Tag: kathy bailey

  • Meet Loveland, Ohio’s new Council leadership

    Loveland, Ohio – On Tuesday, the Loveland City Council held its annual organizational meeting to administer oaths of office. Kathy Bailey, Andy Bateman, and Brian Goodyear who were successful in being elected to four-year terms in November took the oath of office. This is Goodyear’s first term as a council member.

    After the swearing-in ceremony, the council elected among themselves the persons who will serve as mayor and vice-mayor. Bailey was elected to continue the role of Mayor and Ted Phelps retained his position as Vice-Mayor.

    City Council now consists of the three members sworn into office on Tuesday plus John Hart, Neal Oury, Ted Phelps, and Kip Ping who will complete the remaining two years of their previously elected terms. Kent Blair chose not to run for reelection.


    Loveland City Council

    (3 to be elected) Vote tally from all counties.

    Kathy Bailey – 2843

    √ Andy Bateman – 2468

    √ Brian Goodyear – 2224

    Deidre Hazelbaker – 1741


    Meet Your Council Members

    (Bios provided from City of Loveland Website)

    Mayor Kathy Bailey

    Kathy Bailey DI.jpg (revised 2)Kathy Bailey was first elected to City Council in 2015, re-elected in 2019, and re-elected in 2023. Kathy was appointed Mayor in 2017 and continues to serve in this capacity. Throughout her terms on City Council, Kathy has served as the city’s alternate representative to the Board of Education. She was a member of the City Council Employee Evaluation Committee and the Law & Ordinance Committee. Kathy is currently a member of the Loveland Community Improvement Corporation. In addition to her duties to the city, Kathy has been serving as the President of the Clermont County Mayor’s Association since 2020.

    Kathy was born in Cincinnati and grew up in the Indian Hill/Montgomery area. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University and a law degree from the University of Cincinnati. Kathy’s full-time career is as Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney of the Civil Division of the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, where she has worked since 1990.

    Kathy and her husband Bob married in 1991 and moved to Loveland in 1995. They raised their son Bobby and triplet daughters Katelyn, Kimberly, and Kristen in Loveland. All four attended Loveland City Schools, and all still live in or near Loveland. In her free time, Kathy enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her doggies. Her hobbies include golfing, sand volleyball, and reading, especially historical fiction.

    Kathy said she heeds the advice her mother gave her after being elected to City Council: “Do what you believe to be right. No matter what the naysayers say, always listen because you can always learn something, but in the end follow your heart and do what you believe is best for the city.” Kathy went on to say that “Loveland has a bright future and she was grateful to be part of it.” Loveland is a city she “truly loves and is humbled, honored, and proud to serve its residents.”

    Term Ends: December 4, 2027

    Email Kathy Bailey

    Vice-Mayor Ted Phelps

    Phelps_04Council member and Vice Mayor Ted Phelps is serving his third term on Loveland City Council. He was first elected to Council in 2013, was re-elected in 2017, and returned in 2021.

    Ted is an attorney at the Cincinnati law firm of Rendigs, Fry, Kiely & Dennis, LLP, where he has practiced for over 25 years.

    Ted’s family includes his wife, Anne, and two adult children, Caroline and Roger. Ted’s hobbies include travel, music, and NHL hockey. He is devoted to his church, North Cincinnati Community Church, where he serves as a Deacon.

    “I appreciate the voter’s confidence to elect me to a third term and look forward to continue to make Loveland a unique and attractive place to live, work and enjoy,” he said. Ted considers himself a public servant and not a politician. He promises to work hard to make Loveland a community that we can all be proud to call home.

    Terms Ends: December 1, 2025

    Email Ted Phelps

    Councilmember Andy Bateman

    Bateman_04Andy Bateman first was elected to Loveland City Council in November 2019, following an unsuccessful campaign bid in 2017. He was re-elected in 2023. He has served on the city’s Public Relations & Communications Committee, the Tree & Environment Committee, the Station 63 Relocation Committee, and currently serves on the Historic Preservation & Planning Commission, the Planning & Zoning Commission, and as the liaison to the Loveland City School District.

