redistricting that rewards listening over extremes, transparency that rebuilds trust, and a return to the basic decency of disagreeing without contempt. Leadership means modeling the respect we want to see. I’ll know we’re succeeding when Ohioans see their representatives solving problems together again — when we measure progress by results delivered, not battles won, and when people believe once more that government can bring us together rather than tear us apart. A4: America is strongest when our power is matched by our principles, and after decades of endless war, it’s time to bring that wisdom home. I’ll support a strong defense, but I refuse to send our sons and daughters into open-ended conflicts with no clear mission and no way out. Too many Ohio families have borne that cost. I’ll insist Congress reclaim its constitutional duty to authorize war, demand clear goals and real accountability before any deployment, and invest in the diplomacy and deterrence that prevent conflict in the first place. And I’ll fight to give our veterans the care they

2026 HAMILTON COUNTY VOTER GUIDE

earned when they come home. Strength with restraint. I’ll know we’re succeeding when we’re defending our nation without draining it, when peace, not permanent war, becomes the measure of American leadership A5: We can enforce our laws and have compassion, both are part of who we are. Our immigration system is broken, and Washington’s refusal to fix it fails everyone. I’ll support securing our borders with smart technology and enough personnel to stop trafficking and fentanyl, while fixing a legal system so tangled that families wait decades and employers can’t find workers. I’ll fight for a real, earned path to citizenship for Dreamers and for those already contributing here, and for treating people with basic dignity throughout. Reform has to be practical, humane, and finally get done. I’ll know we’re succeeding when our borders are secure, our laws are enforced fairly, our workforce needs are met, and immigrants who play by the rules can build their lives openly as part of our community.

U.S. House District 1 Eric Conroy Party: Republican Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

Greg Landsman Party: Democratic

Website: landsmanforcongress.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ LandsmanGreg/ Twitter/X: greglandsman

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

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OHIO GOVERNOR

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

U.S. House District 1 Nathan Weise Party: Libertarian Website: weiseforcongress. com Facebook: .facebook.com/

weiseforcongress Twitter/X: weise4congress

Education: Master in Public Administration

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: There is an organization called Rank the Vote Ohio that is working to change Ohio’s voting system from First Past the Post (FPTP) to Ranked Choice Voting (RCV). I fully support that effort, and I would also support Approval Voting (AV). FPTP strongly favors the two-party system and often creates a “lesser evil” dynamic, where voters choose a candidate because they think that candidate can defeat the one they dislike, rather than because they genuinely support them. Changing our voting system may seem like a monumental task, but FPTP is largely a relic of British colonialism. Many former British colonies adopted it, and many have since moved on to electoral systems that better represent voter preferences. A2: The United States needs to get government spending under control. Excessive spending is a primary driver of inflation, and addressing it should be a top priority. I support ending foreign aid. We shouldn’t be sending money to other countries while we have serious issues here at home that need attention. I also support significantly reducing the size and scope of our military. I believe this can be done while still maintaining a strong national defense and our ability to protect the country. I will propose policies that strengthen the U.S. dollar. I support free trade policies that increase competition and lower the cost of everyday goods. Tariffs and other trade barriers often function as taxes on consumers, raising prices for Americans.

A3: I would promote civility by leading by example. Disagreements in politics are inevitable, but there is a level of maturity and professionalism required to effectively serve constituents. It’s impossible to move multi-partisan policies forward when discussions devolve into name-calling and blatant disrespect. People are tired of the reality television-style politics that dominates the country. I would reduce hyperpartisanship by focusing on issues with broad public support rather than divisive partisan battles. We should spend more time addressing the cost of living, government spending, and mass surveillance, and less time fighting over cultural issues that rarely improve people’s daily lives. A4: The United States should not be involved in conflicts that do not pertain to the United States. Our involvement in disputes around the world often makes Americans less safe, not more. A strong national defense is important. We should continue funding research and development and maintain the capabilities needed to defend the country. But we need to bring the troops home. Not just from war zones, but from Germany, Australia, Japan, and elsewhere. The United States should not be responsible for policing the world. We should strengthen relationships with our allies through trade and diplomacy. Strong partnerships are good for both our economy and our security, and are a more effective way to advance American interests than endless military commitments abroad. A5: The United States needs a much simpler path to a Green Card and eventual citizenship. I support a modernized Ellis Island system - how many of our grandparents came to America. Anyone should be able to enter through a port of entry, undergo a series of background and security checks, and be allowed to live and work here. The process should not take months or cost thousands of dollars. I do not support militarized immigration enforcement. Immigration is primarily an administrative issue and it should be treated accordingly.

WRITE-IN CANDIDATES

NOTE: The Governor and Lieutenant Governor run as a single ticket but appear separately here to allow for different questions. NO. TO BE ELECTED: 1 TERM: 4 years RESPONSIBILITIES: Ensures that all state laws are executed, reports the condition of the state, & presents a proposed budget to the legislature. They represent you as the chief executive of the State of Ohio, where they: Set state policy by approving, vetoing, & giving feedback on proposed laws & overseeing their execution. Propose & sign the state budget that decides funding for education, health & Medicaid services, state prisons, developmental services, State parks, state agencies, & much more. Appoint state department officials who lead agencies that carry out laws & create policies impacted by state budget. These departments include Transportation, Insurance, Veteran Services, Rehabilitation & Corrections, Taxation, Commerce, & many more. Serve on the Ohio Redistricting Commission to redraw Ohio’s state & congressional districts. Manage emergencies such as natural disasters & command the Ohio National Guard. QUESTIONS: Q1: What changes would you make, if any, to voting and elections policy? Q2: What type of tax reform, if any, would best serve Ohio? Q3: How would you address concerns about the rising cost of living? Q4: What are your priorities for K-12 and higher education? Q5: How would you reduce hyperpartisanship and promote civility? Q6: How will you approach re-drawing legislative district lines?

Amy Acton

This Voter Guide identifies write-in candidates by placing (Write-in) next to their name. You can also get a write-in list from your Precinct Election Official (PEO). To vote for a write-in candidate, completely darken the box to the left of the blank line and write in the candidate’s name as it appears on the write-in list. Ask your PEO for help if you have questions. WWW.LWVCINCINNATI.ORG

GOVERNOR

Party: Democratic Facebook: facebook. com/amyactonoh Website: actonforgovernor. com Twitter/X: amyactonoh Education: Northeast Ohio Medical University BS/MD; The Ohio State University MPH

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

2026 HAMILTON COUNTY VOTER GUIDE

A1: Both Republican and Democratic officials attest to the security of Ohio elections; however, I oppose the recent and repeated efforts to cast doubt on the integrity of our elections, which erode public trust in the foundation of our democracy. I reject efforts by some to use unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud as justification for restrictive voting measures that make it harder for eligible Ohioans to participate in the electoral process under current law. A2: Ohioans are working harder than ever, but they just can’t make ends meet. My ActOn Costs Agenda will lower costs, help Ohioans keep more of their money by cutting taxes, and put money back in people’s pockets. My Working Families Tax Cut includes an Earned Income Credit that will support up to 775,000 working families and a child tax credit of $1,000 a year for children aged 0-6 and $500 for children aged 7-18 for families making up to $85,000 in annual income. As governor, I will expand the Homestead Exemption so more of Ohio’s seniors are eligible for property tax relief, introduce a property tax spike rebate, and crack down on predatory collection practices. I will also fully implement the Fair School Funding Plan, which will decrease the local property tax burden. A3: As a doctor, I’ve seen how important it is that Ohioans can both access and afford the care they need – and right now, that simply isn’t the case for so many people in our state. As governor, I will fight to lower healthcare costs by protecting against attacks on Medicaid and Medicare, launch an online platform to leverage Ohio’s purchasing power on prescription drugs, and forgive medical debt. I will work to lower healthcare premiums through transparency, and crack down on surprise billing and predatory collection practices. Our energy bills are too high, and as governor, I will fight to lower your bills through an energy strategy that enhances production, incorporates the lowest-cost and cleanest sources of energy, and expands access to cost-saving programs. A4: First, I will fully and constitutionally fund our public schools, allowing us to prioritize students, educators, and schools to reduce the pressure on local property taxes. Second, Ohio’s private school voucher program is sending billions of hardworking Ohioans’ tax dollars to fund private schools with no accountability. I will tackle the out-of-control private school voucher system and push for desperately needed transparency regarding where those billions are being spent. Third, I will use those savings to invest in best practices that will bring Ohio’s schools into the 21st century, with cutting-edge literacy and math programs that help kids prepare for the workforce. I will invest in new approaches to math and literacy programs to make sure they’re tied to real-world demands. A5: Everywhere I go, Ohioans share their stories and exhaustion at the chaos, hate,

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OHIO GOVERNOR

Amy Acton

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

[CONTINUED]

and vitriol in our politics. People are longing for public servants who solve problems instead of creating them – leaders who address the issues that all of us want to be solved: costs, affordable childcare, lowering property taxes, providing dignity while aging in place, safety, and goodpaying jobs that provide a high quality of life. I am not a politician; I am a doctor and a public servant who has worked with both Republicans and Democrats. Ohio needs a leader who will bring people to the table and work through the hard issues. As governor, I am committed to having leadership in my cabinet from both parties because my top priority is solving problems and delivering real results for Ohioans. A6: Ohioans have spoken loud and clear that they want to end gerrymandering in Ohio. They’ve figured out that gerrymandering is a key reason Ohio has been going in the wrong direction for so long, and why extremists and special interests run Ohio. And they’re right. Despite the voters’ mandate and the clear requirements of Ohio’s constitution, politicians in Columbus have abused the process, broken the law, and defied multiple court rulings to continue to gerrymander Ohio’s districts. As governor, I will have a seat at the table in the 2030-31 mapdrawing process. In that role, I will fight for fair and constitutional districts that put the people back in charge of their government. I will oppose any rigged map, and I will veto any bill that tries to gerrymander Ohio once again.

Timothy Grady (Write-In) Party: Independent Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

Heather Hill (Write-In) Party: Independent Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

Donald C. Kissick Party: Libertarian Campaign Address: 990 Hampton Ct, Lebanon, Oh, 45036 Facebook: www.facebook.com/ DonKissickLiberty/ Website: donkissick.com Training and Experience: Military

A1: Especially when it comes to the Save America Act; we’re finding that it’s incredibly problematic because it’s targeting people who are typically democratic voters so the overreach from an act like that is something we speak ardently against. Overall though, we’ve found that the current system has disenfranchised challenger parties like ours because it favors simplistic duopolistic voting. Rank Choice or STAR Voting, something more like a survey model where I can say- my first choice is X, my second choice is Y, and my third choice is Z is much more favorable to challenger parties because it sees more of the grey complexity that is how people view and think, Given the fact that 49% of Ohio identify themselves as politically homelessit makes alot of sense to change the way we’re voting A2: As it pertains to abolishing property tax- we are in favor of it but you first have to address a few key strings: 1. Investors in residential real estate 2. How we’re addressing education It’s a case of a balance sheet- inflows, we can replace our property tax revenue with local consumption based taxes especially on luxury goods and you can also look at the sin taxes like marijuana, cigarettes, gambling (especially the lottery), and alcohol. In the case of outflows- we have a lot of money going to corporate subsidies, international donations, and the school system- in particular with the school system if you remove teaching towards the test and compliance based programs you can significantly reduce the budget because those systems are costly to manage. It’s about balancing the budget A3: This is a tough one because rising costs are being caused by a number of things outside of our control- the war and tariffs which both will cause supply chain issues. We’ve talked alot about deregulation for the small business because the amount of taxes and regulations impacting the small business owner has essentially been constricting them out of business. On top of that if we can create a more collaborative environment for resources in the given locales like opener and more collaborative coalitions for mental health nonprofits, housing, small business incubators- you can drive jobs back to the smaller communities which will in theory drive more business back to the mom and pop shops- especially if you eliminate the subsidies that have gone to mainly large scale corporations A4: As mentioned, we’d focus on ending compliance based testing programs which are costly to manage and create additional bureaucracy in administrators. Similar to business, where my boss trusts me to do the work- and in theory my boss is supposed to be either more educated,

more certified, or more experience than me- we should move towards a model where because this teacher has indicated they have a mastery over math or a mastery over English, I should trust them that they’re teaching their students mastery. We can use testing for diagnostic purposes, you could also have more portfolio based modeling for students; but at the end of the day, if that teacher is a master of the topic and the department head or admin over them has said they’re doing an adequate job- who am I to say otherwise? A5: The first step in loving thy neighbor is to step outside to meet them. We’ve become so engrained in our own echo chambers that if you’re left or right, that’s your sole identity. I want to have people recognize that we’re all people and the bulk of us are wanting what’s best for the community we’re just disagreeing about how to do that. The way to break echo chambers is to be curious, not judgmental. Ask questions first, clarify why someone believes something, and be open to dialogue. We win when we win together. We’ve already started doing this- we’ve hosted townhall events across the state where we’ve invited democrats, republicans, libertarians, and independents to just talk about the issues and how to solve them. And we do it in a way where we’re trying to listen more than we talk. A6: I will make this clear- what’s gone on in Ohio with the constant redrawing of legislative district lines has shown just how toxic our institution is. It wasn’t perfect but something like what was proposed in 2024 with issue 1 where you have a nonpartisan committee that takes into account all recognized parties in the state is something I’d love to come back up on the ballot. Candidly it was short sighted when the GOP shot it down because they don’t recognize that when the Dems come into power, the power struggle to remove them will be just the same as the power struggle the dems are facing in unhousing the GOP. Make it equitable (which issue 1 was attempting to do) and give the people the chance to actually vote for what they want. Make politicians stand on their own merit.

Vivek Ramaswamy Party: Republican Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

Renea Turner (Write-In) Party: Independent Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

2026 HAMILTON COUNTY VOTER GUIDE

Ron Ula (Write-In) Party: Independent Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

OHIO LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

NOTE: The Governor and Lieutenant Governor run as a single ticket but appear separately here to allow for different questions. NO. TO BE ELECTED: 1 TERM: 4 years RESPONSIBILITIES: Succeeds governor in the event of death, conviction by impeachment, or disability of the governor. They represent you as the deputy chief executive of the State of Ohio, where they: Succeed the Governor in the event of death, conviction by impeachment, or disability of the governor. Serve as a member of the governor’s cabinet & oversees meetings in the governor’s absence. Can be appointed as the leader of an administrative department. Serve as the governor’s representative on any board, agency, committee, or commission on which the governor is a member. Has appointment authority to any nonelective body in the executive department or other area the governor considers in the interest of the state. QUESTIONS: Q1: What are the most important functions of the lieutenant governor, and why? Q2: What are your top two policy priorities for the next four years? Q3: Are you interested in leading a state agency? Which agency, and why? Q4: How would you reduce hyperpartisanship and promote civility? Q5: How will you represent the diverse interests of all Ohioans?

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OHIO LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

Michael Lehnerd (Write-In)

James L. Mills

Party: Independent Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

Patrick Manley (Write-In) Party: Independent Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

Robert A. McColley Party: Republican Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

AUDITOR

NO. TO BE ELECTED: 1 TERM: 4 years

RESPONSIBILITIES: Audits all financial records of public offices in Ohio. Maintains deed records of state. They represent you as the Chief Accounting Officer of the State of Ohio, where they: Audit all Ohio public offices, including local governments, public schools, public libraries & state universities, & state government departments, agencies, & commissions. Serve as watchdog for public fraud by preventing, identifying, & investigating fraud in public agencies. Serve on the Ohio Redistricting Commission to redraw Ohio’s state & congressional districts. Provide financial services & oversight to local governments, promote transparency in government, & decide where to direct public financial reviews. QUESTIONS: Q1: What are the most important functions of the state auditor, and why? Q2: What are your goals for improving the function of the auditor’s office? Q3: What will you do to ensure that public funds are not misused? Q4: What is the auditor’s role in investigating non-public schools? Q5: How will you approach re-drawing legislative district lines?

WWW.LWVCINCINNATI.ORG

Party: Libertarian Website: Donkissick.com Facebook: facebook.com/p/James-Mills-for-Lt-Gove Education: MBA from Xavier, Econ and political science degree from UC Training and Experience: 10 years in finance with various professional designations like retirement planning counselor, and securities and insurance evaluations Volunteer/Community Service: Run a clothing drive where we distribute coats to the homeless

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: The ability to preside over the state senate. One of the most prominent facets of LT. Governor is to help implement the legislative agenda so when Don and I talk about bolstering an environment to overturn citizens united and get rid of money in politics, to focus on deregulating the small business owner, or even some

of the influences we’ve seen with local law enforcement working with ICE- as a Lt. Governor having the ability to influence legislative agenda, these are all things I can imbue the state senate to start working on. A2: First rebuild Ohio’s economic engine by expanding access for small businesses and workers: cutting barriers, opening up capital and contracts, and creating real pathways to growth. Second, restore trust in government through transparency and accountability- making sure every dollar is trackable, every decision is open, and the system works for people, not insiders.” A3: I’d take an active role in strengthening ethics oversight and transparency across state agencies, while leading workforce and economic development efforts that actually connect Ohioans to real opportunity. That means cleaner government, open access to contracts, and building pathways for workers and small businesses to grow. A4: The first step in loving thy neighbor is to step outside to meet them. We’ve become so engrained in our own echo chambers that if you’re left or right, that’s your sole

identity. I want to have people recognize that we’re all people and the bulk of us are wanting what’s best for the community we’re just disagreeing about how to do that. The way to break echo chambers is to be curious, not judgmental. Ask questions first, clarify why someone believes something, and be open to dialogue. We win when we win together. We’ve already started doing this- we’ve hosted townhall events across the state where we’ve invited democrats, republicans, libertarians, and independents to just talk about the issues and how to solve them. And we do it in a way where we’re trying to listen more than we talk. A5: I grew up in a lower-middle-class Ohio family, worked across finance, construction, and nonprofit service, and I’m raising my kids here- so I’ve lived a lot of the realities Ohioans face. Representing diverse perspectives isn’t about checking boxes: it’s about building systems where everyone has a voice and a fair shot. I’ll stay grounded by being present in communities across the state, listening first, and making sure our policies actually reflect the people they impact- not just the people in the room

Andrea Neutzling (Write-In)

David Pepper

Jalen Turner (Write-In)

Party: Independent Biographical Info: No response

Party: Democratic Biographical Info: No response

Party: Independent Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

No response

OHIO AUDITOR

Annette Blackwell Party: Democratic Website: blackwellforohio.com/ Facebook: facebook. com/AnnetteForOhio/ Twitter/X: AnnetteForOhio Education: Ursuline College, B.A., Public Relations & Corporate Communications; Cleveland State University, Certified Public Manager (OCPM); Indiana Wesleyan University, ASB; St. Joseph High School, Cleveland, High School Diploma Training and Experience: Mayor of Maple Heights, 2016-present; Deloitte, Senior Property Tax Analyst, 1999-2016; University Hospitals Cleveland, Administrative Coordinator, 1987-1999 Volunteer/Community Service: Black Women’s Political Action Committee; Cuyahoga County’s Citizens’ Advisory Council on Equity; Cuyahoga County’s Land Reutilization Corporation Board of Directors; Cuyahoga County Mayors & City Managers, Executive Board Member

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: The Auditor’s main function is to protect taxpayer dollars against fraud, misuse and corruption. I further believe that the auditor’s office should work to support government entities in improving financial practices to not just comply with regulations, but to stretch hard-earned taxpayer dollars. A2: As Ohio’s Auditor, my top priority is to transform the office from a purely punitive watchdog into a proactive partner for Ohio’s communities. Too many local governments, school districts, and small public entities lack access to the financial expertise they need to manage their systems well. My office will close that resource gap. I will expand the Auditor’s role as a trusted consultant and coach to provide handson technical assistance, training and fiscal guidance so communities can build stronger financial systems before a crisis occurs. That said, accountability is nonnegotiable. I will investigate all cases of corruption and fiscal mismanagement and hold bad actors accountable, regardless of political affiliation. A3: As Mayor of Maple Heights, I inherited

2026 HAMILTON COUNTY VOTER GUIDE

a city in fiscal emergency and turned it around. I balanced budgets, restored honest accounting, and earned four consecutive Clean Audit Awards from the very office I’m now running to lead. As State Auditor, I’ll bring that same discipline statewide: proactive audits that catch problems early, transparent public reporting so Ohioans can see exactly how their money is spent, and accountability that applies to all public entities. Every dollar protected is a dollar that stays in our schools, roads, and communities. A4: When a private institution accepts public dollars, it must accept all public accountability obligations. While state spending on private school tuition has increased, the oversight has not done so. We need mandatory regular audits of any schools receiving EdChoice and other voucher program dollars. We also must require regular, consistent financial, enrollment and attendance reports from these schools. And, we must hold all schools accountable for not complying with basic reporting requirements. A5: As a member of the Ohio Redistricting Commission, I’ll fight for fair representation.

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OHIO AUDITOR

Annette Blackwell [CONTINUED]

Ohioans have made clear, again and again, that they want districts drawn fairly, and I’ll hold that line, even when it’s politically inconvenient. Fair maps mean real competition, real accountability, and a legislature that actually reflects the people it represents.

Frank LaRose Party: Republican

Twitter/X: franklarose

Website: www. franklarose.com Facebook: www. facebook.com/ FrankLaRose

Education: Ohio State University Training and Experience: Ohio Secretary of State (2018-Present), Ohio Senator (20102018) Volunteer/Community Service: Member of the U.S. Army in the Ohio National Guard

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: The most important functions of the Auditor of State are ensuring transparency, efficiency, and accountability in government; protecting taxpayers from fraud, waste, and abuse; and giving the public confidence that their tax dollars are being managed responsibly. The office plays a critical role by auditing state and local entities, identifying weaknesses in financial controls, investigating misuse of public money, and helping public agencies operate more effectively. Those responsibilities matter because taxpayers deserve honest government, and public officials should be held to the highest standards when they are entrusted with public resources. The office also performs performance audits aimed at improving economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in public operations. A2: My goal is to strengthen the Auditor’s office as an independent watchdog that is focused not only on finding problems, but also on helping government work better. That means continuing to prioritize transparency, efficiency, and accountability; using audits and performance reviews to identify ways agencies and local governments can improve operations; expanding efforts to detect fraud, waste, and abuse early; and making sure audit findings are clear, timely, and useful to the public and to the entities being audited. I also believe the Auditor’s office should be a constructive partner to local governments by helping them improve internal controls and deliver the services their constituents depend on, and strengthening trust in government. A3: I will insist on strong, independent

OHIO ATTORNEY GENERAL

oversight, aggressive investigation of fraud, waste, and abuse, and clear accountability when public funds are misused. That includes supporting thorough financial and compliance audits, strengthening internal controls, encouraging timely reporting of suspicious activity, and using the office’s investigative tools to pursue wrongdoing wherever it occurs. Just as importantly, I believe prevention matters: training, transparency, and strong financial practices can stop problems before they become scandals. Taxpayers deserve confidence that every public dollar is being handled responsibly and that anyone who abuses the public trust will be held accountable. I will also support practical safeguards that help deter misuse before it starts across government. A4: The Auditor’s role is to follow the public money. When non-public schools receive public funds or participate in publicly funded programs, the Auditor has a responsibility to ensure those dollars are used lawfully, properly, and in accordance with applicable requirements. The office’s role is not to interfere with the mission or beliefs of a non-public school, but to provide oversight wherever taxpayer funds are involved and to investigate credible allegations of misuse. That is the same standard that should apply across the board: if public dollars are being spent, the public has a right to expect accountability. The Auditor’s core authority is tied to public money and legal compliance, and to ensuring public funds are used for their intended purpose, with transparency and accountability. A5: I would approach redistricting with seriousness, transparency, and respect for both the Ohio Constitution and the people of our state. Ohioans may not always agree on the outcome, but they should be able to expect a process that is open, constitutional, and understandable to the public. The goal should be constitutional maps that provide clear representation, preserve communities where possible, and are drawn through a process the public can understand and trust. Because the Auditor serves on the seven-member Ohio Redistricting Commission, that responsibility requires independence, careful attention to legal standards, and a commitment to conducting the process openly and responsibly.

ATTORNEY GENERAL

NO. TO BE ELECTED: 1 TERM: 4 years

RESPONSIBILITIES: Represents the state in all legal cases in which the state is a party or has a significant interest. They represent you as the Chief Legal Officer of the State of Ohio, where they: Represent Ohio in all court cases where Ohio has a significant interest & provide legal counsel to all elected state officials, state departments, commissions, & the General Assembly. Coordinate with local law enforcement at their request & provide criminal justice support services, & approve summaries for proposed citizen ballot initiatives. Lead Ohio enforcement authority for Ohio law, including Ohio’s laws in consumer protection, antitrust actions, human trafficking, organized crime, & nursing home patient abuse & neglect. Decide which issues & cases to prioritize & pursue. QUESTIONS: Q1: What are the most important functions of the attorney general, and why? Q2: What divisions (e.g. consumer protection, environment, civil rights, immigration, elections, etc) will you prioritize, and why? Q3: When is it appropriate to bring cases on behalf of Ohio to federal court? Q4: How will you represent the diverse interests of all Ohioans? Q5: What changes would you make, if any, regarding transparency in government?

Keith Faber Party: Republican Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

How are your elected representatives representing YOU? Here you can find your representatives, how to contact them, bills they’ve introduced, committees they serve on, and political contributions they’ve received.

John J. Kulewicz Party: Democratic Website: www. john4ohioag.com Facebook: www. facebook.com/profile.php?id=6158027479 Twitter/X: JohnKulewicz Education: B.A. History at Ohio State, J.D. at Yale Law School Training and Experience: Partner at at Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease, 1987-2024; Associate attorney, 1981-1987 Volunteer/Community Service: I have previously served as board president of the Columbus Zoo, Catholic Social Services, and Federal Bar Association (Columbus); and as a member of the Ohio Bicentennial Commission and Ohio Historical Society Board.

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: A1: The Attorney General is the chief law officer of the State of Ohio. They are responsible for police officer training and certification, consumer protection, anti-trust enforcement, and rooting out corruption in our state and local governments.

A2: Right now, times are tough. I would prioritize the section of the office that handle consumer protection, anti-trust, and anti-corruption efforts to ensure that Ohioans are being given a fair shake in the economy. These are not the most glamorous cases to bring, but they make a real difference for working people all across the state. A3: It is appropriate only when the rights of Ohio and the rights of The People of Ohio are directly under attack. A4: Everyone is equal under the law. I am campaigning the same way I will govern. That means going everywhere across the state and listening to the needs of The People of Ohio. The Ohio Attorney General is The People’s Lawyer, meaning your job is only accountable to The People, not the political whims of the Governor or the General Assembly or anyone else. A5: I have already filed multiple complaints with the Ohio Inspector General looking into the resignation of former Ohio State President Ted Carter and JobsOhio’s involvement in that and the lobbying practice of the Chairman of their Board. I have called upon the General Assembly to significantly rollback the privacy shield afforded JobsOhio, as we all have a right to see how our public money is used.

