Conover for Clermont County Commissioner

Background:

I have served over 16 years on non-profit, community and local government boards in order to improve the communities in which I have lived. I also bring a broad range of professional experience from the public and private sectors to areas of local government, urban planning, economic development and housing. Currently, I teach criminal justice at the university level. I bring experience, expertise and new ideas to Clermont County. Decisions have been made for too many years by a small group of insiders. It is time for a new perspective.

Present and Past Civic Involvement
Member, Milford Board of Zoning Appeals;
Planning Commissioner, Clermont County Planning Commission; Vice Chairperson, City of Cincinnati Zoning Board of Appeals; Board of Directors, Housing and Urban Redevelopment Corp.; Member, OKI Eastern Corridor Task Force; Trustee, Columbia Tusculum Economic Development Corporation;
President, Columbia Tusculum Community Council, Milford MOMS Club, Clermont County Agricultural Society, Cincinnati, Cincinnati Nature Center, Hillside Trust, Cincinnati Preservation Association, Clermont Historical Society, Clermont County League of Women Voters, American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), American Planning Association (APA), Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS), and American Society of Criminology (ASC).

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning and Master's degree in Public Administration.

Goals:

I am running because the people of Clermont County, Ohio deserve more than the past 28 years of one party rule that is rife with conflicts of interest, if not corruption. My goal is to restore confidence and integrity in office.

Issues:

Open, Transparent County Government:
Nepotism, corruption and citizen mistrust loom large in the County. We must be able to trust and have confidence in the officials that represent us. An open, transparent government is required for democracy to thrive.

Real Economic Development:
Current economic development policies shift funding priorities away from senior citizens, children’s, mental health, libraries and other public services. Priority must be given to creating good jobs for Clermont County. Economic development incentives must benefit the community, not just corporate interests.

Improved Quality of Life:
Clermont County is blessed with an amazing abundance of history and natural resources. We must ensure that growth does not impede our quality of life.

Grassroots Support:

Grassroots organizing plays a vital role in my campaign. My opponent has been entrenched in the dominant County party politics for over 18 years.

DFA Values:

Clermont County needs good jobs that provide benefits and pay a living wage for its citizens. Current County policies divert tax dollars away from senior citizens, children’s, mental health, school and other public services to fund infrastructure improvements for private development interests and large corporations with deep pockets. This shifts the burden onto current tax paying citizens and home owners. Economic development policies should benefit our communities in terms of job creation, strong schools and public services. Years of misguided policies have led to overcrowded schools, eroding public infrastructure and increased taxes.