     A graduate of Loveland High School, Andy moved to the area as a youth in 1993 from Bedford, New Hampshire, prior to spending his childhood in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Upon graduation, he attended Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where he received a BS in Communication with minors in English and History. In late 2003, with an assist from his brother Ryan, he landed a bartending job at Paxton’s Grill in downtown Loveland. Out of the necessity to eke out a living slinging burgers and beers, a romance blossomed between Andy and the City of Loveland.

    Just a few years later, while working next door at The Works Pizza, an even greater love story was about to unfold, between Andy and his future wife Rachel, herself the first front-of-house employee of the pizzeria within the Samuel Hannaford designed building. After a decade of growth together, Andy and Rachel were married in 2018 and welcomed their daughter Acadia into their family, which also includes Rachel’s son Nathaniel, a 2017 graduate of Loveland’s Live Oaks program.

    Professionally, Andy has worn many hats, but all of them share a common thread which ties back to his education in communication and more specifically production. Whether providing AV support at downtown conference venues, broadcasting horse racing at River Downs, or producing webinars and podcasts for the Human Capital Institute, Andy lives at the intersection of planning and performance. A strong organizational background in logistics and manufacturing has led Andy to thrive at his current role as Marketing & Innovation Manager at Eurostampa North America, where he oversees the R&D and sales support for three North American business units all focusing on premium label printing for the wine and spirits sector.

    Loveland as a community has been there for Andy many times since first walking the halls of (then) Loveland-Hurst Middle School. His first friend group from marching band and drama showed the kindness inherent within the community. His co-workers from the neighborhood restaurants instilled a sense of pride in the hard work of building a reputation, when Downtown Loveland was laying the groundwork for the local gem it has become. And, today, his neighbors and community-advocates that share in his desire to contribute to the future, demonstrate that the only requirement for service is a willingness to serve. For as long as Andy is entrusted with a seat at the table, he will continue to be listening for Loveland.

    Term Ends: December 4, 2027

    Email Andy Bateman

    (No official portrait is yet available for Brian Goodyear)

    Councilmember Brian Goodyear

    Brian Goodyear was elected to Loveland City Council in 2023.

    Brian earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law.

    Brian and his wife Melissa, who were married in 2008, moved to Loveland in 2016. They greatly enjoy spending time with their granddaughter, Theodora.

    Brian has been an attorney for 25 years and has worked as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for 22 years. For the last 18 years, Brian has been employed by the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office and is currently a Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney assigned as a supervisor in the Felony Trial Division. In his free time, Brian enjoys camping, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

    When Brian and his family moved to Loveland, they fell in love with the city and knew that this was their home. As a result, Brian wanted to become actively involved in the community, which is why he applied for membership on one of City Council’s volunteer committees. He was appointed to the Law and Ordinance Committee in 2021, and his service on this committee sparked a desire to do more. This is why, in 2023, Brian decided to run for a seat on Loveland City Council.

    “I am truly humbled and honored that the residents of Loveland placed their confidence in me and elected me to City Council,” he said. “I take seriously my responsibility to act as their representative, and I look forward to working with the community to continue to move Loveland forward in a positive direction for all residents.”

    Term Ends: December 4, 2027

    Email Brian Goodyear

    Councilmember John Hart

    Hart_04Council Member John Hart was elected to Loveland City Council in 2021.

    John holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from Ohio University, as well as a Master of Science Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Dayton. John has also done a substantial amount of post graduate work in the area of Educational Leadership.

    John has lived in Loveland with his family for 10 years. John has been married to his wife, Randi, for 16 years. Together they have two children, Austin and Quinn.

    John is an administrator in the Loveland City School District and has been employed by Loveland City Schools since 2015. Prior to coming to Loveland, John held teaching positions at Middletown City Schools and Springfield City Schools. John has coached football and wrestling at the high school and junior high levels for the past 18 years. John’s hobbies include golf, hiking/backpacking, and watching football and baseball. John loves to spend time with family and finds his greatest joy in watching his children and wife do what they love to do.

    “I ran for City Council because I fell in love with the City of Loveland the moment we moved here and wanted to be actively involved in making sure that this is a great place for families to grow and thrive,” he said.

