County commissioner candidates set for Northern Kentucky forum

Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

Green Umbrella will host a public forum focused on Northern Kentucky county commissioner races Sept. 23 at the Erlanger Branch of the Kenton County Library, giving voters a chance to hear candidates discuss development, transportation and land-use issues ahead of the election.

The event begins at 6 p.m. and will feature candidates from Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties, according to a community announcement. Organizers said the discussion will examine how county leaders would balance economic development with green infrastructure projects and the preservation of open space.

Topics are expected to include data centers, eminent domain, public transit and connectivity, agricultural land use and the role county commissioners play in making local appointments. Residents can submit questions in advance through Sept. 15.

County commissioners are responsible for overseeing county operations, managing finances and helping shape long-term planning efforts. Their duties also touch services such as zoning, infrastructure maintenance, waste collection and public utilities.

Candidates confirmed to attend include Lianna Nguyen and John Schickel in Boone County; Tom Lampe and Brant Owens in Campbell County; and Benjamin Bach, Jordan Baldridge and Sarah Froelich in Kenton County. All candidates seeking commissioner seats in the three counties were invited.

Local growth and conservation in focus

Green Umbrella said local elections often have a more immediate effect on neighborhood development and quality-of-life issues than higher-profile national contests. The forum follows a similar event held during the primary election season that explored ways to balance conservation with growth in Northern Kentucky.

The forum is being co-hosted by Ohio River Way, Tri-State Trails, The Hillside Trust, the Cincinnati Off-Road Alliance and the Cincinnati Permaculture Institute.