Enter your full address below to get started. https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/

2026 HAMILTON COUNTY VOTER GUIDE

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OHIO TREASURER

TREASURER

NO. TO BE ELECTED: 1 TERM: 4 years

RESPONSIBILITIES: Collect taxes in the county & its subdivisions, disburse expenditures, & invest the county’s funds. They represent you as the Chief Financial Officer of the State of Ohio, where they: Collect, invest, & protect state funds, including most state taxes & fees. Track & maintain Ohio’s unclaimed property database. Act as state banker by issuing bonds for voter-authorized infrastructure improvement programs & school facilities construction. QUESTIONS: Q1: What are the most important functions of the state treasurer, and why? Q2: What are your goals for improving the function of the treasurer’s office? Q3: How can the treasurer’s office influence state fiscal policy?

Jay Edwards Party: Republican Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

Seth Walsh

TeamWalshHQ/

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Xavier University Training and Experience: Seth is an accomplished nonprofit leader, securing $85 million in economic development funding as Executive Director of the College Hill Urban Redevelopment Corporation. First appointed to Cincinnati City Council in December 2022, he has championed

Tom Pruss

Q5: How will you use your position to improve fiscal literacy among Ohioans?

NO. TO BE ELECTED: 1 TERM: 4 years

RESPONSIBILITIES: Oversees the election process in each of Ohio’s 88 counties. Maintains records of corporations. They represent you as the Chief Election Officer of Ohio, where they: Oversee Ohio elections to ensure compliance with state & federal laws, appoint & train election officials in all 88 counties. Chair the Ohio Ballot Board, which writes & approves ballot language for statewide issues. Serve on the Ohio Redistricting Commission to redraw Ohio’s state & congressional districts. Oversee the Ohio Election Integrity Commission, which investigates possible cases of voter suppression and election fraud. Serve as state record keeper, provides public access to state government records & registers businesses in Ohio. QUESTIONS: Q1: What will you do to promote voter participation? Q2: What changes, if any, would you make to election security?

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LinkedDeposits program, the 529 College Advantage and social impact bonding are the type of programs that the Treasurer’s office should continue to implement to maximize and optimize how Ohio reinvests its money in our people.

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A4: There is no greater or more solemn responsibility to Ohioans than to maintain transparency and accountability in the Office of Treasurer of Ohio. As Treasurer of Ohio, I will ensure the state’s investments, pension funds, and revenue are managed with integrity

A1: The Treasurer of Ohio has two top priorities: securing the state’s investments and stewarding our public pension funds. As Treasurer, I will ensure the state’s investments, pension funds, and revenue are managed with integrity and are used to strengthen our communities so all Ohioans thrive. A2: As Treasurer of Ohio, I will ensure the office operates with integrity and our focus is on investing in all of our communities so Ohioans can succeed. Programs like the

A3: If the State of Ohio, and its $280 billion investment portfolio, were a person, it would be the second-wealthiest person on Earth. That means with the right strategy, we can use Ohio’s revenue and investment dollars to drive increased returns and reinvest those dollars back in our communities.

A5: As Treasurer of Ohio, I will use my ability to convene and maximize the opportunity we have with banks, credit unions and other financial institutions who are providing fiscal literacy in our public schools and to adults throughout Ohio.

OHIO SECRETARY OF STATE

Q4: How will you ensure transparency and accountability in state finances?

SECRETARY OF STATE

Party: Democratic Biographical Info Website: www. sethwalshforohio. com Facebook: www. facebook.com/

millions of dollars in direct economic support to grow Cincinnati’s small businesses and neighborhoods. Seth is a member of the Cincinnati Retirement System Board of Trustees. A native of St. Joseph, Michigan, Seth graduated from Xavier University, w Volunteer/Community Service: Seth has served as President of the Friends of Taft Legacy Foundation, and was Chairman of the Cincinnati Elections Commission. He founded the Cincy Soccer League in 2017, and for years was a member of the WCPOTV Community Advisory Board.

Party: Libertarian

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Website: www. votepruss.com Facebook: www.facebook. com/profile.

Education: University of Toledo (attended) Training and Experience: Owner, Northcoast Print Mail Marketing Volunteer/Community Service: Vice President-Northwest Ohio Polish Cultural Center Advisory Board

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: First, eliminate unnecessary barriers to voting. I support same-day registration tied to routine interactions like driver’s license renewals, while keeping ballots clear, simple, and auditable. Second, protect election integrity with common-sense voter ID—the same kind Ohioans already use for banking or travel—while ensuring free Q3: What changes, if any, would you promote for the Ohio Ballot Board? Q4: What changes, if any, would you make to campaign finance policy? Q5: How will you represent the diverse interests of all Ohio voters? Q6: How will you approach re-drawing legislative district lines?

state IDs are available for anyone who needs one. Third, break the two-party stranglehold. I support fair ballot access, open primaries, and voting reforms like ranked-choice or approval voting so voters have real choices. Finally, increase transparency. Election data should be open, systems secure, and the Secretary of State must act as a neutral referee— not a partisan tool. More participation happens when voters have access, trust, and real choices. A2: Election security should focus on transparency, verifiability, and public trust. Ohio already has strong safeguards, but we can improve confidence by expanding risk-limiting audits, ensuring every vote has a verifiable paper trail, and making election data more transparent to the public. Security measures must protect the integrity of elections without making it harder for eligible voters to participate. That means clear procedures, secure voter ID with free state IDs available to anyone who needs one, and consistent statewide standards for equipment and auditing. The goal is simple: secure elections that are easy to vote in and hard to cheat in. A3: The Ohio Ballot Board should focus on clarity, fairness, and transparency. Ballot language must accurately reflect the proposal without confusing wording or partisan influence. I would push for clearer, plain-language summaries so voters can easily understand what they are voting on. I also support greater transparency in how ballot language is

2026 HAMILTON COUNTY VOTER GUIDE

drafted and approved, including public input and review. Ohio voters deserve summaries that explain issues honestly— not language designed to persuade or mislead. A4: Ohio’s campaign finance system should emphasize transparency and fairness. Voters deserve to know who is funding political campaigns, so I support stronger disclosure requirements and faster reporting of major contributions so the public can see who is trying to influence elections in real time. At the same time, regulations should not be so complex that they discourage everyday citizens from running for office or participating in the political process. I support simplifying compliance rules for smaller campaigns while ensuring large donors and political action committees remain fully transparent. A5: The Secretary of State’s role is not to represent one party or ideology—it’s to serve every voter in Ohio. I will run the office as a neutral referee, ensuring that election laws are applied fairly and consistently no matter who you vote for or where you live. That means protecting equal access to the ballot, maintaining transparent and secure election systems, and making sure every eligible voter can participate without unnecessary barriers. I will also work with local election officials, community groups, and voters across the state to ensure their voices are heard. A6: Ohio voters have made it clear they want fair maps, not partisan

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OHIO SECRETARY OF STATE

Tom Pruss [CONTINUED]

gerrymandering. My approach is simple: the goal of redistricting should be to represent voters—not to protect politicians or political parties. I support transparent map-drawing processes with public input and clear standards that prioritize compact districts, respect for communities, and competitiveness wherever possible. Ohioans should be able to see how maps are drawn and have meaningful opportunities to comment before they are finalized. Most importantly, the rules must be applied fairly and consistently, regardless of which party benefits. Voters deserve districts where their voices actually matter and where elections are competitive, not predetermined.

Allison Russo Party: Democratic Website: allisonrusso. com Facebook: facebook.com/ Russo4Ohio Twitter/X: Russo4Ohio Education: Allison Russo holds a doctoral degree in health policy from The George Washington University and a master’s degree in public health epidemiology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Training and Experience: Allison spent more than 20 years working to solve problems in health care — advising federal agencies and health systems on how to improve care for seniors, veterans, military families, and vulnerable communities. She then entered the state legislature in

2019, where she was later elected House Minority Leader. In that time she helped build a coalition to defeat the August 2023 Issue 1 “60% power grab” and then enshrine reproductive rights into Ohio’s constitution.

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: I believe increasing voter participation and voter education should be key duties of the office. Ensuring that Ohioans are informed about how, when, and where to vote is essential to a strong democracy. This work relies on building partnerships with key communities, including school districts, universities, nonpartisan organizations focused on voting, faith communities, and local governments. These partners play a critical role in helping reach voters in their communities and encouraging civic participation. In addition, we should focus on making voting information more accessible. That includes reimagining the technologies voters use to access election information and register to vote. By improving the platforms voters rely on, we can ensure accurate information is readily available. A2: One change I would make is increasing and stabilizing funding for our local Boards of Elections. Currently, funding for county Boards of Elections comes from a mix of state and county resources. As a result, some counties are well funded, while others only have enough resources to do the minimum required to carry out elections with limited staffing. When resources vary significantly by county, it can create gaps that make it harder for some jurisdictions to maintain the highest standards of security and efficiency. My knowledge and experience navigating the state budget process will be important in advocating for adequate funding for our Boards of Elections. Ensuring these offices have the staffing, technology, and training they need will help maintain secure, reliable elections.

A3: While Section 1 of Article XVI of the Ohio Constitution dictates the composition of the Ohio Ballot Board, the Secretary of State serves as the Chair of the Ballot Board and can dictate the tone and tenor of the Board’s activities. I believe the Ohio Ballot Board should function as an unbiased Board that prescribes and certifies the ballot language for proposed Constitutional amendments, initiatives, and referenda and oversees efforts to inform voters of ballot issues. Personal and partisan perspectives on a specific issue should not dictate the work of the Board. Regarding ballot language specifically, the change I would promote would be to simplify the official ballot language so that it can be easily read and understood by the average voter, is fair, and is as unbiased as possible. A4: The Secretary of State carries out campaign finance laws, but does not have the power to set new policy without legislative action. However, the Secretary of State still has regulatory oversight into this process. Last year, the Ohio Legislature dissolved the Ohio Elections Commission and shifted the investigation for violations of campaign finance laws to the Secretary of State’s office. Appeal of decisions goes to the Ohio Elections Integrity Commission, whose chairperson is also appointed by the Secretary of State. The Ohio Secretary of State has enormous discretion to investigate campaigns for any potential campaign finance infractions. Because of this new and relatively unchecked power, it is more important than ever that Ohio elects a Secretary of State who is fair and transparent. A5: I believe that the best way to represent the diverse interests of all Ohio voters is to conduct the Office of Secretary of State in a fair and unbiased manner. It should

not matter what issues or candidates a Secretary of State supports or opposes—the responsibility of the office is to ensure that every candidate the same fair opportunity to come before Ohio voters, and that every voter has their voice heard and counted. To achieve this, the office must prioritize professionalism and transparency in every aspect of election administration. That includes hiring staff who represent the diversity of Ohio’s political perspectives and communities. By bringing together people with different viewpoints and experiences, the office can better understand and respond to challenges voters face. A6: First, I believe Ohio’s redistricting process should NOT include any politician, including the Secretary of State. The current process is fundamentally broken because it relies on politicians to make unbiased decisions to fairly draw our gerrymandered districts, and it includes no enforcement power for the Ohio Supreme Court when bipartisan agreement cannot be reached. The Ohio Redistricting Commission will not meet to redraw district lines until after our next census in 2031, meaning that the Secretary of State that we elect this year will not sit on that commission unless reelected in 2030. However, I believe the role of the next Secretary of State is to give any future citizen-led ballot initiative that may reform our current redistricting process a fair shot with unbiased language.

Robert Sprague Party: Republican Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

OHIO SENATE

NO. TO BE ELECTED: 1 per district TERM: 4 years RESPONSIBILITIES: They represent you in the Ohio State Senate, where they: Propose & pass Ohio laws on taxes, education funding & curriculum, election rules, healthcare, corporate & environmental regulation, district maps for the Ohio Statehouse & U.S. Congress, public utilities & energy, healthcare, & more. Decide Ohio state budget, which impacts taxes for citizens, local communities, & corporations & funding for public education, public health, transit, drinking water, prisons, libraries, higher education, childcare programs, state employee wages & benefits, natural resources, & more.

QUESTIONS: Q1: What changes would you make, if any, to voting and elections policy? Q2: What type of tax reform, if any, would best serve Ohio? Q3: How would you address concerns about the rising cost of living? Q4: What are your priorities for K-12 and higher education? Q5: How would you reduce hyperpartisanship and promote civility?

WHY SHOULD YOU VOTE?

OH Senate District 9 Catherine Ingram Party: Democratic Website: Www.ingramforthepeople.com Education: Woodwaed HS; Knoxville College; University of Cincinnati, BS; UC, MBA Training and Experience: Licensed Realtor; OH Certified Notary Public; post Secondary corporate training

Elected officials may or may not listen to our concerns but they value our vote. Voting gives you the credibility to make your concerns a top priority for legislators. But if voting does not matter to you, then you certainly won’t matter to politicians.

2026 HAMILTON COUNTY VOTER GUIDE

Volunteer/Community Service: Mt Auburn Community Council member, former VP; former trustee Girl Scouts of Western OH

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: A1: Immediate concerns would be determining a way to incentivize eligible voters to vote I would emphasize early voting as well as push my colleagues to agree to additional secure ballot drop boxes throughout the County. The ability to return sealed ballots by mail or by any individual should not be punitive.

A2: The tax for persons earning less than $100k should be tiered downward until the lowest bracket is reached. Elimination of the LLC loophole would replace a possible revenue loss. There has been a tax revenue surplus for several years A3: Request the Federal Government to review and evaluate where and how

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OHIO SENATE

OH Senate District 9 Catherine Ingram [CONTINUED]

most people are loosing their income The Government should review how banks and other lending institutions are determining the cost of lending money to consumers for credit and other purchases. There should be a review of the legitimacy and transparency of credit reporting agencies which determine consumers’ credit scores which lead to disparity in lending. A4: My concern for pre-K 12 education is that children have every opportunity to succeed at attaining a free public education that positions them to becoming good involved citizens who will be participants in our Democracy. Pre K-12 through Post secondary education should be a continuum of opportunities which includes appropriate resources to the extent that there is efficiency and effectiveness in the outcomes expected. Higher Education does not have to be a four year college degree for all, but must be moving our young people forward as professionals and critical thinkers who become life long learners. A5: Continue to remind my Colleagues and other elected officials, on both sides of the aisle, that our work is to not make winners and losers but to work for the benefits of all the people we represent. We are not there to save our “job” or make people into who we want them to be or otherwise punish them for being any type of different. They must remember we are

OH Senate District 7 Zac Haines Party: Republican Website: www. HainesforOhio.com Facebook: www. Facebook.com/ HainesforOhio Twitter/X: HainesforOhio Education: Miami University, B.S. Training and Experience: Business Owner and CEO Volunteer/Community Service: Appointed by Governor Kasich to serve a 9-year term on Miami University’s Board of Trustees. Chairman of an annual patriotic essay contest for K-12 students in southwest Ohio, sponsored by the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: I would ensure voting is accessible while maintaining strong safeguards against

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not there for our individual selves and that our political label should not define us. Back in the day there was compromise, collaboration and trust. We cannot erase where we come from in order to tell history “more nicely”. I don’t want to be you!

Linda Matthews Party: Republican

Website: matthews4ohiosenate.com Education: Xavier University Training and Experience: Business Development and Consulting Volunteer/Community Service: Central State University-Trustee

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: A1: Election integrity

A2: Assist in passing the Senior Protection from Foreclosure Act A3: Pass legislation that empowers middle class families. A4: STEM, AI, and coding are in demand. Our students have to be prepared for their future. Trades is another option that has great demand now and in the future. A5: Reaching across the aisle and working with colleagues in the Ohio Senate.

fraud. A2: I would advocate for tax reform that lowers property taxes, reduces income taxes, and simplifies Ohio’s tax code. Ohioans should be able to keep more of what they earn, and our tax system should encourage investment, job creation, and economic growth—not stand in the way of it. We can strengthen state revenues by growing our economy, creating more goodpaying jobs, and expanding the tax base rather than continually asking taxpayers to pay more. A3: If elected, I will fight to lower property taxes, energy bills, and healthcare costs by cracking down on Medicaid fraud and eliminating government waste. My goal is simple: make government more accountable and put more of your hardearned money back in your pocket. A4: I want to ensure our students, teachers, and schools have the resources they need to succeed. But success also means preparing students for life beyond the classroom. As a Miami University Trustee, I

OH Senate District 7 have worked to better align education with the needs of Ohio employers so students graduate with the skills and knowledge they need to compete for good-paying jobs and build successful careers. I am also a strong advocate for career and technical education, apprenticeships, and the skilled trades. College is an important path, but it is not the only path to a successful career. I will support initiatives that expand careertech programs, strengthen partnerships with local employers, and give more students the opportunity to learn a trade, earn industry-recognized credentials, and enter the wo A5: It starts with listening and treating everyone with respect, even when we disagree. As a businessman, I will bring an entrepreneurial, results-driven approach to government that is focused on solving problems rather than playing politics. I am willing to work with people on both sides of the aisle to find common ground and deliver practical solutions that make life better for the families and communities I represent. We may not always agree on the politics, but we should always be able to work together when it benefits the people we serve.

Cara Jacob Party: Democratic Website: www. caraforohio.com Facebook: www. facebook.com/ caraforohio Education: BS in Biology Indiana University 2004, MD Indiana University 2008 Training and Experience: Medical Internship Methodist Hospital 2008-2009, Neurology Residency Indiana University 2009-2012, Movement Disorders Fellowship University of Cincinnati 2012-2014, Neurologist, UC Health 2014-present Volunteer/Community Service: I have volunteered for several candidate campaigns as well as state issue campaigns including the Reproductive Freedom Amendment and the SB1 referendum. In my role as a neurologist I have been a volunteer speaker at support groups.

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: Ohio’s elections are safe and secure, but often, new rules are being implemented that make it harder for Ohioans to access the ballot box. I believe that changes like automatic voter registration, expanded ballot drop boxes, and restoring the grace period for mailin ballots are all changes that will make it easier for Ohio’s voters to make their voices heard.

2026 HAMILTON COUNTY VOTER GUIDE

A2: Low- and middle-income families pay a higher share of their income in taxes than the wealthiest Ohioans. That’s the result of nearly two decades of tax cuts for the wealthy & special interests, shifting the burden onto working families, fueling our property tax crisis, and starving investments in the public goods that make communities thrive. We need the state to pay it’s fair share in funding public services through our state budget to ease the pressure on local property taxes. I also support implementing a property tax circuit breaker and expanding the homestead exemption to give targeted relief to those most in need. We also need to be reviewing and eliminating tax expenditures that only serve narrow special interests. Lastly, we need to stop giving income tax cuts to the ultra wealthy. A3: Working families are being squeezed more than ever by rising costs of household goods, utilities, healthcare and childcare. I believe that by tackling corporate greed, improving wages and making childcare and healthcare more affordable, we can ease this strain on Ohioan’s wallets. A4: We must fully fund Ohio’s public schools and end the rampant expansion of the unconstitutional vouchers that continue to drain funds from public education. I strongly support the full implementation of the Fair School Funding Plan, which would provide an equitable and predictable funding system for every public school student in Ohio regardless of their zip code. A5: At the end of the day, the issues impacting all Ohioans are not partisan issues. Every one of us, regardless of the party we vote for, are being impacted by rising costs, government overreach, and healthcare access. Remembering this, it’s easy to find inroads for the important discussions and solutions that will make life better for all of us.

THANK YOU

THIS PUBLICATION WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE COOPERATION AND ASSISTANCE OF THE HAMILTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS: DIRECTOR OF ELECTION AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ELECTIONS, SHERRY POLAND AND RAQUEL D. BURGOS AND THEIR STAFFS. THANKS TO THE BARBERSHOPS AND SALONS ACTING AS COMMUNITY HUBS TO HELP SPREAD VOTING INFORMATION, INCLUDING THE VOTER GUIDE.

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OHIO HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

NO. TO BE ELECTED: 1 per district TERM: 2 years

RESPONSIBILITIES: They represent you in the Ohio House of Representatives, where they: Propose & pass Ohio laws on taxes, education funding & curriculum, election rules, healthcare, corporate & environmental regulation, district maps for the Ohio Statehouse & U.S. Congress, public utilities & energy, healthcare, & more .Decide Ohio state budget, which impacts taxes for citizens, local communities, & corporations & funding for public education, public health, transit, drinking water, prisons, libraries, higher education, childcare programs, state employee wages & benefits, natural resources, & more. QUESTIONS: Q1: What changes would you make, if any, to voting and elections policy? Q2: What type of tax reform, if any, would best serve Ohio? Q3: How would you address concerns about the rising cost of living? Q4: What are your priorities for K-12 and higher education? Q5: How would you reduce hyperpartisanship and promote civility?

OH House District 27 Nancy Aichholz Party: Republican Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

Rachel Baker Party: Democratic Website: www. voterachelbaker.com Facebook: www. facebook.com/ rachelbakerforohio/ Twitter/X: reprachelbaker Education: BA in Psychology, 1996, University of Michigan; Master in Social Work, 1999, University of Michigan; BSN in Nursing, 2003, University of Cincinnati; PhD in Nursing, 2006, University of Cincinnati Training and Experience: State Representative, Ohio HD27, 2023-2024 and 2025-2026; Nurse Researcher, TriHealth,

OH House District 27 2016-present; Adjunct Instructor, University of Cincinnati College of Nursing, 2007-present; Adjunct Instructor, Mount St Joseph University. Volunteer/Community Service: Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) with ProKids; Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Research Participant Advisory Council (RPAC) member, Sigma Theta Tau International Nurses Honors Society, Beta Iota Board of Directors.

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: Our government is best when all voices are heard and all citizens have the ability to have their vote counted. The changes I would make surround increasing the ease and accessibility of voting while maintaining the strong integrity of our elections. I would advocate for consistent early-voting hours statewide, I would support a permanent absentee ballot option so that folks with disabilities who always vote by mail have their ballots mailed automatically. I would extend the deadline for ballots postmarked by Election Day so voters aren’t silenced because of the mail service times. I would make sure that secure ballot drop boxes are available throughout counties. Finally, I would advocate for an independent redistricting commission that would draw district maps to improve accountability. A2: I support tax reforms that make the system fair, invest in long-term growth and stability for Ohio, and reduce the tax burden on working families. Since I’ve been

OH House District 26 Tom Brinkman Party: Republican Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

Ashley Bryant Bailey Party: Democratic Website: ashleyforohio.com Facebook: www. facebook.com/ashleyforohio Twitter/X: ashleyforohio Education: University of Cincinnati Training and Experience: Technology and Democracy Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School; Ohio Digital Director, Obama for America 2012; Senior Advisor, Higher Heights for America (overseeing 501(c) (3), 501(c)(4), and PAC operations); over a decade of experience as a national public

in the legislature, the state has reduced the number of income tax brackets and lowered top rates. While this approach helps the highest earners, it causes Ohio to increasingly depend on sales tax which is more burdensome to working families. I’d advocate for a more progressive income tax that maintains or reduces rates for low and middle-income families. I would institute circuit breaker programs and targeted property tax relief to seniors and low-income homeowners. Finally I’d address corporate tax loopholes that allow tax breaks without producing jobs; and I’d require stronger accountability for these incentives. A3: This is a real concern for many Ohioans in District 27 and the cost to Ohio families related to healthcare, housing, groceries, utilities, and property tax are real. I introduced legislation to decrease the cost of prescription drugs (HB448 and HB263), increase access to affordable healthcare (HB508), and decrease cost of childcare for families with medically complex children (HB141). I cosponsored bills to address raising property taxes (HB156) and medical debt (HB257). I’ve supported utility price reform and passed the requirement to refund certain utility payments. I voted for budget items that support affordable housing construction and expand childcare assistance. All of these work toward Ohio being a place where families can live, work, raise a family, and retire with dignity. A4: Public education is one of the most important investments we make in our affairs and political strategist working on civic engagement, voting rights, and coalition-building initiatives. Volunteer/Community Service: Former Board Member of UpSpring (supporting children experiencing homlessness)

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: Ohio should be making it easier for eligible voters to participate in our elections, not harder. I would restore “Golden Week,” which allowed voters to register and vote on the same day during early voting, and expand early voting days and hours so working people, parents, and shift workers have more opportunities to cast their ballots. I would restore the grace period for absentee ballots so ballots postmarked by Election Day can still be counted, and allow more secure drop boxes so voters have safe and convenient ways to return their ballots. I would also revise restrictive voter ID requirements that can intentionally suppress participation. A2: Ohio’s tax system should support working families while keeping our state fiscally responsible. Eliminating property taxes altogether is not a realistic solution— those revenues fund essential services

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community and our state’s future. I strongly support the state paying its fair share for public education. I have voted consistently for implementation of the Fair School Funding Plan with updated inputs. When the state doesn’t pay its fair share, the burden is shifted to local communities to make up the difference and this is the largest driver of property tax increases. In addition to fully funding schools, I believe we need to support educators and staff with competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and respect their knowledge and expertise. I have voted to support and expand career tech education programs throughout the state and have voted to increase state investment in public universities A5: We can promote civility and bipartisanship through structural reforms and everyday choices. Most of the work at the statehouse is not inherently partisan. I have consistently worked on bipartisan legislation and make this choice because I see that legislation is stronger when multiple perspectives come together. Structurally, we could require this good policy making by forming bipartisan workgroups on legislation. Outside of the legislature, civility improves when people feel heard. I hold numerous town halls and community forums to hear from constituents. Finally, we need competitive fair districts where voters feel their vote matters. By promoting fair representation, bipartisan collaboration, and respectful dialogue we can move toward a more productive political climate in Ohio. like schools, public safety, and local infrastructure. Instead, we should focus on targeted relief, including expanding the Homestead Exemption so more seniors and homeowners on fixed incomes can stay in their homes as property values and taxes rise. We should also look for ways to simplify the tax code and ensure it is fair, while maintaining the resources needed to invest in education, infrastructure, and workforce development. Responsible tax reform should provide relief where it’s needed without undermining the services Ohio communities depend on. A3: Rising costs are hitting families from every direction—housing, childcare, healthcare, and utilities. We need practical policies that lower everyday expenses while helping people earn and save more. I support expanding the Homestead Exemption to help seniors and homeowners on fixed incomes stay in their homes as property taxes rise. Childcare is another major cost, which is why I’m introducing a Childcare Tax Credit of up to $2,000 per child and legislation to guarantee childcare access for childcare workers. We also must protect ratepayers from rising utility costs as Ohio grows and ensure new industries

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OH House District 26

OH House District 29

Ashley Bryant Bailey

Cities and Certificate in Pastoral Ministry from Lexington Theological Seminary Training and Experience: Seven years of experience as a pastor, preceded by extensive leadership experience in the hospitality industry, including serving as a Director of Operations and in sales and marketing management roles. Volunteer/Community Service: Former Board Member of Metropolitan Area Religious Coalition of Cincinnati, Current Board Member of the Charles Musyoka Matuku Foundation, Media Chair of Greater Cincinnati Faith Leaders, Presidential Volunteer Service Award recipient.