    John has been active in the city through committee work on the Recreation Board and Comprehensive Master Planning Committee, prior to running for Council. He enjoyed that work so much, he felt compelled to take the next step of running for Council: “I love to talk to community members about their wishes, wants, and needs for the City of Loveland. I look forward to continued conversations with community members and working to be a trusted voice for residents.”

    Term Ends: December 1, 2025

    Email John Hart

    Councilmember Neal Oury

    Oury_03Neal Oury served on City Council from 2017 to 2021 and was unanimously appointed to fill a vacated City Council seat in June 2022. He has served on the city’s Finance Commission, the Public Relations & Communications Committee, the Loveland Community Improvement Corporation (CIC), and currently serves on the Historic Preservation & Planning Commission.

    Neal is a lifelong resident of Loveland, graduating from Loveland Hurst High School in 1975. Neal lives in the house he constructed in 1986. His property overlooks the city that he has witnessed change from a small farming community to a dynamic, vibrant, attractive community and a destination place with a downtown entertainment district.

    Neal is retired after being self-employed in the construction, remodeling and property management business for more than 38 years. Neal and his wife Lynn married in 1983, and they have two grown children and one grandchild. Neal pursues his passion and creativity in woodworking. He also enjoys camping, kayaking and fishing.

    Neal says that he is looking forward to serving on Loveland City Council.

    Terms Ends: December 1, 2025

    Email Neal Oury

    Councilmember Kip Ping

    Kip PingKip Ping was elected to Loveland City Council in 2021. He recently served on the city’s Charter Review Commission and the Law & Ordinance Committee.  In the early 1990s, he also served on the city’s Tree & Environment Committee.

    Kip married his high school sweetheart in 1986 after a whirlwind romance of a little over four years. They moved from their hometown of Bismarck, Illinois, to Portsmouth, Virginia, after Kip graduated from the University of Illinois and lived there while Kip worked for the Navy. They settled in the Loveland area in 1989 in order to move back closer to family in Illinois. Kip and Teresa have two children, Abby and Levi, who are graduates of Loveland City Schools and the University of Cincinnati. They have one grandson, Luke, who is the son of Abby and her husband Matt.

    Professionally, Kip is a registered or licensed professional/structural engineer in 36 states and is licensed with the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) as a model law professional engineer and model law structural engineer. He started a structural engineering firm, Pinnacle Engineering, Inc., in 1996 and remains the majority shareholder and president of the firm. In addition to running his firm and working as a structural engineer, Kip makes active use of his engineering skill by volunteering. He was with Ohio Task Force One (one of the FEMA certified urban search and rescue teams for the US) as a structural engineer when he was young enough to do it and is currently a member of several professional organizations including the Structural Engineers Association of Ohio, where he served many years as an officer and member of the board of directors. Kip is currently volunteering with the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration on their Enforcement Advisory Committee, where he assists in evaluating technical matters with regard to structural engineering. He is also on the American Society of Civil Engineers committee for ASCE7, the engineering standard used throughout the US for calculating wind, snow, seismic and other loads that act on buildings.

    Kip has been a member of the Loveland Heights Church of Christ since moving to the area and is heavily involved with the church, serving as an elder since 2012 and treasurer since 1996. In addition to working with the church, he enjoys reading US history, woodworking, using his construction skills to help friends with home projects, and running.

    Kip is grateful to the residents of Loveland for affording him the opportunity to work for them: “It has been a pleasure getting to know many residents during my campaign, and I am honored that they have chosen me as their representative on Council. I will do my best to serve with integrity and continue on the path that has made me love living in this community for the last 30+ years.”

    Terms Ends: December 1, 2025

    Email Kip Ping

  • [Video] Patti Sandmayr thanks Mayor for recognizing Sgt. Ryan Bauman

    [Video] Patti Sandmayr thanks Mayor for recognizing Sgt. Ryan Bauman

    Loveland, Ohio – Resident, Patti Sandmayr went to the open mic at the council meeting last Tuesday and spoke about living in Historic Downtown. She started by saying she sees this town every day and drives through it every day. Speaking directly to the Council she said, “I love it and I intend to keep going as long as I can, encouraging you guys.” She also talked about Mayor Kathy Bailey’s recognition of Sgt. Ryan Bauman on Veterans Day. Baughman was killed in Afghanistan in 2008. Ryan and his family lived in Loveland the first 5 years of his life.

    Sandmayr also said that parking was her “number one issue” with living in the Historic District and said she favored building a parking garage.

    She also expressed confidence in Council’s, “accuracy and transparency” in regard to annexing the Grailville property into the city and that things “will be done properly”.

  • Loveland Magazine Directory of local government leadership in 2020

    Loveland Magazine Directory of local government leadership in 2020

    Loveland City School District

    Dr. Kathryn Lorenz President

    Ned Portune Vice President

    Art Jarvis – Member

    Michele Pettit – Member

    Eileen Washburn – Member

    Dr. Amy Crouse – Superintendent

    Kevin Hawley  Treasurer/CFO

     

    City of Loveland

    Kathy Bailey – Mayor

    Robert Weisgerber – Vice Mayor

    Andy Bateman – Member

    Ted Phelps – Member

    Tim Butler – Member

    Neal Oury – Member

    Kent Blair – Member

    Dave Kennedy – City Manager

    Michelle Byrde – Finance Director

     

    Symmes Township

    Jodie Leis – Board President

    Kenneth N. Bryant – Vice-President

    Phil Beck – Trustee

    Joseph C. Grossi – Fiscal Officer

    Kimberly A. Lapensee – Administrator

     

    Miami Township

    Ken Tracy – Chairperson

    Mary Makley – Vice Chair

    Karl Schultz – Member

    Eric Ferry – Fiscal Officer

    JEFF WRIGHT – Township Administrator

     

    Hamilton Township

    Brent Centers – Administrator

     

    Deerfield Township

    Kristin Malhotra – President of Board of Trustees

    Lelle Lutts Hedding – Vice President of Board of Trustees

    Jim Siciliano – Trustee

    Dan Corey – Fiscal Officer

    Eric Reiners – Township Administrator

     

    City of Milford

    AMY VILARDO – Mayor

    LISA EVANS – Vice-Mayor

    KIM CHAMBERLAND – Member

    ANET COOPER – Member

    TED HASKINS – Member

    SANDY RUSSELL– Member

    Kyle Mitchell – Member

    MICHAEL DOSS City Manager

    Patricia Wirthlin – DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

     

    City of Montgomery

    Chris Dobrozsi – Mayor

    Craig Margolis – Vice Mayor

     Lee Ann Bissmeyer – Council Member

    Michael Cappel – Council Member

    Gerri Harbison – Council Member

    Lynda Roesch – Council Member

    Ken Suer – Council Member

    Brian Riblet – City Manager

    Katie Smiddy – Finance Director

     

    Clermont County

    David L. Painter – President

    Edwin H. Humphrey – Vice President

    Claire B. Corcoran – Commissioner

    Thomas J. Eigel – County administrator

     

    Hamilton County

    Denise Driehaus – President

    Stephanie Summerow Dumas – Vice-President

    Victoria Parks (Appointed)

    Todd Portune (Retired)

    Jeff Aluotto – Administrator

    DEPARTMENTS

    Warren County

    Tom Grossmann – Commissioner
    Shannon Jones – Commissioner
    David G. Young – Commissioner
    Tiffany Zindel – Administrator
    Martin Russell – Deputy Administrator
    Tina Osborne – Clerk of Commissioners

    Property Search
    Job Opportunities
    County News
    Auditor’s Office
    Recorder’s Office
    Child Support
    Water Department
    Building & Zoning
    Maps & GIS
    Disclaimer
    Directions
    Warren County Campus Map

      • Auditor – 513-695-1235
      • Clerk of Courts – 513-695-1120
      • Commissioners – 513-695-1250
      • Engineer – 513-695-3301
      • Prosecutor – 513-695-1325
      • Recorder – 513-695-1382
      • Sheriff – 513-695-1280
      • Treasurer – 513-695-1300


  • [Videos/Interviews/Photos] What does the new City Hall leadership look like?