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help pay for infrastructure upgrades. Finally, investing in workforce training and good-paying jobs helps families keep up with the cost of living. A4: My priority is ensuring every student in Ohio has access to a strong public education that prepares them for college, careers, and life. That starts with fully funding the Fair School Funding Plan and making sure public schools have the resources they need for smaller class sizes, mental health supports, and modern facilities. I also believe we must hold private schools receiving public dollars accountable to the same standards as public schools. For higher education, we need to keep college affordable by strengthening need-based aid and workforce training programs while protecting academic freedom and the collective bargaining rights of faculty and staff. A5: Reducing hyperpartisanship starts with focusing on real problems people face rather than political theater. I believe in working across differences where we can. Especially on issues like workforce development, infrastructure, and lowering everyday costs for families. That also means listening to people in our communities, not just voices inside the Statehouse. At the same time, civility doesn’t mean avoiding hard conversations. We can disagree strongly on policy while still treating each other with respect and keeping the focus on solutions that move Ohio forward.

OH House District 29 Cindy Abrams Party: Republican Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: I support bipartisan, citizen-led redistricting to ensure fair maps and restore trust in our elections. We must also protect and expand early voting and mail-in voting so people can participate in ways that fit their lives. Ballots postmarked by Election Day should be counted. Our goal should be simple: make it easier, not harder, for eligible citizens to have their voices heard. A2: The most urgent tax reform Ohio needs is ending the property tax crisis. Right now, townships and municipalities are forced to over-rely on property taxes, making meaningful relief nearly impossible. When seniors are taxed out of their homes and communities are pushed to fight over levies, it all traces back to our broken and unconstitutional school funding system. The state must pay its fair share of public education so local communities are not left carrying the burden. We also need a fairer tax code, including a graduated income tax so the wealthiest pay their share, and closing corporate loopholes so everyone pays what they owe. A3: We have to tackle the affordability crisis at the root. That means we must take on price gouging, including the growing use of dynamic pricing that allows corporations to charge people more. simply because

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

Jonathan R. Bradner Party: Democratic

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Website: www. votebradner.com/ Facebook: www. facebook.com/

Education: M.A. Ethics and Justice from United Theological Seminary of the Twin

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an algorithm determines they can. I will also restore the conversation around a living wage so work actually pays, and cap the cost of prescription medications so no one has to choose between their health and groceries. Finally, we will tackle the property tax and school levy crisis by holding the state house accountable to its constitutional responsibility to fund public education at the state level. Our state ranks 45th in funding public education, which pushes the burden down to everyday Ohians in the form of property taxes and more school levies than any other state in the country.

OH House District 28

A4: My top priority is restoring funding for public education at the state level. It isn’t just the right thing to do. The supermajority’s refusal to fund public education causes higher property taxes and excessive school levies, becoming a primary factor in the current affordability crises. At the same time, I am listening to what I am hearing from constituents. Many parents have real concerns about learning models and accountability, and that is why I am paying attention. But I also believe that we can demand transparency and accountability without ripping out the funding carpet from underneath our school systems. For higher education, we must prioritize affordability by expanding access to college, trade schools, and workforce pathways without saddling students with lifelong debt.

Education: Master of Social Work (MSW) from Northern Kentucky University, BA from University of Michigan Training and Experience: Current Representative to Ohio House District 28, where I serve on the Children and Human Services, Community Revitalization, Development (Ranking Member), and Health Committees. Former Clinical Training and Development Manager and former Mental Health Therapist with a demonstrated history of working in the mental health care industry. Skilled in Management, Social Work, Leadership, Community Outreach, and Project Management. Volunteer/Community Service: My volunteer work includes hands-on and advocacy work with students and teachers in my local school district, the local Jewish community, and the local social work community, including efforts to improve the equitable treatment of social workers.

A5: As a progressive pastor, I do this work every day. I regularly work across denominations and differences to feed and shelter people, because real needs don’t ask about party or denomination affiliation. That experience has shown me that the way we do politics right now is not working. It is fueling division instead of solving problems. We reduce hyperpartisanship by focusing on shared values, showing up in community, and actually listening to one another. Civility is not about agreeing on everything, nor is it about ignoring accountability, but it is about remembering our shared humanity and working together to meet real needs.

I like to know what’s happening in my community, in my state and country. I want all elections to be conducted fairly. I want voters to have unbiased information about candidates and issues. I am interested in discussions of public policy. I like to have new ways to network with people.

Karen Brownlee Party: Democratic Website: votekarenbrownlee. com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ repkarenbrownlee/ Twitter/X: votekarenb

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: Elections must be safe, secure, and accessible. Our community deserves a government that listens, responds, and reflects our values. I firmly support policies that support voters, including voting by mail, early in-person voting, and secure ballot drop boxes. I strongly oppose recent restrictions like SB 293, which eliminated the postmark grace period and throws out legally cast mail-in ballots due to postal delivery delays. Disqualifying votes from students, seniors, active duty military,

If this sounds like you, then we welcome you to check out the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area. We’re a grassroots organization that includes women and men who value good government and fair elections. Join us! Contact us and let’s talk about your interests! 513-281-VOTE (8683) info@lwvcincinnati.org www.lwvcincinnati.org www.facebook.com/lwvcincinnati Instagram:LWVCincinnati

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League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area President: Claire Wagner Voter Service Vice President: Brenda Hogan Vote411.org: Liz Shockey LWVCA Staff: Hope Fountain LWVCA volunteers who assisted with this publication: Janet Smith, Claire Wagner, Pat Frey, Pat Brown, Sandra Sommers, Robin Burgess, Rina Saperstein, Elizabeth Brown, Mary Kate Genis

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OH House District 28 Karen Brownlee [CONTINUED]

and busy families who did everything right undermines public trust. Instead, I am championing common-sense access expansions like HB 761, which allows absentee ballots to be securely returned to any polling place in the county. We must protect voting rights and ensure every eligible voice is heard. A2: Ohio’s tax system must be fair, predictable, and protect local communities and property owners. The most urgent reform we need is targeted, state-funded property tax relief through property tax formula reform. Though the legislature made some progress on property tax reform in 2025 with HB 186 and HB 335 by tying property taxes to a graduated/ capped inflation rate, we need to build a system that reduces reliance on levies and local governments to foot the bill for education, safety, and other government services. I oppose proposals to abolish property taxes, as such plans would further defund our local police, fire departments, and public schools. True tax reform means providing meaningful relief to taxpayers while ensuring we fully fund our public schools and first responders. A3: Addressing the rising cost of living means lowering the everyday expenses that squeeze family budgets. As a social worker, I see how financial stress strains household stability and mental health. I introduced HB 780, the Medicaid Savings Act, to cut massive administrative waste and protect healthcare access—a move that will save Ohio hundreds of millions in healthcare costs. I am also championing HB 857, the Housing Recovery Act, which will spur new housing development and drive down home prices. We must also continue to work towards eliminating sales tax on essential healthcare products, rein in unfair utility rate hikes, and expand state-funded property tax relief so families can afford to

stay in their communities. A4: Having worked in Cincinnati-area schools, I’ve seen how funding inequities shortchange our kids. The state must fully fund the Fair School Funding Plan with current data to relieve property taxpayers and ensure public dollars stay invested in public schools. State policy deeply impacts the classroom. We must address the root causes of family stability, including healthcare, cost of living, and community safety, to create healthier environments for students and staff. In higher education, I will fight to lower student debt, but we must also stop Statehouse culture wars. I strongly oppose overreach like SB 1. Restricting academic freedom and banning faculty strikes does nothing to make college affordable. It only hurts university recruitment and brings political chaos into our schools. A5: As a clinical social worker, my entire career has been built on active listening, de-escalation, and bringing people together to solve complex problems. I have brought that same approach to the Statehouse to help end the chaos and culture wars that distract us from real progress. To reduce hyperpartisanship, we must focus on common-sense, bipartisan solutions that directly impact daily life. In my first term, I have worked across the aisle on shared priorities like lowering healthcare costs, improving mental health care, and expanding property tax relief. True civility also requires transparent leadership and responsible decision-making, which is why I introduced HB 409 to ban politicians from accepting free or discounted sports tickets from special interests. We serve you, not ourselves.

Jill Cole Party: Republican Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

OH House District 30 Mike Odioso Party: Republican Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

Caleb Price Party: Democratic Website: www. calebpriceforoh30. com Facebook: www. facebook.com/caleb.

price.for.ohio.30 Twitter/X: calebprice4oh30?s=11

Education: Bachelor’s Degree from University of Illinois Chicago Volunteer/Community Service: Special Olympics, US Marine Corps Semper Fi AllAmerican, Aftab for Ohio Congressional Campaign (volunteer), H2O for Earth (my personal campaign to fundraise for the Flint Water Crisis in 2015)

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: I would work to protect voting rights for all eligible citizens through expanded access to early voting, maintain an extended deadline past Election Day for mail in ballots, and work to prevent the state from expunging voter rolls without giving advance notice to voters. It is important that every American maintains the right to vote in free and fair elections without fear of suppression. I oppose the SAVE Act and believe it will disenfranchise millions of Americans. A2: We need to reform how property taxes are levied in Ohio. We need to raise taxes on properties valued greater than $750,000 and lower taxes on properties less than that. We also need to raise taxes on the wealthy in our state to make them pay their fair share. This means increasing the state’s income tax to make the wealthy contribute

OH House District 25 Cecil Thomas Party: Democratic Website: cecilforcincinnati. com Education: Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice Management. Associate of Science, Law Enforcement Technology.

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more to the state’s overall tax revenue. We need to keep growing our tax revenue without taxing the working class. I support measures to cap property tax increases on lower and middle class residents so that rates do not increase more than they are currently at. I currently have a property tax plan for funding schools on my website. A3: I would take on corporations for price gouging every day Ohioans. I would look at prices for items like groceries, energy bills, and gasoline from 2019 and compare them to prices now and compared to what they should be according to economic theory models and fine companies for over charging Ohioans on every day goods. I also support a universal basic income for low income and middle class individuals as well as raising the minimum wage in Ohio to keep up with inflation. A4: I believe in smaller class sizes, higher standards for curriculum that includes speaking about other cultures, ethnicities, sexualities, and religions. I also support universal Pre-K, affordable public college, and even free college for high performing lower income students. I also am in support of DEI policies on college campuses and am adamantly against the passed SB 1 in Ohio that punishes universities for being open to DEI. I believe in the state increasing its funding for public schools and taking the burden off of the working and middle class. We need property taxes to fund schools but it should not be up to the districts themselves. The state needs to step up to the plate and fund a majority of each underfunded district’s budget. We need to give teachers a raise and support unions. A5: I would work across the aisle to come to common sense compromises that benefit all Ohioans, not just the elite. I will not participate in mudslinging, name calling, or engage in conversations that put down my fellow colleagues or other Ohioans. I will not be afraid to call out those that disrespect Ohioans and will not be afraid to whistleblow corruption on both sides of the aisle. I will have an open door policy and will encourage conversations with my Republican colleagues.

Training and Experience: 27-year Retired Cincinnati Police Department, 5 years as Executive Director Cincinnati Human Relations Commission, 8 years Cincinnati City Council 8 years Ohio Senate and currently in my 3rd year in the Ohio House cil Volunteer/Community Service: I’ve served in numerous volunteer and community service capacities, Meals on Wheels, Freestore Food Bank, Cincinnati Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV) Citizens on Patrol etc.

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

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OH House District 25 Cecil Thomas [CONTINUED]

A1: Ohio legislators continue to pass legislation making voting more difficult. Their reasoning is to prevent voter fraud and to assure fair and accurate elections despite Secretary of State, Frank LaRose, stating at the close of 2024, “I am proud to announce yet another 99.9% (voter) audit accuracy rate, and a 100% rate for all 88 counties relative to the Presidential race.” Given the consistency over the years of 99.9% accuracy, I would reverse any voter laws or policy changes passed post 2024. I would restore the absentee Ballot Grace Period to pre-2024. I would restore the 7-day grace period to cure a provisional ballot. I would restore county Boards of Election’s authority to decide the number of drop boxes needed, just to name a few. A2: The first and most important taxes

OH House District 24 Dani Isaacsohn Party: Democratic

Twitter/X: isaacsohn

Website: votedani. com Facebook: facebook. com/DaniForOhio/

Education: Graduate of Walnut Hills High School in Cincinnati, and holds degrees from Georgetown University, the University of Cambridge, and Yale Law School.

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: We need more people participating in our electoral systems - especially young people. To make that happen, I would make voter registration automatic on turning 18 and allow for same-day registration the day of votingI support automatic voter registration. I also believe we need to take politicians out of the process of drawing legislative maps and have an independent and fair system. At the end of the day, our society is healthiest when more people are participating. A2: Our tax system is too heavily skewed towards the largest corporations and wealthiest individuals. We need to close the loopholes that allow people to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. That means capital gains tax reform, estate tax reform, and corporate and income tax reform. The goal should be a fairer tax system, one that protects working families and seniors from being priced out of their homes, and supports the public investments that make Ohio stronger.

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reform should be, “PROPERTY TAX REFORM.” It funds our Schools, Homestead Exemptions for Seniors and several other, quality of life programs. The problem is property values are increasing forcing higher property taxes. However, property owner’s incomes remain flat, causing a strain on the ability to pay the increased property tax. We can explore lowering the sales tax while at the same time expanding the tax reach to include a tax on services. Currently, Ohio’s tax only applies to goods. In today’s technological world, many services go untaxed over the internet, including digital, legal, consulting etc. There are numerous service transactions that could and or should be taxed. Lowering the sales and property taxes is good for jobs and the economy. A3: I would start by identifying and focusing on the basic overall drivers of the rising cost of living. The first and most expensive need is shelter/housing. I would place an extensive effort into increasing the

A3: There are five key cost drivers for most Ohioans: healthcare, housing, energy, childcare, and consumer costs. In each of those areas we have introduced legislation that has been proven to dramatically reduce costs and pass into law in bipartisan efforts in other states. The answers don’t have to be partisan, there are clear, tested strategies to bring down costs and make life more affordable for Ohioans that we should pursue. Healthcare reinsurance, increasing housing supply, and energy dividends are just some of the potential solutions. A4: Every kid deserves to get a great education at a free and accessible public school. That means that the state needs to ensure that there is enough funding to bring down student-teacher ratios, hire and retain high quality educators, and invest in the cutting edge of literacy and math learning. It is shameful that kids in Mississippi and Louisiana are reading better than kids in Ohio, and it is a result of letting ideology get in the way of progress. My priorities are to make sure that every school - especially in Appalachia and our urban cores - has the resources and training they need to give every student a world class education. Higher education must be affordable and accessible by reducing student debt, expanding needbased aid, and supporting community colleges and career programs. A5: I have spent hundreds of evenings sitting around tables with a dozen or so people discussing how we improve their lives on the issues that matter most: housing, education, healthcare, employment, small businesses etc. In almost every conversation, people don’t

affordable housing stock and partner with the State and Federal to address lowincome housing. I would also, focus on reducing the property burden by focusing on including a service tax. And I would push for a livable wage that includes voucher assistance for childcare. A4: My priorities are to assure an opportunity for a quality education for all students. For the K-12, I would fund each school district based on the economic wealth of the district by fully implementing the Fair School Funding Plan of 2021. A wealthier district would receive less than a poorer district. Poorer districts struggle to survive due to lower property values. The state share for these districts should be higher and based more on the needs of the student and less on local real estate value. Regarding higher education, more emphasis should be placed on college credit plus in high schools. Students may enter college with possibly one or more years of college credits. I would increase speak in partisan or political ways when they mention possible solutions and paths forward. Our politics should be the same. Hyper-partisanship and ideological purity programs are actually harmful to making real progress on the issues people care most about. When we keep our collective eye on the prize - improving people’s lives - the partisanship and ideology can fall to the side.

OH House District 55 Paul Michael Kurtz Party: Democrat Website: https://www. paulmichaelkurtz.

com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ PMKFOROHIO/

Education: Bachelors Degree Training and Experience: 20 years of private-sector leadership experience at a publicly traded company, working my way from an entry-level position into senior leadership. My experience includes leading large business operations, professional negotiation training through The Gap Partnership, and six years of nonprofit board service, including serving as Audit Committee Chair for the Kids In Need Foundation. Volunteer/Community Service: Board of Directors - Kids in Need Foundation 2020 2026 (Audit Committee Chair)

Ohio’s College Opportunity Grant focusing more on Community Colleges and Workforce Development. A5: I would start by encouraging all my colleagues to consider enrolling in the 2026 Council of State Governments National Chair Leadership Initiative: Service with Civility. I completed a very similar program during my time in the Senate. It teaches higher standards of public discourse, prioritizing respectful dialogue, and focusing on policy driven solutions rather than personal attacks. Its core principals are, acting with integrity, compassion, and honesty; treating all people with dignity; listening to opposing viewpoints; and rejecting political violence. I would also encourage members to get to know one another on a personal level. Upon entering the Senate, I scheduled a personal meeting with each of my Republican colleagues, to build relationships and find common ground.

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Applications for persons who are hospitalized or whose minor child is hospitalized due to an accident or unforeseeable medical emergency occurring after 12:00pm noon on the Saturday before Election Day, will be accepted until 3 pm on Election Day.

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

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OH House District 55 Paul Michael Kurtz [CONTINUED]

A1: I would start by ending gerrymandering, so voters choose their representatives - not the other way around. We need more transparency in campaign finance, limits on dark money, and stronger accountability for elected officials. I support protecting access to the ballot through early voting, fair maps, and clear, honest ballot language. Our system should reward competition and participation, not protect incumbents. A2: Ohio’s tax system is upside down. Working families often pay a larger share of their income than those at the top. It isn’t fair and it is not sustainable. We should rebalance it by closing corporate loopholes, increasing transparency, and ensuring the wealthiest pay their fair share. At the same time, we should provide relief for working and middle-class families, including property tax relief and targeted credits. Tax policy should reward work, support families, and invest in strong schools, infrastructure, and communities. A3: The rising cost of living is the biggest issue facing Ohio families, and it requires a focused affordability agenda. That means lowering the cost of the essentials (housing, childcare, healthcare, and energy) while making sure wages keep up. We can cap childcare costs, expand healthcare and prescription drug protections, provide property tax relief, and invest in housing supply. At the same time, we should raise wages and support workers so full-time work pays enough to live on. If you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to afford the basics. A4: My priority is to strengthen public education so every student has a real opportunity to succeed. That starts with fully funding Ohio’s public schools by delivering on the Fair School Funding Plan and stopping the diversion of resources through voucher expansion. We should raise teacher pay, support classroom resources, and ensure safe, high-quality learning environments. For higher education, we need to make college and career pathways more affordable and accessible—whether that’s a four-year degree, community college, or skilled trades. That includes expanding workforce training, apprenticeships, and reducing the financial burden on students so education leads to opportunity. A5: Hyperpartisanship is a symptom of a broken system. When districts are gerrymandered and politicians don’t have to compete for votes, they’re

incentivized to appeal to the extremes rather than represent the full community. Ending gerrymandering and creating fair, competitive districts is one of the most important steps we can take to restore balance and accountability. But just as importantly, the challenges Ohioans face, rising costs for housing, energy, healthcare, and property taxes, don’t belong to one party. They affect all of us. And if we’re serious about solving them, we have to be willing to work together. Civility comes from recognizing shared challenges and focusing on real solutions.

unity for the greater good rather than the division. We spend to much time outraged about others. If they do no harm, than we need to just focus on what we can do for generations to come.

Website: https:// wethegoodpeople. org/ Education: Trade School and Welding Inspector Certification Training and Experience: Business Owner, Writer, Teacher, Army Veteran Volunteer/Community Service: Founder of Professional Human Beings, non profit Recovery Support Organization

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: None. Ohio has voter ID and I trust local officials here where I live. There could be some corruption elsewhere but that is for their local communities to police themselves. We need to focus more on improving ourselves more than the faults of others in my opinion. A2: We the Good People.org has a petition to abolish State Income taxes on Ohio workers making less than 100k and abolish property taxes on retirees with only one home worth less than $1,000,000.. The petition also states laws introduced in Ohio shall be no longer then 10 pages long to halt schemes to enrich wealthy politicians and corporations. I totally support this and making the bills as simple as possible for all people to easily understand. A3: The tax relief in the We the Good People. Org petition would be a very good start. Free markets, less restrictions and tariffs would also help. Government doesn’t really provide actual services so it’s not practical to expect laws or restrictions to lower cost. Government drive prices up and that is never a good thing. Increase payments of Social Security to those deserving of it would be better than Government trying to screw Americans out of the money they deserve would also be nice. A4: Healthier and more affordable food is important and parents are to determine the education of their children. A5: As a third party candidate it would be my job to create a bridge focused on

Party: Republican Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

OH House District 56 Laalitya Acharya

Philip Pirdy Party: Libertarian

Michelle Teska

Party: Democrat Website: https:// acharyaforohio. com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ share/1FSZCapK3R/?mibexti Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/ AcharyaForOhio Education: Columbia University - BS and MS in Biomedical Engineering

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: I would like to allow for same-day voter registration in Ohio to ensure EVERY citizen is able to vote. Of course, I am also in favor of ensuring strong & fair elections. But current pushes at the federal level like the SAVE Act do not protect our elections. They just make it harder for many, such as women who have changed their last name, to vote. We already are required to provide photo ID to vote. But this bill would just push the burden of voter verification from the government and onto the people. Requiring passports and birth certificates is essentially a way to require citizens to have to pay to vote. A2: Our property taxes, especially in SW Ohio, are extremely high. These taxes are often raised to support our public needs like public schools. This occurs because our STATE is not paying their fair share and instead of providing funding to public schools, they are supporting the subsidizing of wealthy football stadiums. I would like to see our property taxes reduced in a thoughtful way that does not defund our public schools. This means requiring our state to fully fund our schools and potentially inquiring on other forms of tax such as a sales-tax proposal instead. A3: As a young person running for office, I see how much the cost of living is impacting everybody. I see this crisis as divided into 3. The first is housing. We need more mixed use housing that promotes apartments for sale (rather than rent) and also banning large corporations from buying up hundreds of

2026 HAMILTON COUNTY VOTER GUIDE

family homes. Next is grocery costs. I would like to break up many of the grocery monopolies in the region. We also need to support local grocery stores & farmers to keep our dollars in our community. In addition, many of our current politicians take money from big grocers so they don’t want to reduce costs. Lastly is utilities. Our electric & gas prices keep increasing. This is in part due to the large subsidizes that our state government gives to data centers - and we pay the costs. A4: First, I want to end school vouchers to make sure that taxpayer dollars stay in public education rather than the black box that private & charter schools can be. Part of the reason why people move to SW Ohio is for our amazing public education so we must support this. I also want to reduce our student to teacher ratio by hiring more teachers and providing direct pathways for student teachers to join public schools. This will reduce the load on teachers and allow for more direct 1:1 engagement for the student. Lastly, I want to expand our programs outside of the K-12 circle. This means supporting universal Pre-K as data shows this sets students up for lifelong success and continuing to expand the College Credit Plus (CCP) program to allow high schoolers to take college classes. A5: I truly and genuinely do not have an opinion of who you have voted for in the past or what party you claim to be from. If you are worried about our world and/or are open to having a conversation with me - I am happy to talk. We need to reduce hyperpartisanship and division by just focusing on the issues. Especially at the local & state level, we all want the same things: safer communities, good schools and the ability to live our lives. That is the future that I am aiming for and I am happy to create a coalition with any person who sees that vision for the future. Please join me at AcharyaForOhio. com!

Adam Matthews Party: Republican Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

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OHIO SUPREME COURT JUSTICE

Terms Commencing 01/02/2027 Jennifer Brunner

NO. TO BE ELECTED: 1 per term TERM: 6 years

RESPONSIBILITIES: Interpret and apply Ohio laws, which must be in compliance with the Ohio & United States Constitutions. Justices represent the Ohio Supreme Court as a co-equal branch of government that provides a check & balance on Ohio’s legislative & executive branches They serve you as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio, where they: Interpret Ohio laws by reviewing & ruling on state laws for compliance with Ohio & US Constitutions, impacting constitutional rights, healthcare, housing, criminal sentencing laws, drug policies, energy practices, election laws, corporate regulation, district maps for the Ohio Statehouse & U.S. Congress, & more. Decide appeals on cases tried in an Ohio lower court involving constitutional questions, death penalty sentences, and other cases of statewide importance. Oversee lower Ohio Courts & lawyers by setting policy & budgets for lower courts. Establishes & oversees ethical guidelines for Ohio lawyers & judges. QUESTIONS: Q1: List your judicial experience (courts and years). Q2: What non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge? Q3: Why are you running for this specific court seat? Q4: What major challenges do courts face today? How would you address them? Q5: What do you perceive as the greatest obstacle to justice, if any?

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Party: Democratic Website: justicebrunner.com Facebook: www. facebook.com/

jenniferbrunner Twitter/X: jenniferbrunner

Education: Miami University 1975-1978 B.S. Sociology-Gerontology, Cum Laude; Capital University Law School 1979-1982 J.D. Law (1983), Order of the Curia; University of York, UK, PhD, Sociology (remote study) expected 2027 Training and Experience: Justice, Supreme Court of Ohio, elected 2020; Judge, Tenth District Court of Appeals, 2014 – 2021; Judge, Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, 2000 – 2005; Secretary of State of Ohio, January 2007 – 2011; private law practice, 3/1987 – 12/2000, 9/2005 - 1/2007, 1/2011 12/2014. Volunteer/Community Service: Past Board Member, Center for Community Solutions, Cleveland (2013 to 2019); Past Board Chair/ Member, Legacy Fund of Central Ohio (2012 to 2021); OxFam America, Ambassador (2014-2021); various local and state government boards (1991-2021).