    [Videos/Interviews/Photos] What does the new City Hall leadership look like?

    In the photo above, newly elected Councilwoman Kathy Baliey takes the oath of office administered by Solicitor Joe Braun. Bailey will serve as Loveland’s Mayor for the next two years.

    Mihaela Manova

    by Mihaela Manova

    Loveland, Ohio – As 2019 ends, and 2020 resolutions arise, the Loveland City Hall renews its politicians. On a cold night on December 2nd, residents entered Loveland City Hall to witness the introduction and induction of their council members, and in turn, filled the hall to capacity. Rows of chairs were perfectly lined up and filled with family and active residents, time was passing and excitement fueled the room.

    The room was spacious enough to fill a crowd of a hundred, and it soon did.

    Clerk of Council Misty Brents (on far left) chaired the start of the meeting. Brents, City Manager Dave Kennedy, and Councilmember Tim Butler waiting for the meeting to begin.

    Mixed feelings of anxiety and happiness permeated the room as council members lined up in their respective seats. On the far left side sat the Clerk of Council Misty Brents, followed by an empty seat that in moments would be occupied by Andrew Bateman. Councilmembers Neal Oury, City Manager David Kennedy, a re-elected Kathy Bailey, Rob Weisgerber, Tim Butler, a re-elected Kent Blair, Ted Phelps, and Solicitor, Joseph Braun filled the remainder of the high-backed, upholstered chairs.

    Throughout the audience, one can see campaign supporters and family members awaiting their loved ones to be inaugurated as others were standing quietly in the back admiring the process. As 7 PM passed and people sat in their seats, the room became quiet and then erupted in applause as the anticipated new council member, Andrew Bateman came through the doors with a smile. The clerk called the roll and meeting to order and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

    Loveland Police and Loveland/Symmes Fire Department Chaplin, Pastor Bill Hounshell followed with an Invocation as the council inductions soon followed.

    Kathy Bailey was sworn into office by Hamilton County Judge Brad Greenberg, a former Loveland Mayor.

    Kathy Bailey was first to hit the podium with support as her family sat in the front row. Judge Brad Greenberg swore in Bailey as a council member for which she presented a speech in front of the audience. Bailey has been Loveland’s Mayor for the past four years and was re-elected to serve on Council on November 5 for another four-year term.

    “Four years ago, I didn’t necessarily know what I was getting into, or why, but I certainly know now. I ran again because I have come to love this city, the entire community, our residence, our community partners, (and) our business owners of this city,” Bailey said after taking her oath.

    Watch the LOVELAND MAGAZINE VIDEO below for the newly elected members’ speeches.

    Kent Blair received a congratulatory handshake from Police Chief Sean Rahe after taking his oath of office.

    Up next, Kent Blair was sworn in by Patricia Melson and Andrew Bateman was sworn in by Marla Simiele. Blair said, “The city of Loveland is a lot more than just a collection of buildings and a bunch of people who live in a certain place and work and go to the school in town, it’s an idea. And, I love the idea that is Loveland.”

    After taking the oath, Bateman expressed what he stands for and what he sees in Loveland’s future. “The City is really a special place and it’s because of the people that care about it. So, ‘us’ in government need to care about them no matter where they’re from, what they do, why they’re here. We’re all neighbors and nothing can be more needed in our society today than a return to neighborliness.” 

    First-time Councilmember Andy Bateman received an ovation when he entered the Council Chamber a few minutes late. He then laughed lightheartedly and pointed to the empty seat on the dais he was directed to occupy. As if saying, “For me?”

    After Bateman’s speech, the anticipated nominations for Mayor for the next two years were opened by Clerk Misty Brents. Blair nominated Bailey and no other nominations were made. After she received all seven votes, a round of applause proceeded her to the podium to take the oath as Mayor administered by Solicitor Braun.

    After a round of handshakes with each council member, Bailey returned to the center seat at the dais to run the remainder of the meeting.

    Bailey then asked for nominations for Vice Mayor.

    Former City Solicitor Susan Allspach (nee Gertz) administered the oath of office to Rob Weisger after he was chosen to continue as Vice-Mayor for another two years.