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: Supreme Court of Ohio, Justice (2021-Present); Ohio Appellate Judge 10th District Court of Appeals (2014-2020), Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Court (2000-2005), founder of Treatment

Terms Commencing 01/01/2027 Daniel R. Hawkins Party: Republican Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

Marilyn Zayas Party: Democratic Website: judgemarilynzayas. com Facebook: www.facebook.com/Judge. MarilynZayas/ Twitter/X: vote4JudgeZayas

WWW.LWVCINCINNATI.ORG

is Essential to Success (TIES) felony drug court in 2004, still in operation; International Governance and Rule of Law Experience to National Center for State Courts for Serbian Ministry of Justice and misdemeanor judges (2012-2013); conducted training onsite for Sri Lanka Bar Association (2015); USAID observer of 3 elections in Egypt, working with judges who supervised elections (2014-2015); remote volunteer for American Bar Association (ABA) for NGOs in Kazakhstan, producing video training for civil society advocacy, and onsite consultant to Benin Human Rights Commission for ABA (2022). A2: As Ohio’s first woman Secretary of State (2007-2011), I served as the state’s chief election officer and supervised the state’s 88 bipartisan county boards of elections; promulgated rules and issued directives and instructions for the fair conduct of elections in Ohio. I oversaw a staff of 200 and was personally involved in settling litigation issues on election administration regarding the 2008 Obama election. I received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award, the nation’s most prestigious award for elected public servants, for what Caroline Kennedy called, “dauntless commitment to the enfranchisement of every Ohio voter.” A3: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s 2016 book, In My Own Words, inspired me to understand just how focused she was on improving the lives of women and on equality, even before she was an attorney, judge or U.S. Supreme Court Justice. She also understood that collegiality among her colleagues was essential to forging a path to accomplish her goals. As the only Democrat on the Ohio Supreme Court, I understand that and have worked to develop relationships that help

Education: J.D. University of Cincinnati College of Law • CCNY Bachelor’s in Computer Science Training and Experience: Served several times at the Ohio Supreme Court to replace a recused justice by selection of the Ohio Chief Justice • Ohio Court of Appeals Judge since 2016; Decided over 2000 appeal cases across Ohio • Attorney nearly 20 years • Provided legal education and training to attorneys, including prosecutors, criminal defense attorneys, and civil litigators • Alum of the FBI Citizens Academy • Procter & Gamble IT Manager Volunteer/Community Service: Creator & program director of the Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders student program • U.C. College of Law Dean’s Advisory Board • Past Board member Beech Acres Parenting Center • Partnered with law enforcement for years helping crime victims

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: A1: Ohio First District Court of Appeals Judge, 2016–present; decided 2,000+

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me to contribute to Ohio law so that rule of law may stay strong and justice for all be more than an idea. A4: My judicial philosophy is based in fairness, equality and respect. The rule of law exists to provide fairness in human endeavors, which allows individuals to live peaceably among one another with predictability, safety and a springboard for their individual pursuit of happiness. In a democracy bound to the rule of law, it is inherently recognized by members of such a society that there is something greater than themselves in the law to help all people govern their own affairs. When the keepers of the rule of law of that society remember that they work in service to the people, the law works to the good of the people and their freedoms. A5: I believe that we must continue to improve access to justice through legal reform initiatives. That is why I have advocated for the use of technology to improve court efficiency and accessibility. Commitment to diversity and inclusion within the judiciary also requires vigilance in making sure our courts reflect the diversity in our state. Finally, I believe that public confidence in the independence of our courts is imperative. Justice requires fairness, access and rule of law in decision making. It is neither red nor blue. It is and should be above the fray of politics.

Colleen O’Donnell Party: Republican Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

appeal cases across Ohio. Last year, selected three times in 40 days by the Chief Justice (associated with a different political party) to replace a recused justice on our Ohio Supreme Court, an unprecedented honor. Additionally, previously appointed to the Supreme Court and the Second, Sixth, Eighth, and Tenth District Courts of Appeals. A2: My non-judicial experience is shaped by my personal journey & nearly 20 years as an attorney. I grew up in a neighborhood devastated by drugs and crime and was raised by a mother with a seventh-grade education who worked as a factory seamstress. She taught me hard work, perseverance, & integrity. I earned a degree in computer science and worked as an IT manager at Procter & Gamble, developing strong analytical and problem-solving skills. I used my savings to attend law school, then represented individuals, families, and businesses in complex legal matters. My police officer

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OHIO SUPREME COURT JUSTICE

Terms Commencing 01/01/2027 [CONTINUED]

sit on the Supreme Court, I have built a record of fair, principled decisions, earning trust across the political spectrum. Ohio ranks 9th in overdose deaths. I will expand Veterans, Mental Health, & Drug Courts to improve public safety.

A3: I am running because Ohio’s highest court must be a beacon of integrity, impartiality, & independence, deciding cases based on the Constitution, law, & facts. People are losing faith in our courts because of politics. Our Ohio Supreme Court will decide cases involving data centers, what energy companies can charge us, & government overreach. I have accepted $0 from corporate interests: energy, banking, and insurance companies. After nearly a decade and 2,000+ appeals, plus multiple selections by the Chief Justice (she’s from a different political party) to

A4: The greatest challenges facing Ohio courts are restoring public trust in an independent judiciary & maintaining stability in the law. Yet our Ohio Supreme Court has increasingly departed from well-established precedent. In April 2026, its decision in Disciplinary Counsel v. Rudduck departed from federal precedent & allowed judges to endorse politicians, raising concerns about the integrity of our courts. I will never endorse a political candidate because everyone deserves confidence that the courtroom is a place of impartial justice. In July 2026, the Court reversed its own 1987 precedent in State v. King. Changes to settled law should be rare, principled, & carefully explained. I will remain faithful to the rule of law. Trust is earned through integrity, independence, & equal justice.

Marilyn Zayas

brother was nearly killed by a drunk driver in the line of duty. These experiences showed me how the law affects real people and strengthened my commitment to fair, independent courts, rule of law and safe communities.

How to find info on Judicial Candidates Voters often don’t have much information about judicial candidates. Because most citizens do not routinely interact with judges in their communities, they tend to know very little about how judges conduct themselves in the course of doing their jobs. In addition, state rules do not allow judicial candidates to discuss their views on controversial issues because judges must be impartial on the bench. It is important for voters to understand the role of the courts and the important qualities to consider when evaluating judicial candidates. To learn about candidates for judge in your area consider reading candidates’ campaign literature, visiting campaign websites, and talking with people who know the candidates, including practicing attorneys. In order to make a decision, when voting on judicial candidates, consider the answers to the following questions: •

To what extent has the candidate practiced in the area(s) of law the court handles?

•

What work or other experience has the candidate had that will particularly qualify the candidate to perform the duties of a judge on this court?

•

What is the candidate’s legal philosophy? Political philosophy?

•

Consider the candidate’s integrity, judicial temperament, and level of commitment to public service and the administration of justice.

•

Also, consider who is paying for any advertising about any particular judicial election. For our democracy to function, judges must carry out their tasks impartially and independently. Judges’ decisions should not follow public opinion or promote special interests or even reflect their personal beliefs.

Judges’ decisions should be based on facts and law. This judicial impartiality protects fair trials and upholds the rule of law.

A5: The greatest obstacle to justice is unequal resources: wealth provides advantages that hard-working Americans often lack. This can affect cases from the outset. Public defenders face heavy caseloads with limited support. In civil matters, such as custody and family disputes, many cannot afford attorneys, preventing them from pursuing cases or forcing them to represent themselves at

a major disadvantage. Even small fines or fees can lead to escalating barriers. This challenges our ideal of equal treatment under the law. I believe that practical, bipartisan initiatives, such as better funding for legal aid, greater access to information about court proceedings, and streamlined processes, can level the playing field while maintaining public safety and accountability for all.

OHIO ISSUE 3

3 - TO REQUIRE VOTERS TO PRESENT PHOTO IDENTIFICATION IN ORDER TO VOTE A majority yes vote is required for the adoption of Section 5. This proposed amendment would: • Require voters to present an approved form of government-issued photo identification in order to vote. • Allow state law to provide for an alternative method of verifying a voter’s identity for a voter who has a sincere religious objection to being photographed and, therefore, does not possess an approved form of government-issued photo identification. • Require that voters who do not vote in person provide an approved form of government-issued photo identification, unless the law authorizes those persons to vote by providing a signature and at least one other specified unique identifier. • Define approved forms of governmentissued photo identification as an unexpired Ohio driver license or state identification card; a United States passport or passport card; or a United States military identification card, Ohio National Guard identification card, or United States Department of Veterans Affairs identification card. If approved, the amendment shall take effect immediately. A “YES” vote means approval of the amendment. A “NO” vote means disapproval of the amendment.

YES | NO Explanation: A “yes” vote supports amending the Ohio Constitution to: Enshrine into the Ohio Constitution the state’s current voter ID law for those voting in person at the Early Voting Location or on Election Day. Constitutionally require specific documents to count as voter ID including: a driver’s license or state ID card issued by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles or its successor agency or a temporary document issued by that agency for an applicant to use while waiting to receive the license or card that contains all the

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same information; a U.S. passport or passport card; a U.S. military ID card; an Ohio National Guard ID card; or an ID card issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or its successor agency. Allow the Ohio General Assembly to continue to choose whether to require photo ID to vote by mail. A “no” vote opposes amending the Ohio Constitution to enshrine Ohio’s existing photo ID requirements. If this does not pass, Ohio’s current photo ID law remains in effect, and the General Assembly would continue to have the authority to pass voter ID legislation. PROS: Argument for voting YES: Enshrining Ohio’s current voter ID law into the state Constitution may strengthen election integrity. By embedding the current voter ID requirements into the Ohio Constitution, this measure would prevent the Ohio General Assembly from changing those requirements unless voters approve a future constitutional amendment. Though Ohio is widely regarded as a national leader for its election security, this amendment may improve public trust in elections. Currently, Ohio residents 17 and older can get a free State ID from Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, if they do not have a valid Ohio driver’s license. This proposal grants the Ohio General Assembly the power to approve additional types of photo ID beyond those listed, maintaining election security as technological standards evolve. CONS: Argument for voting NO: The amendment is redundant and wasteful, because Ohio election law already requires this exact list of photo IDs. Ohio’s Constitution ought to be reserved for foundational rights and principles, rather than policies that can be enacted and modified through regular Ohio legislation. Details of election law are better updated through the legislative process as technology and security needs change. By calling for physical documents and cards when the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs only offers digital ID, the language of this proposed Constitutional Amendment is already outdated. Obtaining the prescribed forms of acceptable ID and underlying documents required to get the prescribed IDs can be costly, may not be readily available, and could be ruled to be a form

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OHIO ISSUE 3 of poll tax. While Ohio currently offers free state IDs from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, that law could be revoked at any time. The proposed amendment would disproportionately affect seniors, people with disabilities, students, married women, and rural Ohioans. By only covering ID requirements for in-person voting and not including voting by mail, this proposed Constitutional Amendment doesn’t treat all forms of voting equally.

HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER

TERM: 4 years

RESPONSIBILITIES: Exercises financial control of County expenditures; authorizes public works; purchases land and buildings; lets contracts; plans and administers welfare. The Board of County Commissioners also appoints other officials to operate various departments within the county. QUESTIONS: Q1: What will be your top 3 priorities for the county? (250 characters) Q2: How can property tax relief be achieved for some taxpayers? How will you decide when new tax levies should be placed on the ballot? (1000 characters) Q3: How can the county and MSD work better together to address excessive stormwater runoff and repeated flooding in the areas of the county? (500 characters) Q4: What strategies do you recommend the county pursue to improve overall housing affordability in Hamilton County? (500 characters)

Meeka Owens

HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER eviction prevention. Justice System Equity: Expand diversion, legal access, and court modernization. Economic Opportunity & Public Health: Invest in jobs, health, an

Jonathan Pearson

A2: Property tax relief requires balancing the needs of homeowners, especially seniors and families on fixed incomes, with the essential services our communities depend on. I support targeted relief, responsible budgeting, and exploring tools that reduce the burden on those most at risk of being priced out of their homes. New levies should only be considered when there is a clear, demonstrated community need, existing resources have been responsibly evaluated, and voters have transparent information about the cost and impact. I will weigh affordability, effectiveness, equity, and long-term fiscal sustainability before supporting a levy for the ballot.

Website: pearsonfortransparency.org Occupation: Self employed, maintenance Education: Associate in Agronomics, (professional sports and golf course maintenance) Experience: Golf course maintenance. Specialist in water and chemical on multiple golf courses resulting in a significant reduction in chemical and water needs. Affiliations: Knight of Columbus. Our Lady of Fatima First Saturday Group. Saint Cecilia Church

A3: The county and MSD must coordinate investments, data, and long-term planning to address flooding before it becomes a crisis. Investment in prevention saves taxpayer dollars. I support prioritizing infrastructure improvements in repeatedly impacted areas, expanding green infrastructure and stormwater management. We must also pursue state and federal funding to reduce the burden on local taxpayers while building a more resilient Hamilton County. A4: I will increase county investment in affordable housing, preservation, and rental assistance. My office created Cincinnati’s Access to Counsel program, helping 1,000+ households stay housed, and led millions in rental assistance. I’ve supported the Affordable Housing Leveraged Fund, tenant education, and data-driven eviction prevention. As Commissioner, I’ll work to bring these proven tools to residents across all 49 Hamilton County jurisdictions.

HAMILTON COUNTY AUDITOR

Party: Democratic

TERM: 4 years

Website: www. votemeekaowens. com Facebook: www. facebook.com/

RESPONSIBILITIES: Values real property in each county conducting periodic real property valuation, maintains county financial records and issues warrant for the payment of county obligations.

votemeekaowens Occupation: Councilwoman, City of Cincinnati Education: Masters of Education - Xavier University; Bachelors Degree - Miami University Endorsements: Planned Parenthood Action

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: Housing Affordability & Stability: Expand affordable housing, rental assistance, and

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Jessica E. Miranda Party: Democratic Website: www. jessicaforohio.com Facebook: Facebook.

Party: Republican

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: Budget, to make all monies are being spent for the effective benefit of Hamilton county. Metro sewer, to make sure the MSD is working to prevent backups and splitting sewer from storm water. Stadiums, to make sure County residents get better value. A2: Tax property only on what it was puchased for, no taxing of unappreciated gains by inflating the value of home strictly to increase tax base. No home can be taken due to property tax delinquency. New taxes can only be on the ballot if there is no other similar tax ; it does not cause economic harm; it is not during a down turn economy. Can new business off set the need for new taxes against homeowners? Fair taxes invite new business. Hamilton County does not tax it people fairly. That has to change. I will diligently to change what can be changed for our county and work with state legislature for other avenues to reduce our tax hit. A3: MSD, has been slow to get all this done. DEI has even affected the buying of parts to fix the sewer system. This has resulted in

delays and increased expenses. MSD need to be able to get parts and services from the best suppliers without concern of false DEI protocols. Weekly meetings to insure a consistent schedule. Transparent reporting to the citizens so they know the progress. A4: Reduce taxes. Look at better planning for new subdivsions and infastructure. At the present, the term ‘affordable housing’ is a misnomer. Housing is expensive and we need to help draw in more businesses so to create better paying jobs and business opportunities for the new entrepreneurs.

Carrie R. Davis (Write-In) Write-In Candidate Certification posted too late to participate in the printed voter guide.

Poll workers are needed on Election Day Qualifications: be a registered and active voter, a U.S. citizen, be able to speak, read, and write fluently in English, and be comfortable using electronic technology. You cannot be a candidate for any office to be voted on the ballot or a convicted felon. Poll worker training is required. Must be available to work on Election day from 5:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and the Monday night set up from 6:30-8:30 p.m. To become a poll worker, you can apply online at votehamiltoncountyohio.gov/ become-poll-worker/register

HAMILTON COUNTY AUDITOR QUESTIONS: Q1: What improvements have you made to this office? (500 characters) Q2: Would you recommend any changes to the property reassessment process to address concerns about fairness from residents facing significantly increased tax bills? (500 characters) Q3: What steps can you take to strengthen the fiscal position of Hamilton County? (500 characters) com/JessicaForOhio Twitter: @JessicaEMiranda Occupation: Hamilton County Auditor Education: Graduate of Talawanda High School, the Ohio State John Glenn College of Public Affairs Public Leadership Academy, Licensed Property & Casualty Insurance Agent, Professional Tax Preparer

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Experience: Winton Woods School Board Member, 2013-2018. State Representative for HD28, 2018-2024. Hamilton County Auditor, 2024-present. Endorsements: Matriots, Cincinnati Women’s Political Caucus, UAW CAP Council, Cincy AFL-CIO, Everytown, Moms Demand, Mental Health Now, many more Affiliations: Winton Woods Performing Arts Boosters, HCDP Executive Committee, LULAC

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: Since taking over this office, we have made several improvements to the website and established the Auditors office’s first official social media platforms, making information more accessible to residents. We also created the Auditor’s first Public Affairs Department, establishing dedicated capacity for public education and community engagement. I have also undergone the “Audi-Tour,” visiting all 49 Hamilton County jurisdictions plus many other organizations, and so much more.

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HAMILTON COUNTY AUDITOR

Jessica E. Miranda [CONTINUED]

A2: The whole point of mass appraisal is uniformity, it is required and set on a schedule per Ohio Statute, based on fair market conditions. The changes I would recommend to address these concerns, are many, but most important of those; finishing the Fair School Funding plan, updating cost inputs for our schools, and finally correcting the imbalance between how much taxpayer money the state budget puts into our system of common schools vs. the tax burden property owners pay due to this negligence. A3: We are working to ensure that all properties are assessed fairly, and that all entities are filing accordingly. We are able to communicate the services we offer out to the public, and this helps the residents and property owners of Hamilton County know what they can do to access services and credits to help them with their homes and properties. Additionally, since I took over as Auditor, we have returned $20 Million dollars in Real Estate Assessment funds to local governments & schools.

HAMILTON COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

TERM: 6 years

RESPONSIBILITIES: Accepts or rejects any case referred and has full authority to conduct arraignment, accept pleas, enter findings and dispositions, conduct trials, order treatment, pronounce and enter sentence. For more information on judicial candidates visit: JudicialVotesCount.org QUESTIONS: Q1: What skills and characteristics do you bring to the role of judge? (500 characters) Q2: What can the courts do about the high rate of minority incarceration in Hamilton County? (500 characters) Q3: What suggestions do you have to improve the ability of the Hamilton County Common Pleas courts to process cases quickly? Do you support the use of specialized courts? (500 characters) Q4: When determining bail amounts, how do you balance the rights of defendants with the need to keep the public safe? (500 characters)

HAMILTON COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

Drug Court Division Nicole L. Sanders Party: Democratic Website: votejudgesanders. com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ nicolesanders4judge Occupation: Judge Education: Bachelor obtained from University of Cincinnati CECH and Juris Doctorate from University of Cincinnati College of Law Experience: 13 years total of Judicial experience and 6 years as an elected Judge Endorsements: PPSWO , Cincinnati

Juvenile Division Kari L. Bloom Party: Democratic Website: keepjudgekari.com/ Facebook: www. facebook.com/ KBforJudge Occupation: Hamilton County Juvenile Court, Administrative Judge Education: University of Cincinnati College of Law, 2011 Bowling Green State University,

Women’s Political Caucus, UAW CAP, Working Families Party, AFSCME Ohio Council 8, Cincinnati Federation of Teachers, Hamilton County Young Dems and Cincinnati AFL-CIO Affiliations: Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Cincinnati Academy of Leadership for Lawyers, Fellow, Ohio State Bar Foundation , Fellow

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: I am a fair, compassionate , patient and respectful Jurist. I have over 13 years experience and as a result have an even and balanced judicial temperament. I experience managing, staff, operating a business and the daily docket. In my role I have accomplished significant milestones with 2.7 million dollars inf state and federal funding, gotten significant legislative changes, and modernized this court. A2: The courts can use specialized dockets

2008 Experience: Judge Kari Bloom was elected in 2020 to serve as Judge in the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas Juvenile Division for a six-year term, which began on February 14, 2021. She later became the Administrative Judge on January 1, 2023, overseeing the day-to-day running of the Court including the Assessment Center and Juvenile Detention Center. Prior to her election, Judge Bloom was an attorney in the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office. Judge Bloom also served as a legislative liaison and parole attorney for the Office of the Ohio Public Defender and as a contract negotiator for the United States Air Force at Wright Patterson Air Force Base.

to address the root of criminal behavior and diversion dockets for quality of life municipal offenses. This will help mitigate high rates incarceration for minor offenses while simultaneously save the jail space for serious offenses and offenders. A3: I absolutely support the use of specialized courts as I currently preside over the 1st and only full time Drug Court in the State of Ohio. I don’t think courts should seek to process cases quickly as much as ensure the the cases progress at a rate that is conducive to ensure a fair and just process for all the parties involved, victims, defendants and the community at large. A4: When setting bail, I consider the crime(s) alleged, the criminal record or lack thereof of the accused and those statutorily mandated criteria to determine a fair and just bond.

Endorsements: Hamilton County Democratic Party, Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region, AFSCME Ohio Council 8, Ohio Working Families Party, LiUNA! Local 265, Cincinnati AFL-CIO, Cincinnati Women’s Political Caucus, Cincinnati Federation of Teachers, NASW PACE, Hamilton County Young Democrats,

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: I have spent my entire career in public service, getting to know the communities that I live and work in. During my time with the United States Air Force, I learned systems processes that help me lead the Court. While working in the Ohio Legislature, I learned about bipartisan collaboration.

IF I’M AT THE RIGHT POLLING PLACE AND PRECINCT TABLE, BUT NOT ON THE REGISTER, I’LL VOTE A PROVISIONAL BALLOT! A provisional ballot is used to record a vote if a voter’s eligibility is in question and the voter would otherwise not be permitted to vote at the voter’s polling precinct. The content of a provisional ballot is no different from a regular ballot, but it is cast “provisionally” until election officials can verify the voter’s eligibility to vote in that particular precinct at that election. If you cast your provisional ballot and provided acceptable proof of identity, you typically do not need to provide any additional information to the Board of Elections. Proof of identity: If you cast a provisional ballot and did not provide acceptable proof of identity at the time of voting, you must appear in person at the Board of Elections to provide such proof within the four days immediately following Election Day, in accordance with Ohio law. See What are acceptable forms of ID for voting? Proof of name change: If you cast a provisional ballot because, at the time you voted, you changed your name but did not provide proof of a legal name change to a precinct election official, you must provide that proof in the form of a marriage license or a court order that indicates your current and prior names within four days immediately following the election. Voter eligibility challenged: If you cast a provisional ballot because your right to vote was challenged at the polling place under Ohio Revised Code R.C. 3505.20, and the election officials either determined that you were ineligible to vote or were unable to determine your eligibility, you must provide any identification or other documentation required to resolve the challenge. Details concerning the process and required information can be found at http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/3505.20.

ABOVE ALL, IF YOU ARE SURE YOU ARE AT THE CORRECT POLLING PRECINCT AND VOTING A REGULAR BALLOT IS NOT AN OPTION FOR WHATEVER REASON, DON’T LEAVE THE POLLS WITHOUT VOTING A PROVISIONAL BALLOT.

2026 HAMILTON COUNTY VOTER GUIDE

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HAMILTON COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

Juvenile Division Kari L. Bloom [CONTINUED]

Finally, as a public defender, I learned about the needs our most vulnerable people have and how to lift up victims, the accused, parents, and entire communities who need attention and support. A2: Judges are responsible for assessing every case, individually, when determining incarceration, detention, and when setting cash bonds. The Juvenile Court rules require the Court to presume a child is released, and only hold them after certain factors are considered and established. Judges must have cultural competency and understand how those factors appear in different populations, and be sure not to consider certain factors as aggravating, just because they are different. A3: We have implemented specialized dockets in the Juvenile Court to help give special consideration to some populations and categories of cases. Along with specialized dockets, we have relied on scheduling orders set at the beginning of cases to ensure resolution within the timelines outlined by the Ohio Supreme Court. Justice delayed is justice denied, in all matters. A4: In Juvenile Court, we only set cash bail in Serious Youthful Offender cases. At the point that setting cash bail becomes relevant, the case has already had several pretrials where I have the opportunity to understand more about the facts, allegations, victims, and possible outcomes, all of which I consider when setting an appropriate bond.

Susan Luken Party: Republican Website: lukenfor juvenilecourt.com Facebook: facebook. com/lukenforjudge Occupation: Magistrate/Assistant Court Administrator Education: J.D., University of Cincinnati College of Law; B.A., University of Cincinnati Experience: 2002-2006 - Commercial Litigation Attorney, Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP; 2006-2011- Law Clerk, Court of Common Pleas, General Division; 2011-2012, Juvenile Court Delinquency Magistrate; 2012-2021, Assistant Court Administrator, General Division; 2021-2023, Juvenile Court Magistrate; 2023-Present, Probate Court Magistrate/Assistant Court Administrator. I have over 5 years of experience as a magistrate and over 13 years of experience as a court administrator.

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

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A1: As a current Probate Court Magistrate and former Juvenile Court Magistrate, I have been on the bench for over 5 years, presiding over hundreds of cases involving delinquency, child custody, adoption and mental health. My passion is helping vulnerable children achieve safe and stable lives. I have more than 13 years of experience as a court administrator and it is my mission to ensure courts are fair, accountable and efficient, providing access to justice for all. A2: Juvenile courts can collect/monitor data to ensure racial/ethnic disparities with systemic roots (socioeconomic/ educational) are not perpetuated

General Division - Term beginning 1/4/2027 Chris Wagner Party: Democratic

chriswagnerforjudge

Website: www. chriswagnerforjudge. com Facebook: www. facebook.com/

Occupation: Judge, Hamilton County Common Pleas Court. Presiding Judge, Hamilton County Veterans Treatment Court. Education: Graduate of St. Xavier High School. B.A. International Affairs, Xavier University; J.D., University of Cincinnati College of Law. Experience: Judge, Hamilton County Common Pleas Court 1/2021-present; Presiding & Administrative Judge 2023; Presiding Judge, Veterans Treatment Court 2025 - present. Chief of Compliance, Hamilton Co. Clerk of Courts 2/2017 12/2020. Managing Attorney, Cinti. Reg. Office of Ohio Attorney General 5/20092/2017. Co-Managing Attorney, Cinti. Reg. Office of Ohio Attorney General 11/2007 -5/2009. Special Asst. US Attorney SD of Ohio 6/2009 – 2/2017. Special Asst. US Attorney ND of Ohio 6/2006 – 11/2007. Cuyahoga Co. Major Trial Prosecutor 1/2006 – 11/2007. Cuyahoga Co. Community Based Prosecutor 1/2005 – 1/2006. Cuyahoga Co. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney 10/2001 – 1/2005. Endorsements: Hamilton County Democratic Party, Planned Parenthood, Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus, Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich, Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey, Hamilton County Auditor Jessica Miranda, Hamilton County Treasurer Jill Schiller, Hamilton County Recorder Scott Crowley, Ohio State Senator Catherine Ingram, Ohio State Representatives Rachel Baker, Karen

inadvertently or otherwise in detention and dispositional (sentencing) decisions. The use of early and effective, risk-based screening tools and proven evidencebased practices along with appropriate sanctions and incentives prevent mistakes from becoming lifelong patterns of criminal behavior. A3: Juvenile Court must resolve the backlog of abuse and neglect cases and make tough decisions that are right for vulnerable children who deserve safe and permanent homes. The Court must collaborate with stakeholders and county leaders to improve case processing and be accountable for timely decision making. I support the use of

Brownlee, and Cecil Thomas, Vice Mayor of Cincinnati Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, Councilmember Anna Albi, retired Judge Ann Marie Tracey, former Ohio Treasurer and Attorney General Richard Cordray. Affiliations: Past President, Cincinnati Bar Association (CBA) 2021-2022; 2023-2024 President, CBA 2020-2021. President Elect, CBA 2019-2020. Vice President, CBA 20182019. Secretary, CBA 2017-2018. Trustee, CBA 2013-2017. Trustee, Ohio Legal Help 2022. Member, Hamilton Co. Justice Reform Commission 2007-2010. Parishioner, Bellarmine Chapel. Member, Cincinnati Chapter NAACP. Coach, UC College of Law Mock Trial Team 2013-2016. Board Member, Southeast Cinti Soccer Association 20172019. Coach, Youth Soccer. Coach, Little League Baseball.

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: Hard work and Experience. Before being elected, I tried over 97 cases across the state of Ohio. Since being elected, I have handled 5,000 cases in six years and over 50 trials. I am the presiding Judge of the Hamilton County Veteran Treatment Court helping veterans who are charged with a felony to receive treatment and assistance. Working with veterans has been the most rewarding experience for me and interacting closely with the veterans has made me, I believe, a better judge. A2: I practiced law throughout Ohio, rural and urban. Poverty is the greatest drive of

specialized dockets in areas of behavioral health, truancy, traffic, safe harbor and substance use disorder. A4: Bail is not available to minors under Ohio law. Juveniles are either detained or released prior to trial. In deciding detention, juvenile courts consider whether there is an appropriate adult to supervise, a threat of physical harm to the youth or by the youth to others, or a risk the child will run away. Public safety considerations are case specific and include risk factors, prior juvenile offense history, the nature/ seriousness of the charge, and whether/ how a firearm was allegedly involved.

crime and addiction. Economic disparity could make the difference of the quality of person’s defense. Our court works with highly qualified and experienced attorneys who represent those accused who cannot afford an attorney. Our court favors nonmonetary bail options (see below). We instructed prospective jurors on the danger of bias or sympathies (even unconscious) and instruct jurors to deliberate carefully. A3: This Court and courts across Ohio focused on creating more efficiency. We are investing in greater technology to assist our probation dept. and our case mgmt. system which allows attorneys to view dockets and electronically file documents. Time-consuming discovery caused by the explosion of technology – phones, video, gps data, all electronic communications, etc. – slows both criminal and civil cases. This discovery is important for resolving cases but takes longer. I favor specialty courts. A4: As required by law, I follow RC 2937.011 to determine bail amount or other pretrial release conditions. I balance the need to protect the community, the risk of nonappearance, assure the criminal case is not obstructed, and the seriousness of the offense along with the accused criminal record. This requires accurate information from attys and law enforcement. I utilize nonmonetary options such as EMU, pretrial treatment programs, no contact orders as much as possible.

GIVING PROGRAMS Kroger Community Rewards Program: You can connect your Kroger Plus Card to LWVCA Education Fund and help raise funds for our organization. You can register your Kroger Plus Card online at krogercommunityrewards. com and enter the League’s nonprofit organization code 80874. The Kroger Service Desk at any location can also assist you. Community Shares: The LWVCA is a member of Community Shares. You can donate to our efforts through Community Shares by naming us, or making a general donation. Keep this in mind if you are participating in a workplace campaign.

2026 HAMILTON COUNTY VOTER GUIDE

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General Division - Term beginning 1/2/2027 Christian A. Jenkins Party: Democratic Website: JudgeJenkins. Democrat Facebook: www.facebook.com/chris. jenkins.161446 Occupation: Common Pleas Court Judge, General Division and Commercial Docket Education: Pennsylvania State University; Georgetown University Law Center; University of Wisconsin Law School Experience: Common Pleas Court Judge (January 2, 2021-present); Attorney (19952020) Endorsements: Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio ACT, AFL-CIO, Cincinnati Federation of Teachers Affiliations: Hamilton County Democratic Party

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: Before taking the bench I practiced law for over 25 years in Ohio and across the U.S., representing city and school employees’ unions, workers denied minimum wage and overtime, Latino meatpacking workers, and plaintiffs in major class actions against national corporations. As an early advocate for online privacy, I sued public officials whose websites exposed citizens to identity theft. I bring that breadth, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to deciding every case fairly and independently. A2: Judges decide the cases police and prosecutors bring, so no judge can fix this alone. But the court as a whole has real tools. We oversee probation, and we are reshaping it so officers focus on treatment and behavioral change rather than surveillance, making probation a true alternative to incarceration. We can also press to restore work release, so people who must serve time keep their jobs and housing. Losing both drives recidivism. This work has begun, and I will keep pushing it. A3: Speed comes from unglamorous things: modern case management systems, which I have fought for since taking the bench and which are now being upgraded; adequate staffing, as we are probably the lowest-staffed court in Ohio; and more criminal defense attorneys, since scheduling around too few lawyers delays cases. I support specialized dockets suited to their purpose. I serve on the commercial docket, which speeds business cases. Treatment dockets pursue different goals and rightly take time.

A4: Bail decisions come early, on limited information, and they are among the hardest calls a judge makes. When the information available shows genuine risk to public safety, I set conditions to minimize it. But sound decisions need full information, so I have urged our Prosecutor to assemble all evidence, including body camera footage, before going to grand jury, as an adjoining county now does. That would enhance the information available for risk assessment and speed the process that follows.

programs that address the causes of crime while holding offenders accountable and protecting the public.

Betsy Sundermann

General Division - Term beginning 1/1/2027

Party: Republican

A3: Judges should actively manage their dockets, set realistic deadlines, resolve motions promptly, encourage appropriate settlement discussions, and avoid unnecessary continuances. Technology and better coordination among judges, attorneys, and court staff can also reduce delay. I support specialized courts when they are evidence-based, improve outcomes,

Katie Casch

Website: www. facebook.com/ SundermannforJudge/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ SundermannforJudge/ Twitter: votesundermann Occupation: Judge, Hamilton County Court of Domestic Relations Education: BA: Depauw University. JD: University of Cincinnati College of Law Experience: I was elected to Domestic Relations Court in November 2022. Prior to being elected judge, I served as a Hamilton County Probate Court magistrate for five years and on Cincinnati City Council for two years. I was an Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor for thirteen years in the juvenile, dependency, drug forfeiture, municipal, and appellate divisions. I also served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, a U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps law clerk, a U.S. District Court law clerk, and a Hamilton County Public Defender Guardian ad Litem. Endorsements: Hamilton County Republican Party Affiliations: Adjunct Professor at the University of Cincinnati

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: I bring more than 25 years of legal experience as a judge, magistrate, prosecutor, defense attorney, law clerk, and adjunct professor. I have tried and presided over thousands of cases. I know how to manage a busy docket, make difficult decisions, treat people with respect, and apply the law fairly. I would bring experience, preparation, and a strong work ethic to the General Division. A2: Courts must make decisions based on the law and the individual facts of each case, not race. Judges should ensure equal treatment in the courtroom and address any bias that could affect decision-making. Courts should also use appropriate alternatives to incarceration when permitted by law and support

Party: Republican

katiecaschforjudge

Website: www. katiecaschforjudge. com Facebook: www. facebook.com/

Occupation: Judge, Court of Common Pleas Education: University of Cincinnati College of Law Experience: Common Pleas Judge, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Endorsements: Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Queen City Lodge No. 69; Cincinnati Firefighters Union, IAFF Local 48; Teamsters Local No. 100; Laborers International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 265; Plumbers, Pipefitters, Mechanical Equipment Service Local No. 392, SHELeads, Hamilton County Republican Party Affiliations: Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program, Ohio Supreme Court- Mentor; Ohio Supreme Court Certified Specialty Court Judge- Mental Health Court

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: Current Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge and former Hamilton County Assistant Prosecutor. I have practiced both criminal and civil law and handled thousands of cases. I will continue to work hard to keep Hamilton County safe. A2: Courts should treat every person equally, regardless of race or gender. A3: In addition to handling criminal and civil cases, I oversee a specialized mental health court. These courts support better outcomes for everyone involved. A4: The Ohio Constitution mandates that judges consider public safety when setting bail. As a judge, I follow the Constitution when setting bail to protect Hamilton County.

2026 HAMILTON COUNTY VOTER GUIDE

and do not compromise accountability or public safety. A4: Bail decisions must protect both the defendant’s constitutional rights and the safety of the community. I would consider the factors required by law, including the seriousness of the offense, the evidence, the defendant’s history, risk of flight, and risk to others. Bail should not be punitive, but conditions should be strong enough to reasonably assure court appearance and public safety.

Donte Johnson Party: Democratic Website: dontejohnson forjudge.com Facebook: www. facebook.com/donteforjudge Twitter: donteforjudge Occupation: Judge Education: University of Cincinnati, College of Law (JD); Howard University (BA) Experience: Over 15 years of legal experience, including 11 years as a criminal and civil attorney and over 4 years as a sitting judge. Endorsements: Hamilton County Democratic Party, The Collective Pac, Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio, Cincinnati AFL-CIO, Cincinnati Federation of Teachers (CFT), Cincinnati Building Trades, AFSCME – Council 8, IBEW Local 212, Laborers’ Local 265, Iron Workers Local 44, Greater Cincinnati UAW CAP Council, Hamilton County Young Dems. (As of September 7, 2026) Affiliations: American Judges Association, National Bar Association, Ohio Bar Association, Ohio Black Judges Association, Cincinnati Bar Association, Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati, Cincinnati NAACP, League of United Latin American Citizens

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: I bring experience, impartiality, rigorous analytical precision, and deep respect for due process. Every decision is grounded in equal dignity, consistent application of the law, and a commitment to transparency, ensuring fair proceedings and reinforcing public trust in our justice system. A2: Hamilton County can reduce minority incarceration by expanding diversion programs and specialty dockets that target root causes. Judges must apply equitable bail and sentencing decisions grounded in public safety while removing socioeconomic biases. Bolstering reentry support with stable housing and job resources, combined with unwavering procedural fairness, breaks recidivism cycles to build a balanced, equitable justice

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General Division - Term beginning 1/1/2027 Donte Johnson

General Division - Term beginning 2/13/2027 Alison Hatheway

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system.

A3: To accelerate case processing, Hamilton County Common Pleas Court cases require early scheduling, discovery deadlines, and efficient case management to prevent delays. I strongly support specialized courts. These targeted programs streamline proceedings, reduce recidivism, and clear backlogs by addressing the root causes of offenses with specialized oversight. A4: Balancing defendants rights with public safety requires strict adherence to due process. Bail must never be excessive or act as wealth based detention; its sole purpose is ensuring court appearance and community safety. I evaluate criminal history, the nature and credibility of the charges, flight risk, and safety to the community. Preserving the presumption of innocence while protecting the public demands rigorous, fair evaluation in every case.

General Division Unexpired term ending 1/14/2029 Leah Dinkelacker Party: Republican Website: keepjudgeleah dinkelacker.com Facebook: www. facebook.com/keepjudgeleahdinkelacker Occupation: Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas Judge Education: Bachelor of Science Degree from Miami University and Juris Doctor from Salmon P. Chase College of Law Experience: My experience on the bench and my almost 13 years as an assistant

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: I am even tempered, open minded and hard working. I treat everyone with dignity and respect. I am prepared and passionate. I spent almost 13 years prior to taking the bench as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney so I have practiced law in the Court that I have now been a Judge in since March of 2025. I have tried many felony jury trials both as a prosecutor and Judge. I have experience. A2: Pursuant to O.R.C. 2929.11, a Court shall not base a felony sentence on race, ethnic

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Party: Democratic Website: www. judgehatheway.com Facebook: www. facebook.com/share/1BKegY44HR/?mibext id=wwXlfr Occupation: Judge Education: BA, Speech Communications, Muskingum College, New Concord, OH Juris Doctor, Salmon P. Chase College of Law, Highland Heights, KY Experience: Current, Judge, Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas General Division; 2018-2020, Director, Juvenile Div, Hamilton Co Public Defender; 2012-18 Team Leader, Juvenile Div, Hamilton Co Public Defender; 2007-12 Staff Attorney, Hamilton Co Public Defender; 2011-19 Group Fitness Instructor, YMCA; 1998-2005 News Reporter/ Anchor Endorsements: Planned Parenthood; Cincinnati Women’s Political Caucus;

background, gender, or religion of the offender. I follow the law. A3: There are rules and guidelines from the Supreme Court about case management that are followed in my courtroom while ensuring that the interests of all parties involved are always addressed at the appropriate time. I support the use of specialized courts. A4: There are many factors under the law (O.R.C. 2937.011) that I have to consider when imposing bond. These factors include the serious nature of the charges, the weight of the evidence, the defendant’s ties to the community, employment and financial resources, previous criminal history, safety of the community and other factors. I weigh all these factors specific to the case in front of me at the time when determining bond.

Manisha Kotian Party: Democratic Website: www. kotianforjudge.com Facebook: www. facebook.com/ManishaKotianForJudge Occupation: Court of Common Pleas Magistrate Education: University of Pittsburgh School of Law, J.D May 1992. University of Cincinnati,

Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council; IBEW Local 212; Ohio AFSCME Power in Action; UAW CAP ; Collective PAC; Working Families Party; LEAD Ohio; Cincinnati Federation of Teachers (Local 1520) Affiliations: Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity, Ohio Judicial Conference (OJC); Ad Hoc Committee for Specialized Dockets (OJC); Cincinnati Bar Association (CBA); Ohio Black Judges Association (OBJA); Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati (BLAC), lifetime member; Potter Stewart Inn of Court

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: Every day I do my best to treat all who come to my courtroom with dignity and respect and give all parties the opportunity to be heard. I listen, and I fairly and justly consider the evidence and information presented, and I follow the laws of the State of Ohio. While I take my time in making thoughtful decisions, I have significantly improved the Court’s case management. I understand the importance of rehabilitation, as I led the charge to make significant improvements to our Probation Dept. A2: My approach has been to implement “Smart Justice”. “Smart Justice” means that Courts promote fair and equal enforcement of the laws. “Smart Justice,”

BBA June 1986 to June 1989, Double Major: Management and Marketing Experience: I have focused my career and practice on family law. I am entrenched with the Court of Domestic Relations and the laws under which it operates. I have been mediating, negotiating and litigating family law cases in Hamilton County for over 30 years. Endorsements: Hamilton County Democratic Party and Planned Parenthood of Ohio Affiliations: Cincinnati Academy of Collaborative Prof. and International Academy of Collaborative Prof, Ohio State Bar Association, Cincinnati Bar Association, Clermont County Bar Association, Warren County Bar Association, Lifetime member of the NAACP, Member of the Asian American Action Fund, Supporter of the Free Speech TV, Supporter/Donate to Human Rights Campaign, Supporter/Donor to Food Bank/ Free Store, Indian Hill PTA, Montgomery Station Office Condominiums Board: President, Aruna Project- Donor and Supporter, Hamilton County Divorce Clinic, Cincinnati Legal Aid- Volunteer Lawyers Project

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: My career has centered around the mission of protecting children and families in need. I am an immigrant, a mother of three boys, and owned a concrete construction company alongside my law practice for the better part of 25 years. My time with the public defender’s office

2026 HAMILTON COUNTY VOTER GUIDE

means that when appropriate, Courts work to find alternatives to incarceration and utilize restorative justice programs that promote accountability, but also protect against disparities. “Smart Justice” means that Courts utilize programs that will that will rehabilitate offenders, while reducing recidivism ultimately making our communities safer. A3: As a Court, we are working to implement a new case management system that will help us process cases more efficiently. It will also allow us to improve data tracking and transparency. In addition, we recently changed our local rule to allow for the use of contract mediators to resolve civil cases more quickly and cost effectively. I do support the use of specialized courts. I have presided over a Supreme Court Certified Mental Health Court Treatment Docket since 2023. A4: There are rules that judges must follow in when deciding bail. In November 2022, voters passed a constitutional amendment which dictates the factors a court must consider when deciding bail. Those considerations include public safety, the person’s criminal record, and the likelihood the person will return to court. I follow the law when deciding bail.

representing children of abuse, neglect and dependency, my time with Americorps representing victims of domestic violence, and my time with Legal Aid representing low-income families have given me a valuable perspective. A2: We should publish sentencing data, so that judges can be held accountable. Without data to review sentencing disparities, it is hard to fix this problem. I will be a proponent of publicly sharing sentencing information so that the public can hold me accountable and compare my decisions to those of other judges. A3: I support specialized courts. I am also a proponent of weekend and evening dockets, so that working families are able to appear in court without missing work. I have publicly advocated for a license amnesty program, with the aim to renew licenses for folks who can not afford the fees they owe. I am an advocate for finding solutions that keep people in their jobs and not withholding the ability to provide for one’s family. A4: I would like to limit the use of cash bail for non-violent offenders in my courtroom, as it is not an effective or equitable way of ensuring that people return for their hearings. I believe that when bail is set, judges should consider the safety of the community, the severity of the case, and the history of the defendant.

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General Division - Term beginning 2/12/2027 Wende C. Cross

Party: Democratic Website: wendecross4judge. com Facebook: www. facebook.com/wendecrossforjudge Twitter: CrossWende Occupation: Judge, Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Education: Juris Doctor, Salmon P. Chase College of Law; Bachelor of Arts, Miami University Experience: Judge on Common Pleas Court since 2021. Served as Magistrate for Common Pleas Court Juvenile Division

General Division - Term beginning 2/11/2027 Robert A. Goering Party: Republican Website: www. goeringforjudge. com Facebook: facebook.com/GoeringforJudge Twitter: @GoeringRob Occupation: Judge Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas Education: Chase College of Law, Highland Heights, KY Degree: J.D.-May 1986 Denison University, Granville, OH Degree: B.A.-May 1982-Cum Laude Mariemont High School, Cincinnati, OH Diploma: 1978-Class Rank: Third Experience: I have served as Judge for the last 6 years insuring our neighborhoods are safe. Endorsements: Hamilton County voters 11/3/2020 Affiliations: Dan Beard Council BSA, Cincinnati Squash Racquets AssociationPresident, Eagle Scout

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: I have served as a Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas Judge since February 2021. Prior service includes Hamilton County Treasurer for 29 years. He also served as President of the Hamilton County Investment Advisory Committee, President of the County Board of Revision, President of the County Budget Commission and President of the Hamilton County Land Bank. I am an Eagle Scout. I

from 2012-2021. Former Assistant United States Attorney for Southern District of Ohio and Eastern District of Kentucky. Civil and criminal Litigation practitioner. Adjunct Professor Salmon P. Chase College of Law. Endorsements: Hamilton County Democratic Party, Cincinnati Women’s Political Caucus, AFL-CIO Labor Council, Equality Cincinnati PAC, UAW CAP Council, Hamilton County Young Dems, AFSCME Ohio Council 8, Cincinnati Federation of Teachers, Ohio Young Black Democrats, SWOYBD, AFSCME Ohio Council 8, Ironworkers Local 44, UFCW 75, and Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio. Affiliations: Ohio Judicial College Board of Trustees, Ohio Black Judges Association Executive Committee, Cincinnati Bar Association, Ohio Common Pleas Judges Association, National Association of Women Judges, National Association of Court Management, NAACP, Mount St. Joseph University Board of Trustees, Seton High School Board member, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: I bring the skills of sound legal reasoning and command of the law, good judgment and patience to my role as judge. I also have the ability to separate my personal opinion from legal analysis. I have strong communication skills so that non-lawyers understand my decisions and rulings, and strong courtroom management to keep proceedings efficient. I am also well able to maintain my composure under pressure or hostility.

A3: Effective courtroom and docket management and timeliness of decisions by the judge are critical to processing cases quickly. Establishing clear expectations to attorneys, litigants and staff regarding the importance of protecting rights secured by the Speedy Trial Act helps the efficient processing of criminal cases. I support the use of specialized dockets/courts to help people and ease the burden of overcrowded dockets. I created the first Reentry Docket in Hamilton County.

A2: This is what I have done or helped to do: 1. Strengthen risk assessment tools to reduce reliance on cash bail. 2. Consistent sentencing to reduce disparities. 3. Use speciality courts as diversion alternatives to incarceration. 4. Implicit bias training for judges and juries. 5. Data collection and public reporting on outcomes so disparities are visible to the public. 6. Self-represented litigant support. 7. Creation of reentry programs to reduce recidivism.

A4: There is an obvious tension between the rights of defendants and public safety that sits at the center of every judicial decision on bail. Both are protected by the Ohio Constitution. I balance the two by focusing on evidence over instinct. If public safety can be addressed and satisfied with a less restrictive tool than detention, then I choose the less restrictive option which satisfies both interests without needlessly infringing upon one’s liberty.

have great experience as a Judge having presided over thousands of Criminal and Civil cases and jury trials.

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A2: I always give every defendant/litigant their “Day in Court”. I review the bonds, do my legal research, then make a timely decision. I am known as fair but tough on crime. The Court must treat all litigants with dignity and respect, understanding that alleged criminals need to be heard as well as the victims of crime. I am committed to listening to all sides and making a balanced decision based on the law.

Occupation: Magistrate Education: BA in Criminal Justice from Northern Kentucky University in 2009. JD from Salmon P. Chase College of Law in 2012. Experience: Licensed to practice in the State of Ohio since 2012. Public Defender for over 8 years with trial experience in both Municipal and The Court of Common Pleas. Former In-House Counsel and Direct of Professional Standards for the Realtor Alliance of Greater Cincinnati. For the past 3 years I have served the community as a Magistrate in Juvenile Court, hearing cases for Court involved youth and families. Endorsements: Hamilton County Democratic Party, Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Act, Cincinnati Women’s Political Caucus, Cincinati AFL-CIO Labor Council, AFSCME Ohio Council 8, The Collective Political Action Committee, Cincinnati Federation of Teachers and Cincinnati Federation of Office Professionals, and Hamilton County Young Democrats Affiliations: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, NAACP

of pretrial services that conduct risk assessments to consider less restrictive forms of release when appropriate. For low level and non violent offenses, the Court can make use of treatment, community supervision, mental health and substance use programs, restorative approaches and explore other alternatives to incarceration. It’s also appropriate for the Court to examine sentencing disparities to strengthen protection against racial disparities in Court.

A3: I have been committed to improving the Common Pleas Court through my service Chairing the Court’s Rules Committee. Over the last 6 years, I have lead the review of all Local Court Rules, updating and focusing on critical court processes. I have also recently been elected by my colleagues to sit on the County Commercial Docket to handle complex Commercial Litigation. A4: I do review the bonds and listen to all sides to make a balanced decision based on the facts of the case and the law. Public safety is a critical aspect when setting bonds as specifically set forth in the Ohio Revised Code.

Latoya S. Maley Party: Democratic Website: MaleyforJudge.com Facebook: www. facebook.com/ people/Latoya-S-Maley-for-Judge/615850 39843867/?sk=directory_contact_info&fb_

A3: I find that setting firm deadlines through scheduling orders, which establish specific dates discovery, plea negotiations, motions and trial, helps move cases along efficiently and reduces unnecessary continuances while encouraging the parties to address issues promptly. Yes, I support the use of specialized Courts because they focus on the underlying issues contributing to a person’s involvement in the justice system rather than relying solely on punishment. A4: I would balance individual rights and public safety by ensuing due process while making fair, evidence based decisions that consider the circumstances and risk of each case.

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: I have years of Court room experience, specifically in Hamilton County Courts. I started my legal career as a Public Defender and I am now a Magistrate in Juvenile Court. I have tried many cases in Municipal Court and the Court of Common pleas. I have also ruled on many cases as a Magistrate. I am consistently fair, transparent, efficient and most of all compassionate in the way I handle cases. These are values I will take with me to the bench once elected in November. A2: The Court should take advantage

2026 HAMILTON COUNTY VOTER GUIDE

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General Division - Term beginning 2/10/2027 Dennis Mahoney Party: Republican Website: Mahoneyforjudge. com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ mahoneyforjudge Occupation: Attorney Education: Western Hills High School 1976, UC-1980, Salmon P. Chase 1990 Experience: 35 active years of practice Affiliations: ABA, OSBA, CBA, SWOTLA, KBA, KJA, NKBA, OAJ, Million Dollar Advocacy Forum, NTLA

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: Common sense practical experience. As a trial attorney who has actually tried cases in both criminal and civil to verdict, I understand the roles each participant must adhere to and believe in our justice system. As a father and a grandfather, I value family and the importance of fairness along with discipline. Our society is built on honor and respect of institutions. Preserving the integrity of our institutions and the rule of law is vital to a judges duty to society. A2: Education is the key to breaking the cycle of lawlessness. Respect for following the law needs to be taught and instilled in all people. Justice is and should be color blind. A3: Efficiency and adherence to schedules and promptly ruling on preliminary matters will get cases resolved quickly. Each judge has a duty to quickly give persons their day in court. I do believe specialized courts would benefit that process. A4: Severity of the crime and the background of defendants needs to be weighed in determining proper bonds.

Alan C. Triggs Party: Democratic Facebook: facebook. com/alantriggslaw Occupation: Judge Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas Education: University of Akron School of Law Experience: I bring two decades of experience working within the Hamilton County court system, offering a broad and practical understanding of judicial operations, courtroom procedure, and the administration of justice. I have served

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as a trial court judge across all levels of the court, presiding over a diverse range of matters and managing complex legal and procedural issues. My professional background includes substantial experience in criminal, civil, business, and tax law, enabling me to approach each case with sound judgment, careful analysis, and a strong commitment to fairness, integrity, and the consistent application of the law. Endorsements: United Auto Workers, AFSCME Ohio Councll 8, . AFSCME Retiree Chopter 1184, AFL-CIO, Cincinnati Federation of Teachers, Affiliations: Democratic Party

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: I bring more than 25 years of judicial and legal experience as a Common Pleas judge, Municipal Court judge, magistrate, prosecutor, counsel, tax attorney, mediator, and business adviser. I manage complex dockets efficiently, evaluate facts carefully, apply the law consistently, and communicate clearly. I offer impartiality, sound judgment, patience, preparation, and decisiveness, with an unwavering commitment to fairness, independence, ethics, dignity, and well-reasoned decisions. A2: Courts can reduce minority incarceration by reforming cash bail and pretrial detention, expanding diversion and treatment, applying transparent sentencing guidelines, strengthening public defense, addressing bias, publishing racial-disparity data, and limiting poverty-based probation penalties. A3: I process cases quickly through early case screening, firm scheduling, electronic filing, prompt discovery, mediation, and adequate staffing for clerks, probation, defense, and treatment providers. I support limited use of certified specialized courts for carefully screened, nonviolent cases when they connect people to proven treatment, housing, employment, and reentry services. Their purpose should be better outcomes and public safety, with regular oversight— not merely faster docket clearance. A4: Experience matters when it comes to setting bail. I weigh each case’s unique facts, assess flight and safety risks, and impose the least restrictive conditions needed to protect the public while respecting the defendant’s rights and presumption of innocence. Having presided over 1000’s of cases, I have the unique ability to predict the outcome of cases and the plea bargain that will be offered by the prosecutor. This knowledge allows me to asses whether to maintain a defendants incarceration.

General Division Unexpired term ending 1/3/2029 Sarah Henry Party: Democratic Website: www. votesarahhenry.com Facebook: facebook.com/ votesarahhenry Occupation: Magistrate Education: Juris Doctor, NKU Salmon P. Chase College of Law (2008); Bachelor of Arts, Honors, Loyola University Chicago (2004); Ursuline Academy (2000) Experience: Magistrate with Hamilton County Juvenile Court; Attorney with Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati; Attorney with Children’s Law Center; Public Defender with the Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy; Attorney with Legal Aid of the Bluegrass Endorsements: Hamilton County Democratic Party, Ohio Legislative Black Caucas, Cincinnati Women’s Political Caucas, National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Ohio, Hamilton County Young Democrats, AFL-CIO, Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio, Cincinnati Federation of Teachers,

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: I bring a wealth of trial experience and perspective, having represented thousands of clients on their worst possible day ever as a public defender and legal aid attorney. Seeing the shortcomings of our system from my clients’ perspective is what drives me to demand better of myself and our system. I am a public servant, and, to my own detriment at times, I don’t care whether or not I get credit for something. I know that team mindset coupled with humility will be true assets on the bench. A2: Data tells us minorities do not commit crimes at higher rates than their white counterparts, but Courts are limited in action to what is brought before them. Judges can and must work with other community partners to address the underlying issues contributing to this inequity of what is brought to Court. Judges should participate in implicit bias training and hold themselves accountable by tracking and questioning rates of pretrial detention, sentences, probation, and judicial release. A3: First, I will hold myself accountable for keeping my own docket running efficiently. Second, the bigger lift will be working alongside all the Judges and court administration to consider: How can we stagger dockets? Can we implement

2026 HAMILTON COUNTY VOTER GUIDE

standard scheduling orders to overcome discovery delays? How can we make the courthouse more convenient for the public serve? Yes, I believe specialized courts are an important tool in efficiently for the Courts. A4: Public safety is one of many things to be considered when setting bail, but at the time bond is set the Defendant is presumed to be innocent. Detaining someone pretrial cannot be the default. It makes the headlines when someone is charged with another offense while out on bond. It does not make headlines when someone is detained and as a result their child loses a care taker, their family loses a breadwinner, an employer loses an employee, and faith in a system is further eroded.

Chris McDowell Party: Republican Website: keepjudgemcdowell. com/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100072384073497 Occupation: Judge, Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas Education: Marshall University, BA; West Virginia College of Law, J.D. Experience: Before taking the bench as a Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge, I spent more than three decades building a legal career defined by breadth, challenge, and service. I served as an Army Captain in the JAG Corps as a prosecutor and public defender in Asia, Europe, and the US. I joined Dinsmore & Shohl in 2000, becoming an equity partner in the firm’s Cincinnati office, where I handled both civil and criminal matters. I have defended and prosecuted the most serious criminal cases—including murder and death penalty litigation. I have also tried multi million dollar civil cases for both plaintiffs and defendants. I have tried civil and criminal cases to federal and state juries throughout Ohio. Endorsements: Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 392,

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: I bring more than 30 years of legal experience as a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, equity partner at two major law firms, and judge. I have tried both civil and criminal jury trials in Ohio Common Pleas Courts. As a U.S. Army officer, I learned leadership, discipline, and service before self. I bring a strong work ethic, sound judgment, integrity, and the ability to make difficult decisions while treating everyone with fairness, dignity, and respect. A2: Courts should examine disparities in

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HAMILTON COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

General Division Unexpired term ending 1/3/2029

Chris McDowell [CONTINUED]

incarceration while ensuring that every person is treated fairly and equally under the law. Judges must make individualized decisions based on the facts and law, never on race or stereotypes. Courts should promote equal access to effective treatment, diversion, and rehabilitation when appropriate and work to reduce recidivism. We can seek better outcomes and equal justice while maintaining accountability and protecting public safety. A3: We should rethink the traditional courthouse schedule. I support longer hours so working people can access the courts without missing work and cases can move more efficiently. We should also make greater use of technology, streamline scheduling, and reduce unnecessary continuances. I support specialized courts when they improve efficiency and outcomes, particularly for veterans, addiction, and mental health cases. Efficiency matters, but cases must be resolved fairly, not simply quickly. A4: Bail requires balancing the defendant’s constitutional rights with public safety. I review bonds to ensure they are appropriate and personally set bonds in serious violent felony cases. I consider the offense, the evidence, the criminal history, the risk of flight, and the danger to the community. Bail is not punishment; each decision must be individualized, follow the law, protect due process, and impose conditions necessary to reasonably ensure appearance and public safety.

General Division - Term beginning 2/11/2027 Roger Bouchard Party: Republican Website: www. BOUCHARD FORJUDGE.COM Twitter: @BOUCHARD4JUDGE Occupation: Criminal Defense Attorney Education: Summit Country Day, St. Xavier, Xavier University, Capital Law School Experience: 24yrs. as solo practitioner Endorsements: Republican Party Affiliations: Cincinnati Bar Association

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: A1: An effective judge requires profound

General Division - Term beginning 2/11/2027 analytical clarity, unwavering impartiality, and deep legal acumen. I bring rigorous attention to detail to untangle complex facts, absolute neutrality to ensure every voice is heard without bias, and a commitment to steadfast integrity under pressure. My approach balances strict adherence to constitutional principles with pragmatic wisdom, ensuring fair, transparent, and equitable resolutions for all parties.

A2: Courts can combat minority incarceration by reforming cash bail practices so individuals aren’t jailed simply for being poor. Judges should actively expand specialty and reentry dockets, utilize evidence-based risk assessments, and prioritize communitybased alternatives and treatment over punitive detention for low-level offenses. Ensuring strict impartiality and transparent sentencing data is essential. A3: Improving case processing efficiency requires proactive docket management, early case-flow scheduling, and the expanded use of digital filing and virtual status conferences to minimize unnecessary courtroom delays. I strongly support specialized dockets. Dedicated programs—such as commercial dockets, mental health courts, and veterans treatment dockets—allow judges to apply targeted expertise, streamline complex evidentiary issues, and address underlying root causes, ultimately reducing recidivi A4: Balancing defendant rights with public safety requires strict adherence to constitutional principles and Ohio law, ensuring pretrial detention is never used as a substitute for punishment or driven by wealth. Judges must conduct individualized risk assessments rather than relying on rigid schedules, weighing public safety and flight risk against the presumption of innocence. Non-monetary conditions or supervised release should be prioritized for non-violent offenders when appropriate.

Jennifer Branch Party: Democratic Website: KeepJudgeBranch. com Occupation: Judge Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, General Division Education: I earned my J.D. law degree, cum laude, from Case Western University School of Law in 1987 and my B.A. Degree with Honors from New York University in 1984, majoring in politics and philosophy.

Experience: I have been an Ohio Attorney for 39 years, including being a Judge for almost 6 years. Before being elected in 2020, I was a civil rights attorney for 23 years and a Legal Aid attorney for 9 years. Endorsements: As of September 1, 2026, I have been endorsed by the Hamilton County Democratic Party, PPSWO-ACT, Cinti Women’s Political Caucus PAC, Cinti AFL-CIO Labor Council, Cinti Federation of Teachers Local 1520, Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 392, Iron Workers Local 44 IPAL, Laborers Local 265 PCE, AFSCME, and Gr. Cincinnati UAW CAP Council. Affiliations: Cincinnati Bar Association

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: Experience: Dedicated 5.5+ years to being a judge, 23 years to civil rights law, & 9 years to Legal Aid clients. Works for Justice: I have held over 108 trials, handled 6,000+ cases, and strive to resolve cases timely. Fairness: I follow the law, treat people with respect, and have compassion. Community Empowerment: I hold people accountable, offer treatment for long-term change, supervise probationers with a success rate of 85%, and became a certified Commercial Judge to attract employers here. A2: While the courts do not have a say in who is arrested and charged, or the concentration of minority populations in high crime neighborhoods, as a Judge, I am mindful that people accused of crimes are presumed innocent; that non-violent offenders who want rehabilitation do better with treatment pre-trial; and that I have the power to hold violent persons in jail before trial without bond when the proof is evident or the presumption great that the accused committed the offense. A3: I quickly set trial dates on every case and rarely grant a continuance, and then only for good cause. I inherited a criminal docket of over 260 cases. I reduced it to 90 cases over 2 years. This took working long hours, holding trials on time, and ruling on motions timely. In 2024, I presided over a specialized mental health court docket. Since 2024 I have been certified to preside over a specialized Commercial Docket, which handles business cases on an expedited basis. A4: When an accused person is charged with a high violent felony, a judge can hold a hearing to keep the person jailed. If that hearing is not applicable, then a cash portion of bond can be set at the highest level the accused can afford and other conditions imposed to protect the community, such as: home incarceration, electronic monitoring, stay away and no contact orders, treatment, limits on travel, prohibitions on having weapons and engaging in assaultive behavior, among other conditions.

2026 HAMILTON COUNTY VOTER GUIDE

Domestic Division

Tiffany Evans Party: Democratic

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Website: www. votetiffanyevans. com/ Facebook: www. facebook.com/

Occupation: Domestic Relations Court Magistrate Education: University of Virginia 1996-2000, Fordham University School of Law 20052007. Experience: Magistrate, Mediator and Community Liaison, Hamilton County Domestic Relations Court: 2023-present. Domestic Relations Attorney, Mediator, Guardian ad Litem, and Parenting Coordinator: Keating Muething & Klekamp: 2013-2023. Domestic Relations Attorney, Mayerson Abramowitz & Kahn: 2012-2013. Child Advocacy Attorney, Children’s Law Center: 2009-2012. Corporate Associate, Blank Rome 2007-2009. Endorsements: Hamilton County Democratic Party and Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio Affiliations: Hamilton County Domestic Violence Task Force, Planned Parenthood, Sandy Hook Promise, Women’s Political Caucus, League of Women Voters

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: My expertise in domestic violence (physical, psychological, sexual, and financial), a 20 year domestic relations law career, and my personal experience as a child of divorce in this very court have prepared me to be a DR Judge that is knowledgeable, emotionally intelligent, and empathetic. I have served as a child advocate, guardian ad litem, DR attorney, parenting coordinator, mediator, and currently as a Magistrate in DR Court where I have adjudicated hundreds of civil protection order cases. A2: My court does not deal with criminal sentencing. Nevertheless, I recognize that this is an important issue - one that requires change at more than just the local court level. The most important thing we can do in Hamilton County is elect judges who are committed to equity. A3: Currently, two courts in two different buildings hear civil protection order cases. The statute that determines which court has jurisdiction can be confusing for folks. When petitioners go to the wrong building to file for a civil protection order and are denied relief, they become confused and often give up. My dream is for all domestic violence cases to be heard in a single courthouse. A4: The Domestic Relations Court does not determine bail amounts.

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HAMILTON COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

Probate Division RESPONSIBILITIES: The administration of decedent’s estates, consent for medical treatment, the appointment of guardians for minors and incapacitated adults and the supervision of their property, civil involuntary commitments of the mentally ill, adoptions, birth record corrections and registrations, changes of name, issuance of marriage licenses, supervision of testamentary trusts (those created by will) and interpretation and enforcement of inter vivos trusts (those created during a person’s lifetime), land appropriations, and will constructions. For more information on judicial candidates visit: JudicialVotesCount.org QUESTIONS: Q1: What skills and characteristics do you bring to the role of judge? (500 characters) Q2: What are the biggest challenges currently facing the Hamilton County Probate Court? (500 characters) Q3: What technology options are available to court staff in order to assist individuals with pending claims before the Probate Court? (500 characters)

Elizabeth A. Tye Party: Democratic Website: Www. tye4judge.com Facebook: www. facebook.com/share/1KkTaeWTSz/?mibext id=wwXIfr Occupation: Attorney Education: Juris Doctor and Master’s in Public Administration. Experience: 23 Endorsements: Hamilton Co. Democratic Party, AFL-CIO, AFSCME, Cincinnati Women’s Political Caucus, Planned Parenthood, UAW, and the Hamilton County Young Democrats Affiliations: Hamilton County Democratic Party

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: For over 20 years, I have worked one on one with individuals and families facing difficult legal challenges. That experience has shaped my perspective. We are here to serve the people. Everyone who enters a courtroom deserves to be heard and seen and treated with dignity. I bring experience and sound judgment while never losing sight that the law must be applied fairly to everyone regardless of who they are, where they come from, or what resources they have. A2: Probate Court is often unfamiliar until a

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major life event, such as the loss of a loved one, the need for a guardianship, or an adoption, brings someone to the court. A continuing challenge is ensuring the court is easy to understand and navigate. By its nature, Probate Court serves people during times of need. We should be intentional about engaging and educating the community, promoting transparency, and ensuring every person who comes before the court feels informed, respected, and heard. A3: Probate Court should always be people first. Technology should support that mission, not replace personal assistance. Online case information, electronic filing, automated reminders, virtual assistance, and clear digital resources can improve communication and help individuals understand their case and next steps. Used thoughtfully, technology can reduce barriers while allowing court staff to remain focused on serving people with care and respect.

Ralph Winkler Party: Republican Website: judgeralphwinkler. com Facebook: www. facebook.com/

JudgeWinkler Twitter: @JudgeWinkler

Occupation: Hamilton County Probate Judge Education: University of Cincinnati (Bachelor’s); Northern Kentucky University (JD) Experience: Assistant Prosecutor, Hamilton County, Ohio; private law practice; Judge Court of Common Pleas; Judge - Hamilton County Probate Court (since 2015) Endorsements: Cincinnati Fire Fighters Union Local 48; Plumbers & Pipefitters Union 392 Affiliations: American Judges Association, National College of Probate Judges, Ohio Bar Association, Cincinnati Bar Association, Vineyard Westside Church, Matthew 25 Ministries, Side by Side - Bloc Ministries, Melanoma Know More (board member)

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: Not only do I bring years of legal experience as a prosecutor, private attorney, and judge, but as a husband of 45 years with three daughters and seven grandchildren, I bring compassion, humility, and commitment to work every day. As the probate judge, I handle life-cycle cases in which people are experiencing great joy and great sadness. It is a true privilege to humbly serve in this role and I cherish each day that I can serve this great community. A2: This court handles cases involving the most vulnerable members of our

HAMILTON COUNTY COURT OF APPEALS

community. In my time so far, I have helped over 3,000 children get adopted into safe and loving homes, I have worked with bipartisan stakeholders to improve accessibility to qualified guardians for the elderly who need help, and I have helped over a thousand first responders get free estate planning documents to make sure the families of our local heroes are taken care of. I look forward to continuing this work. A3: I am committed to the responsible use of technology to serve the public. With open access to court records via our updated website and the user-friendly e-filing system I instituted, among the leaders for Ohio probate courts, I believe I have increased access to courts for those with pending probate matters. Further, we continue to use video-conferencing to increase access to the courts and online marriage license applications for the convenience of the public.

HAMILTON COUNTY COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE

TERM: 6 years

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Court of Appeals is essentially a Court of Review. It hears appeals from the Common Pleas, County, and Municipal Courts. Decisions are final except in cases involving constitutional questions, cases of felony, cases in which it has original jurisdiction, and cases of public or great general interest. For more information on judicial candidates visit: JudicialVotesCount.org QUESTIONS: Q1: How does your personal and professional history prepare you to be an Appeals Court judge? (500 characters) Q2: Does an appellate court judge require different skills than a trial court judge? (500 characters) Q3: Do you favor or disfavor including political party affiliations on judicial ballots? Why? (500 characters)

District 1

Ginger S. Bock Party: Democratic Website: secure. actblue.com/ donate/ginger-

2026 HAMILTON COUNTY VOTER GUIDE

District 1

bock-1?refcode=directory Facebook: www.facebook.com/ GingerForJudge Occupation: Judge, Ohio First District Court of Appeals Education: J.D., University of Cincinnati College of Law; B.A., Miami University Experience: Judge, Ohio First District Court of Appeals (February 2021-Present); Adjunct Professor, Legal Research & Writing, University of Cincinnati College of Law (Intermittent); Attorney, private legal practice, focusing on appellate advocacy; Judicial Staff Attorney Endorsements: Hamilton County Democratic Party; Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council; Cincinnati Women’s Political Caucus; Cincinnati Federation of Teachers; AFSCME Ohio Council 8; others pending. Affiliations: Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on Professionalism (ViceChair); Council of Chief Judges of the State Courts of Appeal (Membership Committee); Ohio Judicial Conference (Appellate Law & Procedure, Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity)

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: I have been an appellate court judge since February 2021. I dedicated much of my previous legal career to appellate advocacy. As most of an appellate judge’s time is spent researching and writing, I enjoy adjunct teaching Legal Research & Writing at the U.C. College of Law— teaching also means learning. Before law school, I worked at nonprofits for 10 years, primarily with low-income women and children. I became more empathetic and I use the lessons I learned to be a better judge. A2: Every judge must understand the law, but trial and appellate judges use different skills. Trial judges work directly with the public and must be able to manage their courtrooms, dockets, and many personalities. They alone determine the outcome of cases. Appellate judges, on the other hand, spend most of our time researching, reading, and writing. Many are introverts who like a quieter environment. We work in panels of three, so our decisions result from a collaborative process. A3: I disfavor judicial party affiliation on the ballot. The designation helps me because Hamilton County generally elects democrats. I do not have an opponent, likely because appellate races have party identification. Though the designation helps me, I believe it harms the judiciary. Judges are not supposed to decide issues based on political ideology. But studies have reported declining public trust in the judiciary, with some people believing judges have become politicians in robes.

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HAMILTON COUNTY ISSUES

ISSUE 4 - PROPOSED TAX LEVY (ADDITIONAL) CINCINNATI CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The levy will not address issues such as chronic absenteeism throughout the district and low academic achievement results. The levy is not accompanied by an approved strategic plan establishing clear objectives and measurable results.

An additional tax for the benefit of the Cincinnati City School District for the purpose of current expenses that the county auditor estimates will collect $66,336,723 annually, at a rate not exceeding 7 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $245 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value, for 5 years, commencing in 2026, first due in calendar year 2027. The county auditor has certified that the amount by which the carry-over balance in the district’s general operating budget from the preceding fiscal year exceeds the district’s general fund expenditures made in the preceding fiscal year is $37,352,861, which is 6% of those expenditures.

ISSUE 5 - PROPOSED INCOME TAX NORTH COLLEGE HILL CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage.

FOR THE LEVY | AGAINST THE LEVY EXPLANATION: This proposed property tax levy request is to provide funds to meet the needs of the Cincinnati City Public Schools (CPS) generating $66,336,723 per year for a five-year period, starting in 2027. The requested levy is 7 mills for each $1 of tax valuation. This is a new levy request. WHAT THE LEVY WILL DO: This levy, if passed, will generate $330,000,000 over 5 years. For the owner of a $100,000 home, it would mean approximately $245 a year in additional property taxes. BACKGROUND: Since 2016, rising costs and inflation have increased the cost of transportation, utilities, insurance, technology, instructional materials and specialized student services. This spring, CPS reduced staffing and spending, reorganized services, implemented furlough days and closed a projected $58 million budget gap. Those steps balanced the FY2027 budget, but they did not create the recurring revenue needed to keep pace with rising costs. CPS projects recurring revenue growth will no longer keep pace with inflation-driven costs and by fiscal year 2030, CPS projects a cash deficit of $89,000,000. ARGUMENTS FOR THE LEVY: Failure to pass the levy may result in numerous additional cuts such as the closing or consolidation of schools, reducing teaching positions and increasing class sizes, limiting transportation eligibility, reducing school security, eliminating extracurricular programs, charging fees for athletic participation and delaying building maintenance. The levy is necessary because of inadequate funding from the State of Ohio, which has not fully funded Ohio public schools under the Fair School Funding Plan. ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE LEVY: The amount of this levy will increase the burden on taxpayers.

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. Shall an annual income tax of 1.25 percent on the earned income of individuals residing in the school district be imposed by the North College Hill City School District, for 5 years, beginning January 1, 2027, for the purpose of current expenses?

FOR THE TAX | AGAINST THE TAX

ISSUE 6 - PROPOSED INCOME TAX NORTHWEST LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. Shall an annual income tax of 1.5 percent on the earned income of individuals residing in the school district be imposed by the Northwest Local School District, for a continuing period of time, beginning January 1, 2027, for the purpose of current expenses?

FOR THE TAX | AGAINST THE TAX

ISSUE 7 - PROPOSED INCOME TAX SOUTHWEST LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. Shall an annual income tax of 0.25 percent

on the earned income of individuals residing in the school district be imposed by the Southwest Local School District, for a continuing period of time, beginning January 1, 2027, for the purpose of current expenses?

FOR THE TAX | AGAINST THE TAX

ISSUE 8 - PROPOSED TAX LEVY (ADDITIONAL) SYCAMORE COMMUNITY CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. An additional tax for the benefit of the Sycamore Community City School District for the purpose of current expenses and permanent improvements that the county auditor estimates will collect $17,993,971 annually, at a rate not exceeding 6.95 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $243 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value, for a continuing period of time, commencing in 2026, first due in calendar year 2027. The county auditor has certified that the amount by which the carry-over balance in the district’s general operating budget from the preceding fiscal year exceeds the district’s general fund expenditures made in the preceding fiscal year is $30,498,210, which is 28% of those expenditures.

FOR THE LEVY | AGAINST THE LEVY

ISSUE 9 - PROPOSED TAX LEVY (ADDITIONAL) WINTON WOODS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. An additional tax for the benefit of the Winton Woods City School District

for the purpose of current expenses that the county auditor estimates will collect $5,346,642 annually, at a rate not exceeding 6.95 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $243 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value, for a continuing period of time, commencing in 2026, first due in calendar year 2027. The county auditor has certified that the amount by which the carry-over balance in the district’s general operating budget from the preceding fiscal year exceeds the district’s general fund expenditures made in the preceding fiscal year is $16,517,941, which is 26% of those expenditures.

FOR THE LEVY | AGAINST THE LEVY

ISSUE 10 - PROPOSED TAX LEVY (RENEWAL AND INCREASE) HAMILTON COUNTY

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. A renewal of 4.51 mills and an increase of 1.1 mill for each $1 of taxable value to constitute a tax for the benefit of Hamilton County for the purpose of support for children’s services and care and placement of children that the county auditor estimates will collect $116,888,718 annually, at a rate not exceeding 5.61 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $121 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value, for 4 years, commencing in 2026, first due in calendar year 2027.

FOR THE LEVY | AGAINST THE LEVY EXPLANATION: This proposed four-year levy is a renewal/increase of the Children’s Services levy, a property tax levy of 5.61 mills passed in November 2021. The Children’s Services levy was approved for

DEFINITIONS OF BALLOT TERMS TAX LEVY: Taxes that are assessed to homeowners and businesses based on their property values. These monies are used to fund government functions, as well as special programs or activities determined to be of significant benefit to the citizens. Tax levies may be placed on the ballot for public vote by a government entity (County Commissioners, City Council, Township Trustees) or taxing authority (School Board, Vocational District, Park Board, Library Board). RENEWAL LEVY: A Renewal Levy is the CONTINUANCE OF AN EXISTING LEVY with the collection rate at the same dollar amount as when the levy was originally approved. REPLACEMENT LEVY: A replacement levy is a NEW LEVY FOR THE SAME PURPOSE AS

THE EXISTING LEVY but with a different collection rate than the levy it replaces. The collection rate uses the assessed value of the property at the time of the replacement. COE: Current Operating Expenses CPT: Continued Period of Time MILL: The property tax is measured in mills; a mill is one tenth of a cent. This translates to $1 for each $1,000 taxable value of the property. MARKET VALUE: The market value of property is determined by the County Auditor. The valuation considers regional and neighborhood economic conditions, building improvements and land value. By state law, there is a full reassessment to each parcel every six years, followed by a computerized update three years

2026 HAMILTON COUNTY VOTER GUIDE

later. The last full reappraisal in Hamilton County was in 2023. ASSESSED VALUE: The assessed value is 35% of the property’s appraised value. In Ohio, property taxes are determined by the Assessed Value. TAX RATE (mills): The Full Tax Rate is the total millage for the year, most of which is approved by voters in the taxing district. The Effective Tax Rate is the annual total millage reduced by state mandated reductions such as the rollback and the homestead exemption. This is stated in mills, not dollars. SPECIAL DISTRICT: A joint fire and/or ambulance district that provides shared services in a legally designated area. A uniform tax rate is levied against all jurisdictions specified in the district.

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HAMILTON COUNTY ISSUES

ISSUE 10

[CONTINUED] an increased millage amount. If approved, the owner of $100,000 home would pay between $81.15 - $121 a year. Millage has not increased since 2018. The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) placed the levy on the ballot after a review by the Tax Levy Review Committee (TLRC). WHAT THE LEVY WILL DO: This proposed levy will provide approximately $117 million annually for Federal and State mandated services to children through Hamilton County Children’s Services (HCCS), a division of Hamilton County Job and Family Services (HCJFS), the agency which acts to protect children. The HCCS is the local organization legally responsible for taking reports of child abuse, neglect and dependency. A key service of the HCCS includes: operation of 241-Kids, Hamilton County’s 24-hour telephone line for reporting suspected abuse and neglect following investigation of allegations and transferral of cases to Family Services. Following investigation of these reports, Family Services involves families in making decisions affecting their children with support of community partners and provides services to help support families including emergency housing and parenting training and referrals to other community partners for services such as mental health counseling or substance abuse treatment. Children who cannot be safe in their homes are placed in temporary care with relatives, foster parents or institutional settings. HCCS seeks protective, temporary or permanent custody of children through Juvenile Court and promotes recruitment of foster and adoptive families. Children are prepared for adoption and arrangements are made for post-adoption services to families. Training in independent living skills is provided for older teens. In addition, the levy will also finance the County’s state mandated funding for the Bureau of Children with Medical Handicaps (BCMH). BCMH is a tax-supported health care program in the Ohio Department of Health. BCMH serves children with special health care needs and their families by coordinating agencies to obtain comprehensive care and services that are family-centered, community-based and culturally competent. Eligibility for the program is based on percentage of Federal poverty guidelines. By state law (ORC 3701.024), BCMH can draw 0.1 mills of a county’s real estate taxes to pay for treatment services provided to children residing in Hamilton County. This means that Hamilton County is billed for the cost of services provided to children residing in the County up to a maximum of .01 mill of the County’s real estate tax value. This is based on the Ohio Revised Code and has a maximum annual reimbursement of around $2 million. BACKGROUND: Ohio law requires the county to provide services to children and families who are affected by abuse, neglect, or dependency. The Children’s Services Levy

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was first established in 1986 by a 1.42 mill levy with subsequent approvals by voters for consecutive five-year periods. If the funds needed to meet these obligations are not provided by the Children’s Services Levy, they must come from the County’s General Fund. The local funds generated by the Children’s Services Levy are matched with state and federal dollars and also used to pay third parties to provide contract services for the care of children in Hamilton County. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) provides funding to State and local programs relating to children and families. The levy has not increased since 2018. More than 80% of children are placed in family-based settings – kinship care and foster care. Nine in 10 exiting care achieve permanency through reunification, kinship placement or adoption. Placement costs have increased more than 90% since 2021 and now make up half of annual levy expenses. Children in care have increased 19% and have more complex needs. Rising mental health needs, loss of federal funds and workforce shortages are considered driving costs. One child of every twelve children in Hamilton County was helped by Children’s Services. The 241-Kids call line received 65,217 calls which is one call every eight minutes. These two facts explain a portion of the impact that HCJFS and the Children’s Levy has on the Hamilton County community. Lack of state funding is a problem in Ohio. Ohio is the second lowest state for staterevenue contributions to child welfare. The average state contribution is 42%. Ohio’s contribution is 18%. Hamilton County already leads the state in the number of children placed with family members – the least costly option – rather than foster care or residential centers. JFS has already made$36 million in reductions to help deal with a budget shortfall created by rising number of kids in the system and increase costs of care. A review commissioned by the county last year found the children’s services levy faces a significant structural imbalance, with fund balance declining 71% from $145.8 million in 2021 to $41.9 million in 2025. This decline was found to be driven almost entirely by out-ofhome placements. TAX LEVY REVIEW COMMITTEE (TLRC) RECOMMENDATIONS: The Tax Levy Review Committee (TLRC) spent over 16 months hearing about services and families involved with JFS and was very impressed and grateful for the services being provided. We also recognize the increasing tax burden on individual property owners. The current revenues are not enough to meet the base level of ongoing need for the children’s services in Hamilton County. The TLRC recommends that at the minimum the Commissioners increase the levy to support JFS base 2026 projection amount of $157.8M with an annual expenditure increase of 4%. This recommendation provides for a base

level of funding for mandated services and allows the restoration of the necessary three months of reserve funding within the levy fund balance. This recommendation will mean hard choices for JFS. At the base, it means the continuations of the 2026 reductions, and potentially further reductions if out of home care continue to escalate as they have in the current levy cycle.

City of Forest Park for the purpose of fire protection and emergency medical services that the county auditor estimates will collect $2,030,169 annually, at a rate not exceeding 3.9 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $137 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value, for a continuing period of time, commencing in 2026, first due in calendar year 2027.

ISSUE 11 - PROPOSED TAX LEVY (RENEWAL) CITY OF CHEVIOT

FOR THE LEVY | AGAINST THE LEVY

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the City of Cheviot for the purpose of current expenses, that the county auditor estimates will collect $158,674 annually, at a rate not exceeding 3 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $18 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value, for 5 years, commencing in 2026, first due in calendar year 2027.

FOR THE LEVY | AGAINST THE LEVY

ISSUE 12 - LOCAL LIQUOR OPTION FOR PARTICULAR USE AT BUSINESS LOCATION (BY PETITION) CINCINNATI 9-D

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. Shall the sale of wine and mixed beverages be permitted for sale on Sunday by ETC Produce Walnut Hills, L.L.C. a holder of a D-6 liquor permit who is engaged in the business of operating a grocery store at 954 McMillan Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206 in this precinct?

YES | NO

ISSUE 13 - PROPOSED TAX LEVY (RENEWAL) CITY OF DEER PARK

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the City of Deer Park for the purpose of current expenses, that the county auditor estimates will collect $760,420 annually, at a rate not exceeding 6.9 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $130 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value, for 5 years, commencing in 2027, first due in calendar year 2028.

FOR THE LEVY | AGAINST THE LEVY

ISSUE 14 - PROPOSED TAX LEVY (ADDITIONAL) CITY OF FOREST PARK

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. An additional tax for the benefit of the

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ISSUE 15 - PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT CITY OF HARRISON

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. Shall the proposed charter amendment as reported by the city council of the City of Harrison be adopted?

YES | NO

ISSUE 16 - PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT CITY OF MADEIRA

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. An ordinance submitting to the electors of Madeira certain amendments to the City Charter for the purpose of modernizing the document. Shall Articles II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XVI, and XVII of the Charter of the City of Madeira be amended as follows: *modernize terminology and gender references; add continuity and severability provisions; allow electronic notice of special Council meetings while increasing the minimum notice from 24 to 48 hours; clarify Council vacancy language; and move, without changing, the rule requiring three readings of ordinances and resolutions having the force of law; *allow Council to appoint a qualified person to perform the Manager’s duties when the Manager cannot perform those duties for an extended period; *eliminate the Treasurer office created by the Charter and the authority to combine the Clerk and Treasurer offices; replace the requirement that the Treasurer sign and the Manager countersign expenditure warrants with authorization by the Manager; require Council members and the Manager to agree annually on an administrative threshold for contracts and purchases, with Council approval above that amount and administrative approval below it; and revise public contracting notice and bid selection provisions; *revise the Planning Commission’s source of authority to include municipal legislation; remove its duty to submit an annual fiveyear capital improvement list; and allow the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals not to meet when they have no business; and *replace the Charter’s automatic protection

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ISSUE 16

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of the Hosbrook House, Muchmore House, and Railroad Depot with Charter protection only for properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places or designated as historic by City ordinance; require qualifying properties to be preserved and maintained under applicable federal, state, and local guidelines to the greatest extent practicable; and provide that no property is subject to mandatory preservation, protection, location, or other restrictions under the Charter unless it is so listed or designated?

YES | NO

ISSUE 17 - LOCAL LIQUOR OPTION FOR PARTICULAR USE AT BUSINESS LOCATION (BY PETITION) MADEIRA D

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. Shall the sale of beer, wine and mixed beverages, and spirituous liquor be permitted for sale on Sunday by First Watch Restaurants, Inc. a holder of a D-1, D-2, and D-3 liquor permit, and an applicant for a D-6 liquor permit who is engaged in the business of operating a restaurant at 8118 Montgomery Road, Madeira, Ohio 45236 in this precinct?

YES | NO

ISSUE 18 - PROPOSED TAX LEVY (RENEWAL) CITY OF NORWOOD A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage.

A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the City of Norwood for the purpose of current operating expenses, that the county auditor estimates will collect $1,642,311 annually, at a rate not exceeding 8 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $47 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value, for 5 years, commencing in 2027, first due in calendar year 2028.

FOR THE LEVY | AGAINST THE LEVY

ISSUE 19 - PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT CITY OF WYOMING

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. The Charter Review Commission for the City of Wyoming (the “City”) recommends the following changes: *Amend Section 5.02 (“City Treasurer”) to change the title of the City “Treasurer” to “Finance Director” to make it consistent with the current job title. *Amend the title of Article VI from “Commissions” to “Commissions and

Boards.” *Eliminate Section 6.01 (“Civil Service Commission; Membership”) and Section 6.02 (“Civil Service Commission; Powers, Duties and Jurisdiction”) because the City of Wyoming no longer has job positions that fall under civil service. *Amend Section 11.03 (“Removal of Appointees from Commissions and Boards”) to eliminate requirement that members be removed “for cause” and move this section from Article XI to Article VI. *Move Section 11.08 (“Meetings of Boards, Committees, and Commissions Through Virtual Means”) from Article XI to Article VI. *Add a new Section 6.03 entitled “Other Commission and Boards” to provide authority and direction within the charter for the establishment of City of Wyoming boards and commissions. *Amend Section 8.01 (“Regular Municipal Elections”) to clarify that all City of Wyoming elections are non-partisan. *Amend Section 11.07 (“Oath of Office”) to replace gender specific pronouns with gender neutral references. Shall the proposed charter amendments be adopted?

YES | NO

ISSUE 20 - PROPOSED TAX LEVY (ADDITIONAL) VILLAGE OF ADDYSTON

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. An additional tax for the benefit of the Village of Addyston for the purpose of improving, maintaining and operating the water supply system that the county auditor estimates will collect $18,592 annually, at a rate not exceeding 1 mill for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $35 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value, for 5 years, commencing in 2026, first due in calendar year 2027.

FOR THE LEVY | AGAINST THE LEVY

ISSUE 21 - PROPOSED TAX LEVY (RENEWAL) VILLAGE OF FAIRFAX

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the Village of Fairfax for the purpose of current expenses, that the county auditor estimates will collect $63,093 annually, at a rate not exceeding 0.96 mill for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $19 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value, for 5 years, commencing in 2026, first due in calendar year 2027.

FOR THE LEVY | AGAINST THE LEVY

ISSUE 22 - PROPOSED TAX LEVY (RENEWAL) VILLAGE OF GLENDALE

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the Village of Glendale for the purpose of current expenses, that the county auditor estimates will collect $890,978 annually, at a rate not exceeding 8.5 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $195 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value, for 4 years, commencing in 2026, first due in calendar year 2027.

FOR THE LEVY | AGAINST THE LEVY

ISSUE 23 - PROPOSED TAX LEVY (RENEWAL) VILLAGE OF GLENDALE

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the Village of Glendale for the purpose of current expenses, that the county auditor estimates will collect $284,716 annually, at a rate not exceeding 2.5 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $72 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value, for 4 years, commencing in 2026, first due in calendar year 2027.

FOR THE LEVY | AGAINST THE LEVY

ISSUE 24 - PROPOSED TAX LEVY (RENEWAL) VILLAGE OF GOLF MANOR

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the Village of Golf Manor for the purpose of streets and roads, that the county auditor estimates will collect $344,919 annually, at a rate not exceeding 8 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $126 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value, for 10 years, commencing in 2026, first due in calendar year 2027.

FOR THE LEVY | AGAINST THE LEVY

ISSUE 25 - PROPOSED TAX LEVY (RENEWAL) VILLAGE OF GOLF MANOR

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the Village of Golf Manor for the purpose of current expenses, that the county auditor estimates will collect $86,230 annually, at a rate not exceeding 2 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $31 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value, for 5 years, commencing in 2026, first due in calendar year 2027.

FOR THE LEVY | AGAINST THE LEVY 2026 HAMILTON COUNTY VOTER GUIDE

ISSUE 26 - PROPOSED TAX LEVY (RENEWAL) VILLAGE OF GREENHILLS

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the Village of Greenhills for the purpose of current operating expenses, that the county auditor estimates will collect $68,736 annually, at a rate not exceeding 3.28 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $18 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value, for 5 years, commencing in 2026, first due in calendar year 2027.

FOR THE LEVY | AGAINST THE LEVY

ISSUE 27 - PROPOSED TAX LEVY (ADDITIONAL) VILLAGE OF LOCKLAND

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. An additional tax for the benefit of the Village of Lockland for the purpose of providing and maintaining fire and emergency medical services that the county auditor estimates will collect $601,165 annually, at a rate not exceeding 8 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $280 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value, for a continuing period of time, commencing in 2026, first due in calendar year 2027.

FOR THE LEVY | AGAINST THE LEVY

ISSUE 28 - PROPOSED TAX LEVY (RENEWAL) VILLAGE OF MARIEMONT

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the Village of Mariemont for the purpose of permanent improvements: street repairs, installation and repair of curbs, sidewalks and storm sewers, tree maintenance, upgrading of parks, reducing erosion, purchase of equipment and facilities for Police, Fire, Maintenance and Administrative departments, that the county auditor estimates will collect $310,981 annually, at a rate not exceeding 3.5 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $40 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value, for 5 years, commencing in 2027, first due in calendar year 2028.

FOR THE LEVY | AGAINST THE LEVY

ISSUE 29 - PROPOSED TAX LEVY (RENEWAL) VILLAGE OF NORTH BEND

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage.

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HAMILTON COUNTY ISSUES

ISSUE 29

[CONTINUED]

A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the Village of North Bend for the purpose of current operating expenses, that the county auditor estimates will collect $218,098 annually, at a rate not exceeding 5 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $151 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value, for 5 years, commencing in 2026, first due in calendar year 2027.

FOR THE LEVY | AGAINST THE LEVY

ISSUE 30 - PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT VILLAGE OF ST. BERNARD

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. An ordinance submitting to the electors of St. Bernard certain amendments to the Charter related to village administration. Shall Articles IV and V, Sections 4.01 through 4.06 and Section 5.01, of the Charter of the Village of St. Bernard be amended to: *Merge the Safety Director and Service Director positions into a single Municipal Administrator position under the direct supervision of the Mayor, to be selected by the Mayor with majority Village Council approval and subject to removal by Village Council, establishing the qualifications and duties for the position, including prohibiting current or recent elected officials from occupying the position and serving as the administrative head of the police and fire departments with authority to select and appoint the Police and Fire chiefs with the approval of the Mayor; *Merge the elected Auditor and Treasurer positions into a single Finance Director position requiring knowledge and experience in municipal finance to be hired by the Municipal Administrator with the approval of the Mayor and serving as the village’s chief fiscal officer; *Convert the Law Director from an elected office to a position requiring specialized knowledge and experience in municipal law to be engaged by the Municipal Administrator with the approval of the Mayor and Village Council; *Retitle the Tax Commissioner to Tax Administrator to bring the charter into compliance with Ohio law and establishing that the position is supervised by the Finance Director and hired by the Municipal Administrator; and *Reorganize the Planning Commission to replace the Director of Public Safety and Service with a Council member on the fivemember board, maintaining the Mayor’s authority to appoint the commissioners with the approval of the village council and protecting the uninterrupted terms of the electors currently serving as commissioners?

YES | NO WWW.LWVCINCINNATI.ORG

ISSUE 31 - PROPOSED TAX LEVY (RENEWAL) VILLAGE OF TERRACE PARK

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the Village of Terrace Park for the purpose of current expenses, that the county auditor estimates will collect $713,193 annually, at a rate not exceeding 5.58 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $123 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value, for 5 years, commencing in 2026, first due in calendar year 2027.

FOR THE LEVY | AGAINST THE LEVY

ISSUE 32 - LOCAL LIQUOR OPTION FOR PARTICULAR USE AT BUSINESS LOCATION (BY PETITION) TERRACE PARK A

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. Shall the sale of wine and mixed beverages, and spirituous liquor be permitted for sale on Sunday by Two Maries, LLC an applicant for a D-6 liquor permit who is engaged in the business of operating a bar and restaurant at 704 Wooster Pike, Terrace Park, Ohio 45174 in this precinct?

YES | NO

ISSUE 33 - PROPOSED TAX LEVY (RENEWAL) TOWNSHIP OF MIAMI

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the Township of Miami for the purpose of current expenses, that the county auditor estimates will collect $181,286 annually, at a rate not exceeding 0.46 mill for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $10 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value, for 5 years, commencing in 2026, first due in calendar year 2027.

FOR THE LEVY | AGAINST THE LEVY

ISSUE 34 - LOCAL LIQUOR OPTION FOR PARTICULAR USE AT BUSINESS LOCATION (BY PETITION) SPRINGFIELD C

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. Shall the sale of wine and mixed beverages be permitted for sale on Sunday by Sunderman Entertainment Group, Inc. dba Sundy’s an applicant for a D-6 liquor permit who is engaged in the business of operating a bar and restaurant at 8603 Winton Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45231 in this precinct?

YES | NO

WARREN COUNTY COMMISSIONER

TERM: 4 years

RESPONSIBILITIES: A board of three County Commissioners serves as the general administrative body for 87 of the 88 Ohio counties. Warren County Commissioners are elected to four year terms.Given specific and limited authority by the Ohio Revised Code, Warren County Commissioners hold title to all county properties, serve as the sole taxing authority for the county and control county purchasing. Most importantly, the Warren County Board of Commissioners are the budget and appropriating authority for county government which includes all county agencies and elected officials (Sheriff, Auditor, Treasurer, Courts, etc.).Warren County Commissioners have statutory authority for providing water and sewer services as well as solid waste (trash) disposal. They hold many types of public hearings including those on annexations, rezoning requests and site plan reviews. Warren County Commissioners are

Katherine Bowles Party: Libertarian Website: facebook. com/bowlesfor warrencounty Facebook: facebook. com/bowlesforwarrencounty Occupation: Independent Custodial Service Provider Education: Some College Affiliations: Ohio Farm Bureau, 4H Committee, HSLDA

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: A1: 1. Eliminate fraud, waste, and unnecessary spending. 2. Restore accountability to local government and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. 3. Increase transparency so residents can easily see how their tax dollars are being spent and have a meaningful voice in county decisions.

A2: I do not support this decision. Eliminating the county’s propertytax benefits larger property owners and businesses most, while smaller homeowners and renters may see little benefit but they will pay the higher .5% sales tax. It could encourage large businesses to purchase supplies in cheaper tax counties. Better options existed. I would measure effectiveness by household, tax burdens, sales, tax revenue, business activity, and

2026 HAMILTON COUNTY VOTER GUIDE

also charged with assuring that public assistance and Work Force Development services are readily available, as well as 911 Emergency Services and animal control. Though involved to a degree, the County Commissioners rely on the County Administrator to run the day to day operations of the county. QUESTIONS: Q1: What will be your top 3 priorities for Warren County? (500 characters) Q2: In June 2026, the Board of County Commissioners approved eliminating the county’s portion of the property tax while temporarily increasing the county sales tax by 0.5% for one year. Do you support this decision? Why or why not? What measures would you use to evaluate its effectiveness? (500 characters) Q3: What do you believe is the best long-term vision for the Warren County Fairgrounds, and what factors should guide future decisions about the property? (500 characters) Q4: How should Warren County balance the economic benefits of data centers with their impact on energy use, water resources, infrastructure, and neighboring communities? (500 characters) economic impact. A3: My long-term vision is to protect and strengthen the Warren County fair and it’s 4-H tradition, which are vital to our community. I believe the current board is doing a good job addressing the past accounting problems and finding ways to make better use of the grounds through additional events. I want to see them continue that work while keeping the fairgrounds, financially sustainable, accessible to the community, and centered on 4-H. A4: Warren County should welcome economic investment while protecting taxpayers and our resources. Data centers should pay their fair share of infrastructure, energy, water and emergency service costs rather than shifting those expenses to residents. I would require a transparent impact studies, responsible, water, and energy use, and agreements that provide measurable local benefits. Growth should strengthen our communities, not leave taxpayers paying the bill.

Tom Grossmann Party: Republican Website: tomgrossmann.com Facebook: www. facebook.com/VoteGrossmann Occupation: Warren County Commissioner

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WARREN COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Tom Grossmann [CONTINUED]

and Lawyer; former Partner at Taft Stettinius & Hollister; former Assistant Prosecutor for Hamilton County (Civil Div.). Education: Miami University, BA Degree in Political Science (Summa Cum Laude); University of Cincinnati JD Degree (Order of Coif) Affiliations: Warren County Republican Party Central and Executive Committees; Former Chairman of the Warren County Republican Party; former Board Member of Atrium Medical Center; former Board Member of the Boy Scouts of America, Dan Beard Council; former Board Member of the Center for Christian Virtue; former Elder at Grace Chapel; one of the Founders and Former President of the Cincinnati Lawyer’s Chapter of the Federalist Society.

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

Ian Logan Party: Democratic Website: ianloganohio.com Instagram: www. instagram.com/ ianloganohio/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ voteianlogan Education: Bachelor’s in Political Science Endoresements: Warren County Democratic Party

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

A1: My top 3 priorities for Warren County will be: 1. Address affordability by making existing county programs easier to find and use, and restructuring them when they aren’t meeting residents’ needs. 2. Protect residents’ privacy and security by fully understanding new technologies before committing taxpayer dollars or sensitive information. 3. In land-use and economic development decisions, prioritize affordable housing and lowering cost of living for Warren County residents. A2: No, I do not support raising the sales tax. I do support property tax relief. This policy shifts more of the tax burden onto renters and does little for single-family homeowners, with the largest benefits going to those who own multiple or rental properties. I would evaluate the policy by comparing property tax savings with the additional sales taxes paid and examining who actually benefits. A3: I do not support selling the Warren County Fairgrounds. We should preserve its traditions while expanding its role as a year-round community space in an increasingly isolating world. I have many fond memories from the Fair, and I’m excited that future residents will get the

WARREN COUNTY AUDITOR

opportunity to experience it themselves. Commissioners should guide its next chapter by listening to residents and pursuing new events and revenue opportunities that can help make the Fairgrounds financially selfsustaining.

Matt Nolan

A4: Development should benefit residents, not come at their expense. Approval would be conditional on community consent. I would require a guarantee of no negative impact on neighboring communities or existing infrastructure, and no reduction in residents’ access to water or energy. Developers must bear the full cost of the infrastructure their facilities require. Warren County residents should never be asked to subsidize private development. I will never sign an NDA against my residents.

No response

WARREN COUNTY AUDITOR

TERM: 4 years

RESPONSIBILITIES: The County Auditor is responsible for a myriad of duties across all levels of county government. Although the Auditor is best known for the role of tax assessor, that is but one of the many functions of the office. The Auditor is the Secretary of the Budget Commission. This commission must annually review the tax budgets of all taxing districts within the county to determine that all tax levies are properly authorized and allocated to local government. The Auditor is the Secretary of the Board of Revision. This Board is responsible for ruling on property assessment prior to the issuance of the real estate tax list. Complaints on valuation are also heard. The Auditor is a member of the Tax Incentive Review council that grants an exemption from taxation for abatements, enterprise zones or tax increment financing. The Council annually reviews all agreements of existing exemption. QUESTIONS: Q1: What improvements would you make to increase the efficiency, customer service, and transparency of the Auditor’s Office? Q2: Many property owners have expressed concerns about rising property valuations and tax bills. Do you plan to recommend or implement any changes to the property valuation and reassessment process? If so, what changes? Q3: Do you plan to provide taxpayers with information showing how the temporary county sales tax increase and the elimination of the county property tax affect county revenues and individual taxpayers? If so, what information would you provide?

Party: Republican Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES:

WARREN COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

TERM: 6 years

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Court of Common Pleas is Warren County’s primary trial court of general jurisdiction. It serves as the main court for felony criminal cases and higher-value civil disputes. The Criminal Division handles: all felony offenses, Grand Jury proceedings, Sentencing and post-conviction matter. The Civil division handles: Lawsuits involving larger monetary amounts (generally over $15,000), Contract disputes, Personal injury and wrongful death claims, Property and business disputes QUESTIONS: Q1: What skills and characteristics do you bring to the role of judge? Q2: What improvements, if any, would you support to promote the efficient, fair, and timely administration of justice in the Common Pleas Court? Q3: What guiding principles shape your approach to serving as a judge?

General Division

Gary A. Loxley Party: Republican

Website: www. LoxleyforJudge.com Facebook: www. facebook.com/LoxleyforJudge Occupation: Judge, Warren County Court Education: B.A. Miami University; J.D. Ohio Northern University College of Law; M.S.S. United States Army War College Affiliations: Warren County Bar Assn (Past President); Ohio State Bar Assn; Ohio Supreme Court; Federal Dist. Ct, S.D. Ohio; 6th Cir. Ct. of Appeals; U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. Army Ct. of Crim. Appeals; U.S. Ct. of Appeals for Armed Forces; member, Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: A1: I will bring over 38 years of legal and judicial experience to the common

2026 HAMILTON COUNTY VOTER GUIDE

WARREN COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS pleas court, including the last 13 years serving as judge in the Warren County Court. My experience includes service as a prosecutor, defense attorney, private practitioner, Army lawyer, and Military Judge. I will rely on my legal knowledge, judicial experience, and reputation in the legal community to represent the Warren County judiciary and the citizens of Warren County just as I have since I first became a judge. A2: Ideally, justice must be efficient, fair, and timely administered. To that end, I intend to work with my judicial colleagues, support staff, and elected officials to bring awareness to and advocate for technological changes that streamline procedures, improve the efficiency of justice, and expedite case handling - without compromising fairness or recordkeeping security. I support open court proceedings to build public trust and confidence, and I support appropriate use of specialized dockets. A3: Since 2013 when I became a judge on the Warren County Court, I have put into practice a judicial philosophy rooted in conservative values. In my view, a judge must apply and uphold the law as written, protect the rights of the accused, hold individuals accountable for their actions, render decisions impartially and fairly, and ensure litigants have their day in court. My goal is to ensure the public has confidence in a legal system that works, without bias and prejudice.

Probate & Juvenile Division Joseph W. Kirby

Party: Republican Biographical Info: No response

CANDIDATE’S QUESTION RESPONSES: No response

MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE ONLINE Extended election information is available on VOTE411.org, including the Warren Co. Mental Health Recovery Board and Senior Services levies. On VOTE411, find a personal ballot, polling place location, and more candidate information, including biographies, endorsements and more Q & A’s.

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from the get-go of the attraction, starting Fear that floats with the queue outside, where videos play Breathing new life into history Come Spooky Season, views of the Ohio River — be it from the Ohio or Northern Kentucky side — usually aren’t complete without at least one vessel in view. Allen Rizzo, who technically counts as the “Captain” of the USS Nightmare, has been involved with the attraction from its inception in the early 1990s. The USS Nightmare was initially hosted on the Wakerobin starting in 1993, a BB Riverboats-owned historic steamboat built in 1926 that had been floating, unused and rusting, on the river. Five years later, the William S. Mitchell — saved from a scrapyard in Kansas City and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places — became the new site of the Nightmare. The attraction’s plot revolves around a deranged captain, his daughter and the boat’s crew, all of whom were killed in the “Mitchell Massacre,” an incident that initially seemed like an accident, until brutal carnage was discovered on board. The attraction as it stands (or floats) today was an actual, functional dredge boat, although it never operated in the region. The boat’s function was to remove sediment and objects from the bottom of the Missouri River to create navigable waters (Rizzo points out that, conversely, the Ohio River has lock and dam systems that allow for raised water levels). “We have worked hard to leverage the story of the boat and immerse the customer in the Nightmare experience,” Rizzo explained. Rizzo described the actual work that happened on the boat as “grueling.” “Any time you’ve got steam equipment and winches and cables and that kind of equipment around water, people can get hurt,” Rizzo said. “We’ve kind of embellished those stories and enhanced them, got them to be a little bit more indepth and a little more detailed.” According to Rizzo, history is imbued

featuring the attraction’s history-based lore and real employees sharing their supernatural experiences. From there, each scene of the 36-room haunt is meant to invoke a different era, city or crew member related to the boat’s real history from the 1930s to the 1970s, even if it’s done so loosely. Some of the boat’s actual history has manifested within the vessel itself. When initially repairing the boat for haunted attraction use, the team discovered a real crew member’s wallet from the 1940s, complete with a Social Security card, record of a 7-cent raise and picture of a sweetheart. The team was even able to trace the then-cabin boy to Florida to let them know of their discovery. The “Mitchell Massacre” that drives the plot of the attraction was actually based on the William S. Mitchell getting loose on the Missouri River in the 1990s, destroying numerous bridges and damaging the ship itself in the process. Some of its original features — a boiler, steam engines, an electric panel “that looks like it’s right out of a Frankenstein movie,” to name a few — remain core decor in the attraction. “We’re always going to be a boat,” Rizzo said. “We’re always going to be a dredge, and we shouldn’t fight that. That’s the reason we stay true to the story and stay true to the boat — because the boat itself demands that we don’t turn it into something else.” USS NIGHTMARE 101B Riverboat Row Newport, KY 41071 Runs Sept. 18-Nov. 13. Times vary. Special events, including Lights on Matinee and Captain’s Extreme Tour, available on select dates

THE USS NIGHTMARE IS THE REGION'S ONLY FLOATING HALLOWEEN HAUNT ATTRACTION. PHOTOS PROVIDED | USS NIGHTMARE

SPIRITS BY STARLIGHT. PHOTO PROVIDED | VIOLET SHINDLER

“You will be letting go of your human constructs here in about 20 minutes,” Violet Shindler, the Heritage Village Museum’s Paranormal Historian, says to the group seated in the Hayner House. Nearby, Shindler’s collaborator and technologist Johnathan Brown sets up ghost hunting equipment. The Spirits by Starlight experience is entering its fifth year of taking individuals on an equal parts historic tour, equal parts paranormal investigation throughout the complex. “Heritage Village itself is an immersion in the history of the City of Cincinnati,” Shindler said. “It really tells the story of the city as it was born, from the late 1700s until well into the 1900s.” When Shindler first joined the museum’s staff, she put out an open call for anyone to share their paranormal experiences within the Heritage Village, or Sharon Woods, wherein the museum complex is situated. “I set my expectations low, but the stories came pouring in — way more than I had time to document and transcribe,” Shindler recalled. Paranormal encounters stretched back to 1970, when the museum was acquiring its first buildings. Utilizing these experiences, Shindler was inspired to create a public program that would introduce people to the (in a sense) “living” histories of the buildings. Now, Spirits by Starlight offers a three-hour experience from the spring into the start of Halloween season, before the “slight fright,” familygeared Haunted Village event becomes the museum's main weekend attraction throughout October. The 13 buildings within the complex were either homes or active spaces for real-life individuals and families. The tour uses historical facts and ghost hunting equipment to try to connect with the spirits supposedly haunting these sites, be they the former residents themselves, or another entity passing through. Guests wander through some of the buildings, lights off, and are encouraged to utilize the equipment to try to see what they can find. Shindler herself has discovered indications of a figure holding a baby near a bassinet on an SLS camera in the Kemper Log House. She’s also heard knocking on a door and has felt comforting hands resting on her shoulders in the Vorhes house. Shindler points to some of the inherent characteristics of the site as serving as paranormal fuel. She invokes the Stone Tape Theory, a notion that the natural

and earthen materials found in much of the homes are capable of “recording” paranormal energies. Likewise, she points out that Sharon Woods’ lake and gorge have significant amounts of limestone — limestone is considered a “conduit for paranormal energy,” according to Shindler. While there have been “uncanny” moments, there are no crafted jumpscares. It’s not intended to frighten guests. Instead, Spirits by Starlight strives to grant visitors a new perspective on Cincinnati and paranormal energies as a whole. “It’s a twofold goal,” Shindler explained. “It really is to give people an appreciation for history, and to make them feel that history is not this static thing that happened once and will never repeat itself.” SPIRITS BY STARLIGHT & HAUNTED VILLAGE 11500 Lebanon Road Sharonville, OH 45241 Spirits by Starlight Select dates from March to November in 2026 and 2027 | 7-10 p.m. Haunted Village: Oct. 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, & 24 | 6-10 p.m.

SPIRITS BY STARLIGHT. PHOTO PROVIDED | VIOLET SHINDLER

OCTOBER 14 - 27

C I T Y B E AT. C O M

ARTS & CULTURE

New bookstore, The Wordcage, opens in Covington

SHOPPERS AT THE WORDCAGE BOOKSTORE ON DECOURSEY AVENUE AT THE STORE’S GRAND OPENING ON SEPT. 18, 2026. PHOTO BY NATHAN GRANGER | CITYBEAT

By Nathan Granger

he City of Covington has a new bookstore! The Wordcage Bookstore, a new used book and media store, opened in Latonia last month. Located on Decoursey Avenue near Ritte’s Corner, which serves as the neighborhood’s central commercial area, the new storefront hosted a grand opening and ribbon cutting Sept. 18. Jessica Whyte, the store’s owner, said she was inspired to open the store after visiting Dark Star Bookstore in Yellow Springs, Ohio. “I was like, ‘Wow, this place is so cool! You could just get lost here,’” Whyte said. “On our ride back, I was like, ‘How about I

THE ENTRYWAY WINDOW OF THE WORDCAGE BOOKSTORE ON DECOURSEY AVENUE. PHOTO BY NATHAN GRANGER | CITYBEAT

open a bookstore?’” For now, the store is focusing exclusively on used books, but Whyte said the goal is to eventually sell other kinds of media, as well: CDs, vinyl albums, VHS tapes and the like. The store also has a large back room that Whyte hopes to open up to local nonprofits and community organizations as a meeting space. “We’ll either do it free or for very cheap,” said Whyte. “That’s what we’re hoping to do. We’ll also have it available (for) author signings, book signings, just a variety of private events if necessary and if requested.” Whyte got help in setting up the storefront from the Latonia Business Association and the local office of the Small

THE WORDCAGE BOOKSTORE’S SHOP CAT, MR. GREGORY BISCUITS, HIDES BEHIND A COMIC RACK FROM A STRANGE MAN WITH A CAMERA. PHOTO BY NATHAN GRANGER | CITYBEAT

Business Development Center, a state program aimed at helping entrepreneurs get on their feet. The Covington office is headed up by April Coffee, who’s also the president of the Latonia Business Association. “We helped her secure the location, secure the lease and then have worked with her from the start, basically, of the company,” said Coffee. Coffee said the business is significant to the neighborhood in that it is in a walkable area surrounded by other local businesses. The Roost Latonia, a coffee shop, and Bard’s Burgers and Chili, a restaurant, are both nearby, so visitors to the neighborhood could have things to do when they came to town.

“It just helps bring awareness and bring visibility down here,” Coffee said. “Anytime that you’ve got a bookstore coming in, obviously, people want to come in.” “We have a lot of small businesses coming to Ritte’s Corner,” said Mayor Ron Washington. “Small business is the heart and soul of our city.” The Wordcage is set to receive a small business rent subsidy of $6,000 from the city. The Wordcage Bookstore is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

PROCTER & GAMBLE HALL - ARONOFF CENTER | SUNDAY 1 NOVEMBER | 2:00PM BOOK TICKETS: www.atasteofirelandshow.com 42

C I T Y B E AT. C O M

OCTOBER 14 - 27

ARTS & CULTURE

9 places to pick pumpkins, pretend it’s finally sweater weather By Haley Parnell

here’s a brief stretch every year when Greater Cincinnati collectively decides it’s time to get lost in a corn maze and spend an unreasonable amount of time choosing the perfect pumpkin. Luckily, there are plenty of places around Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky to lean into fall. Farms across the region are opening their pumpkin patches, firing up the hayrides and breaking out the cider doughnuts for the season. Whether you’re looking for a full-blown fall festival with corn mazes and farm animals or just want to pick some apples and pumpkins, here are some Greater Cincinnati farms worth visiting this fall.

Blooms & Berries Farm Market and Garden Center 9669 Ohio 48, Loveland

BLOOMS & BERRIES FARM MARKET AND GARDEN CENTER. PHOTO PROVIDED | BLOOMS & BERRIES FARM MARKET VIA FACEBOOK

Blooms & Berries Farm Market and Garden Center goes all in for fall with its annual Fall on the Farm. Running Sept. 19 through Nov. 1, the event includes a five-acre corn maze, a smaller kids’ maze, hayrides, a pumpkin bounce pad, low ropes course, play areas and a petting farm with about 40 animals. Visitors can also head into the fields to pick out pumpkins, which are sold separately.

Neltner’s Farm & Event Venue 6922 Four Mile Road, Melbourne, KY

three-plus-acre corn maze, horse-drawn wagon rides, petting zoo, kids’ corn pit, barrel train and model train display. Weekends also bring live music, food, craft vendors and wine tastings.

McGlasson Farms 5832 River Road, Hebron, KY

Niederman Family Farm 5110 Lesourdsville West Chester Road, Liberty Township SHAW FARMS. PHOTO PROVIDED | SHAW FARMS VIA FACEBOOK

other family activities offered during the fall season. MCGLASSON FARMS. PHOTO PROVIDED | MCGLASSON FARMS WEBSITE

Irons Fruit Farm

Set along River Road in western Boone County, McGlasson Farms is a good pick for visitors looking for more of a traditional farm-market experience. The family farm offers apples, pumpkins and other seasonal produce, with its location overlooking the Ohio River Valley adding to the fall atmosphere.

1640 Stubbs Mills Road, Lebanon NIEDERMAN FAMILY FARM. PHOTO PROVIDED | NIEDERMAN FAMILY FARM WEBSITE

The fall festival at Niederman Family Farm runs Sept. 25 through Nov. 1. Admission covers a four-acre corn maze, hayrides, jumping pillow, tractor play area, climbing hill, pipe swings, duck races, human foosball and plenty of other activities spread across the farm.

Kinman Farm Market 4175 Burlington Pike, Burlington, KY

Burwinkel Farms

IRONS FRUIT FARM. PHOTO PROVIDED | IRONS FRUIT FARM VIA FACEBOOK

4359 Hamilton Cleves Road, Ross

For people who want apples and cider alongside their pumpkins, Irons Fruit Farm is a classic Warren County option. The farm’s fall attractions include a pumpkin patch, hayrides, corn maze and petting zoo on weekends, along with its popular cider and cider doughnuts.

Sugar Ridge Family Farm 12273 Green Road, Walton, KY BURWINKEL FARMS. PHOTO PROVIDED | BURWINKEL FARMS WEBSITE

KINMAN FARM MARKET. PHOTO PROVIDED | KINMAN FARM MARKET WEBSITE

Kinman Farm Market’s Fall Fest runs Fridays through Sundays from Sept. 26 through Oct. 31. Admission includes a hayride, corn maze, barnyard, jumping pillow, children’s train and other activities, making it one of Boone County’s larger fall farm experiences.

Burwinkel Farms offers fall activities daily from Sept. 26 through Oct. 31. The lineup includes two corn mazes, a skid maze, sunflower fields and a pickyour-own pumpkin patch. Weekend visitors can also take a hayride, weather permitting. A small pumpkin from the patch is included with admission.

Shaw Farms 1737 Ohio 131, Milford

NELTNER’S FARM FALL FEST. PHOTO PROVIDED | NELTNER’S FARM WEBSITE

Campbell County’s Neltner’s Farm hosts its fall fest Sept. 25 through Oct. 31. The farm offers a pumpkin patch,

A longtime Clermont County fall stop, Shaw Farms combines the pumpkinpatch experience with plenty of kidfriendly attractions. Visitors can browse pumpkins and seasonal decorations and make their way through a corn maze, with hayrides and

SUGAR RIDGE FAMILY FARM. PHOTO PROVIDED | SUGAR RIDGE FAMILY FARM WEBSITE

Sugar Ridge Family Farm gives Boone County families a close-to-home option for traditional fall activities. The Walton farm offers pumpkins, wagon rides, mazes, play areas and other seasonal attractions during its fall season. OCTOBER 14 - 27

C I T Y B E AT. C O M

EATS

This New York City restaurant serves up a taste of Cincinnati every month

EDWARD’S OFFERS A STANDARD BISTRO-STYLE MENU, WITH CINCINNATI ITEMS OFFERED ON THE LAST MONDAY OF EDWARD’S OFFERS A STANDARD BISTRO-STYLE MENU, WITH CINCINNATI ITEMS OFFERED ON THE LAST MONDAY OF THE MONTH. PHOTO PROVIDED | EDWARD’S THE MONTH. PHOTO PROVIDED | EDWARD’S

By Nadya Elerhorst

f you’re a Cincinnatian, you might be able to gauge your homesickness based on the intensity of your pangs for hometown favorites. The flavors of establishments like Skyline and LaRosa’s can be hard to replicate. But should the pining hit, check City Beat, 1/4 Page, Oct 14 your calendar and cross your fingers that

you’re in New York City. Because Edward’s just might be able to help. The restaurant, located at 136 W. Broadway in Tribeca, New York, serves a variety of standard bistro fare — salads, sandwiches, brunch on the weekends. But on the last Monday of every month, Edward’s pays homage to owner (and namesake) Edward Youkilis’ Queen City origins.

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OCTOBER 14 - 27

Edward’s offers a roster of Cincinnati classics: all the Skyline ‘ways and coneys; plain and pepperoni LaRosa’s pizza; Montgomery Inn-style ribs; and a handful of Graeter’s ice cream flavors. An early attempt at additionally serving Frisch’s items fell through, and goetta leaned more toward breakfast, although Youkilis has felt little pressure to change the menu. “ Nobody’s really asked for anything different,” he said. Youkilis was born and raised in Cincinnati. In case you’re wondering (you definitely are), he’s a graduate of Walnut Hills High School. He attended Miami University, then Yale for graduate studies in art. After moving to New York City in 1971, he became acquainted with pioneering abstract artist Helen Frankenthaler. He lived as her assistant and continued his own painting until the 1980s. In 1986, while living in Rome, the opportunity arose for Youkilis to return to New York to help work on the opening of his friends’ nightclub, Nell’s (co-owned by “Rocky Horror Picture Show” star Nell Campbell). “It was so much fun I ended up sort of staying longer,” Youkilis explained. He worked as manager for the first few years of its run, living between New York City and Rome before relocating permanently back to the city. He moved on to co-own Lucky Strike in SoHo and manage The Odeon. Today, he owns Edward’s in Tribeca; while he certainly hasn’t forgotten his creative roots, it seems he just isn’t ready to part ways with the industry. “ I just keep doing it even though I keep (being) ready to stop and be an artist again,” Youkilis explained. Edward’s is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, having opened in fall 2001. Youkilis describes Edward’s as a “very small neighborhood restaurant,” wagering that about 90% of the everyday clientele live and work in the area. The Cincinnati schtick is nothing new — Edward’s has been plating 3-ways and

pizzas for over two decades. In the earlier days of the restaurant, Youkilis would have Cincinnati expats on staff; inevitably, cans of Skyline chili would follow. At first, they were served as a staff meal. “People were actually coming in and they would say, ‘That looks like Skyline chili. Where’d you get it?’” Youkilis explained. “They would say, ‘Well, we live down the street. We’d like to have some, too.’” While demand varies month-tomonth, according to Youkilis, the Skyline chili dishes tend to be the most popular, and the favorite Graeter’s flavor is (perhaps unsurprisingly) black raspberry chocolate chip. The only variation to the menu Youkilis can think of is a new Graeter’s flavor every now and then. He works with Kroger and Cincy Favorites, a website that offers the nationwide shipping of select local iconic brands, to source these distinct items of Cincinnati fare. While he admits to not sourcing every single core ingredient due to logistics (for example, they use their own cheese and buns for the coneys), most of what’s served, at the very least, reflects the classic tastes of Cincinnati. And the community has taken notice. According to Youkilis, the crowd makeup on Cincinnati Nights tends to be a mix of Cincinnatians, folks with relatives from Cincinnati, people who’ve worked in Cincinnati or individuals who studied at UC or Xavier. However, last year, a viral TikTok video temporarily increased foot traffic from individuals who’d never had a taste of the Queen City. “It’s really the most popular day of the month,” Youkilis said. And, with more than two decades of unwavering popularity under his belt, Youkilis has no plans of putting Cincinnati Nights to rest. Maybe those distinct Cincinnati cravings are just too strong to ever be fully satisfied. “It never has occurred to any of us to say, ‘I think we’ve been doing it too often.’ It just gets better and better.”

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OCTOBER 14 - 27

C I T Y B E AT. C O M

EATS

Inside the opening of The Eagle’s new location By Kane Mitten

ne of Over-the-Rhine’s most famous restaurants is branching out to the suburbs. Earlier this month, CityBeat attended the soft opening of The Eagle’s new location at the mixed-use development The District at Deerfield, 5177 Parkway Drive. Thunderdome Restaurant Group has done a lot to ensure that guests keep coming back even if they’re familiar with the original restaurant, as there is plenty that differentiates this new location from its downtown big brother since it opened on Oct. 5. For example, this new 4,600-squarefoot location of The Eagle takes on more of a “third space” role compared to its counterpart. There are 13 televisions scattered across the space, placed so that viewers can always see the TV from every single one of the 134 seats in the restaurant. Several game day-related promotions are in the works, including a DJ every Sunday during Bengals games. Plus, the bar has a strong focus on hardto-find bourbons and a unique offering of a single-barrel reposado tequila from Corazón, aged in Eagle Rare barrels. This location will also feature wines curated by Pepp & Dolores — Thunderdome’s

JOE AND JOHN LANNI, OWNERS OF THUNDERDOME RESTAURANT GROUP, AT THE NEW LOCATION OF THE EAGLE. PHOTO BY KANE MITTEN | CITYBEAT

Italian restaurant, which is opening a new location right next door in November — that were chosen specifically because they pair well with fried chicken. Also next door to this The Eagle is a new hybrid location of both The Eagle and its fast-casual sister restaurant CityBird, offering the full menu of both restaurants

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(and DORA beverages) as takeout options to neighborhood residents. In addition, given that the new restaurant is located in the suburbs, there’s lots of family-related activities planned for customers who dine in. “We’ve really focused on families a lot. Of course, we have an expanded kids menu here with some coloring and some different quizzes and that sort of thing,” John Lanni said. “But we also have things like warm chocolate chip cookies at the end of the meal. We have kids comment cards. We have family conversation starters, which is a little card deck that we give families when they sit down just to kinda get the conversation going. There’s a lot of family-friendly options here.” Most notable, though, are the new dishes. For the first time, there’s some

cross-pollination between Thunderdome’s restaurants, as CityBird’s tenders and beloved ‘city salad’ are on the menu. In addition, there are plenty of new starters, like a blackened shrimp skewer with remoulade, roasted carrots with honeywhipped feta, or — my personal highlight — a wedge salad with cherry tomatoes, bacon, bleu cheese, garlic breadcrumbs and a green goddess dressing. One other notable new item (that I sadly did not get to try) was a smashburger made with beef from Findlay Market-favorite Eckerlin Meats. This is The Eagle, however, which means it’s all about the fried chicken. And boy, did it not disappoint. If, like me, you’ve been disappointed by the quality of the food at the Overthe-Rhine location in the past few years, consider giving this new location a try. One of the media personalities dining with me said they hadn’t been to The Eagle in ages, but said the chicken tasted “exactly how (they) remembered it.” I had similar feelings — when The Eagle opened all the way back in 2013, it was one of the first restaurants I dined at in Over-the-Rhine as a young teenager, and ended up becoming a frequent customer. Now a longtime resident of the neighborhood, I usually opt to go elsewhere for my fried chicken fix. But after chowing down on some insanely good drumsticks and spoonbread, I felt like I had been transported back to my teenage years. Seems like I might have to give The Eagle a shot once again. The new location of The Eagle opened on Oct. 5 at 5200 Parkway Drive, inside The District at Deerfield. For more information on The Eagle, visit the restaurant’s official website.

OCTOBER 14 - 27

AN ASSORTMENT OF DISHES AT THE EAGLE’S NEW LOCATION AT THE DISTRICT AT DEERFIELD. PHOTO BY KANE MITTEN | CITYBEAT

A SELECTION OF FRIED CHICKEN AT THE EAGLE. PHOTO BY KANE MITTEN | CITYBEAT

MUSIC

CityBeat’s local band highlights By Ethan Bloomfield

elcome back to our local music highlight section! CityBeat recently launched a weekly video series on social media to show off some of Cincinnati’s music scene in a fun and unique way, and get you, our audience, involved. Below are the most recent features. If you’ve got suggestions for a band you think I should cover, leave a comment on my band highlight video (posted every Wednesday on CityBeat’s Facebook and Instagram pages) or email me at ebloomfield@linknky.com

Jess Lamb

more like self-affirmation after a long string of anxious doubts. God’s presence in the lyrics and themes can’t be ignored when searching for meaning in this record, but for as many references as there are, the real source of power throughout the piece seems to come from within. Track 12, “God’s Imagination,” ends the record on a quietly hopeful note. Featuring harp from Viktoria Lekson that reinforces the heavenly vibes, the lyrics read “now sing it / metamorphosis/ transformative/manifest/destiny/with your own voice now.” Being a figment of God’s imagination could make some people feel small and insignificant, but Lamb seems almost relieved. She makes her own power, and tells you to do the same in the closing seconds with her call to action: “now shine!”

echoed by frantic guitars that do a really cool switch-up in the final minute. To sum up: check this album out. If you’re into anything remotely in the rock sphere, this would slot into your playlist or your CD case quite nicely.

Trauma Illinois

GREEN FUZZ. PHOTO BY GREEN FUZZ’S INSTAGRAM

Beloved Youth

THE MEMBERS OF TRAUMA ILLINOIS IN FRONT OF THE TITULAR WHITE HOUSE. PHOTO BY TRAUMA ILLINOIS JESS LAMB. PHOTO PROVIDED | JESSLAMB.COM

Picture it: a laser-lit, smoky room, floor-to-ceiling screens pulsing with light and color, reinforcing the trance-like rhythm so you forget it’s long past your bedtime — you’re dancin’, baby! Here in the Queen City, the dance scene is vibrant and alive. Throw a stone, and you’ll likely hit a funky bar with a fun DJ — but this week’s band highlight isn’t spinning traditional club tracks. A dark edge pervades “I am.,” the third studio album from UC and Xavier songwriting professor and singer Jess Lamb, but the grooves win out to produce atmospheric and moody — as well as undeniably catchy — club tunes. Released this summer via Queen City Sounds, Lamb seems downright boisterous from the tracklist; “I am.” starts every title, seeming to point to her directly. However, Lamb’s first lyrics are asking if someone else is OK and directing the energy outward. Those first questionand-answer, call-and-response lines immediately tossed my assumptions of the record out the window, revealing an inner anxiety that sticks around. Track two, “I am the answer.,” picks up the pace, feeling like a ’90s dance throwback as it jams the refrain “we’re born to fly” deep into your brain. For people who’d rather shut up and dance, there’s plenty to be had on this record. “I am free.” feels like a real high point, thoughtfully toeing the line between poignant vocals and danceable beats. The mood then shifts toward a more manic and sinister energy for track four, which the record dips in and out of through the rest of the runtime (namely “I am abundant.” that drones along for over 10 minutes). Echoes of artists from Chappell Roan to Grimes show up across the music — in fact, “I am love.” could almost feel like a direct collaboration between the two, if it weren’t for Lamb’s distinct and powerful backing vocals. That self-assuredness comes through on “I am beautiful.” but at track 10, it feels

BELOVED YOUTH. PHOTO BY BELOVED YOUTH

This is just about all the information there is online on this week’s band highlight, Beloved Youth: “Beloved Youth are a 4 piece alt rock band from the Cincinnati area. Formed in 2012, the group of childhood friends have released 4 ep’s to date. Combining strong pop melodies, acerbic lyrical prowess and focus on compelling guitar arrangements.” They should really update their Bandcamp page, because their debut album was released just this March. “Derivative” took its sweet time (14 years!), but came out fully formed and, frankly, beautifully rendered. The band’s affinity for riffs is one of the first qualities that jumped out at me — the opening track, “Losing Daylight” is a slow burner that really revs up near the end into the forceful second song “Are You Happy?” By just track two, I could feel this album’s alt rock chops showing. And the melodies don’t stop coming. Songs like “Automatic” and “Teeth” pull back a bit, but don’t sacrifice their overall catchiness. The band’s songwriting holds up across these tonal shifts, as well as Sean Mac’s particularly impressive vocals, making the disparate singles and such that make up a good bit of this album still feel cohesive. I also have to shout out Alexandre Hirlinger of Coastal Club for mixing Derivative, because the production is clear as a bell. Every instrument feels right in its place and the vocals are crisp and prominent — lo-fi this is not. My personal favorite track has to be “Methuselah” — the band hits a real sweet spot of fun and intensity. Mac builds and builds in a whirlwind on the verses,

Green Fuzz

Trauma Illinois was destined to be a rock band from the moment of their conception. Lead singer Jack Johnson, following a “horrific car accident” and laid up in the ICU, received a get well card from none other than Fall Out Boy, who just happened to be at the same hospital, according to the band’s Cincy Music profile. At the end, it read “P.S. — Trauma Illinois — sweet band name.” And so, christened by legends like Fall Out Boy, they ran with it. Trauma Illinois is a Cincy band, born and bred. Don’t let the name fool you — they’ve been proud of their roots the whole time. “Queen City” is one of their early standout singles, joyously grooving through a sing-a-longable and vintage rock-and-roll track. Last year, “PROST!” celebrated Cincy’s German beer culture, and “Pink Motel” is about falling in love… at Riverbend. 2024’s “White House” compilation contains many of the band’s singles, characterizing Trauma Illinois as a triedand-true blues rock act at home alongside the likes of Wolfmother, albeit with a cheeky edge. Thumbing through their discography, the energy only seems to grow with time. Their newest single from this May, “2007 Toyota RAV4” loses none of the latent cheeriness the band fosters throughout their songs while significantly picking up the pace. It ends up in a place that’s less Led Zeppelin and more Origami Angel, which might seem like a jarring switch, but it works. But by no means is the slower stuff less worthwhile. “Blue Bus,” for example, takes its sweet time to build from a single guitar into a soaring melodic affair complete with pipe organ — I’d be surprised if the band left that sound behind, because they so clearly love to make it. That being said, I like the direction the band is heading into with their new singles. Come for a rocker like “On Your Lips,” stay for the fun glossiness of “Pink Motel.”

Green Fuzz’s first album, “Kicking and Screaming,” feels like a trip back to the old-school basement days of punk music. Lo-fi rippers abound in a promising freshman effort. Well … maybe it’s a bit more complicated than that. Punk rock is one of my personal favorite music genres. From D.C. to SoCal and everywhere in between, wherever there’s cheap beer in sweaty venues, I’ve likely heard it. It’s my wheelhouse. The thing about punk-influenced music is that it’s not really suited for critical listening. For the uninitiated, this might be a bit jarring, but let’s talk about this record. What stuck about “Kicking and Screaming” on first listen was the opener, “Real Friends.” When I said that rippers abound, I meant it — the record opens to a soaring Blondie-coded number with enough fuzz and distortion to keep it DIY. That may be too polite a way to put it. I mean this with love — this album sounds rough in a good way. Sasi Scott’s vocals sound crystal clear over the compressed riff-factory going on in the mix most of the time. This ends up giving the record a live-act quality that, coupled with the punk sensibilities, is what I would call an “acquired taste.” But here are two facts. One: DIY music isn’t supposed to sound technical; you’ve gotta FEEL it! Two: that’s just track one. For the initiated, there’s plenty left to discover under the hood. Track two, “Fake Friends,” lands a hard shift into something more akin to Riot Grrrl than New Wave. The band broods and broods until the room seems to explode. This might come as an initial shock, but Green Fuzz sheds musical skins on this record with ease. The record is actually littered with sounds reminiscent of punk stylings over the last 40 years or so. In songs like “Path through the Tall Grass” or “In My Dreams,” I hear more of the band’s emo influences, while tracks like “Out of Season” evoke the alt-rock ’90s in a big way. Even the album cover is delightfully old-school, reminiscent of hand-drawn classics like “Milo Goes to College” or “Kerplunk.” Point is, if you appreciate the history of alternative music scenes, or if you’re already tapped into the local basement circuit, you will get something out of this album. I, for one, am very excited to see where this band goes in their future projects.

OCTOBER 14 - 27

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