    Rob Weisgerber was nominated by Neal Oury and Tim Butler nominated himself. The roll was called and with five votes against two, Rob Weisgerber became reelected as Vice Mayor. In his speech, he said, “The commitment to the community at large has been a passion of mine. I have no interest in being at other levels, it’s near and dear to my heart to be with the residents in a community that I share.”

    The evening ended as Pastor Bill closed the ceremony with another prayer and the council meeting was adjourned. The once anxious room became one of congratulations and handshakes, as we will now witness the changes that the council has in store.

    After the meeting came to a close I interviewed Mayor Baily and Councilmembers Blair and Bateman.

    The photos in this slide show are © Mihaela Manova 2019/Loveland Magazine (Photos can be purchased lovelandmagazine@cinci.rr.com)



  • Special Meeting of City Council to swear in new members and elect Mayor and Vice-Mayor

    Special Meeting of City Council to swear in new members and elect Mayor and Vice-Mayor

    Loveland, Ohio – Current Mayor Kathy Bailey and current Councilmember Kent Blair retained their seats on Council in the recent election. Andy Bateman was elected for the first time. All three will take an oath of office in a special council meeting on Monday, December 2. The meeting begins at 7 PM at City Hall.

    After the three are sworn in and join the other four councilmembers at the dais, all seven will vote to elect a Mayor and Vice-Mayor who will serve in those positions for the next two years until the next municipal election in 2021.

    The other council members are, current Vice-Mayor, Rob Weisgerber and members, Ted Phelps, Tim Butler, and Neal Oury who each have two years remaining of their current terms. Angie Settell was not re-elected.

    Here are results of the Loveland Magazine informal poll of area residents when we asked, “Hey Psychics, “Who is most likely to be Loveland’s next Mayor?”

    Kathy Bailey – 57%

    The Loveland Frog – 13%
    Tim Butler – 8%
    Neal Oury – 7%
    Andy Bateman – 5%
    Rob Weisgerber – 5%
    Ted Phelps – 3%
    Kent Blair – 2%

    Here is the agenda for the meeting…

    AGENDA

    City Council Meeting 7:00 PM Monday, December 2, 2019

    Loveland City Hall 120 West Loveland Avenue Loveland, OH 45140

    1. Call to Order
    2. Pledge of Allegiance
    3. Invocation

    A. Loveland Police and LSFD Chaplain Bill Hounshell

    1. Oath of Office for Newly Elected and Reelected City Council Members
      1. Kathy Bailey – Oath of Office administered by Judge Brad Greenberg
      2. Kent Blair – Oath of Office administered by Patricia Melson
      3. Andrew Bateman – Oath of Office administered by Marla Simiele
    2. Nomination and Election of Mayor

    A. Oath of Office

    6. Nomination and Election of Vice Mayor

    A. Oath of Office

    7. Benediction

    A. Loveland Police and LSFD Chaplain Bill Hounshell

    8. Adjournment

    (The next City Council Meeting will be on December 10, 2019, at 7:00 PM)



  • Hey Psychics, “Who is most likely to be Loveland’s next Mayor?”

    Hey Psychics, “Who is most likely to be Loveland’s next Mayor?”

    Loveland, Ohio – On December 2, Loveland City Council will meet to swear in the recently elected members. The meeting will begin at 7 PM at City Hall.

    Kathy Bailey is the current Mayor, however, after municipal elections in Loveland, Council meets in an “Organizational Meeting” and votes among themselves a Mayor and Vice-Mayor for the next two years.

    Sitting at the Council table that night will be the three who finished at the top of the November 5th election; current Mayor, Kathy Bailey (2,642 votes), newly elected member, Andy Bateman (2,190 votes); and, current member, Kent Blair (1,873 votes). Current member Angie Settell (1,247 votes) was not re-elected. Council has 7 members.

    The other candidates not elected were, Pat Ahr (1,183 votes) and Cory O’Donnell (769 votes).

    Sitting with those who won on November 5th will be current members, Vice-Mayor Rob Weisgerber, and members Tim Butler, Neal Oury, and Ted Phelps.

    Let’s have some fun and see if readers can see into the future, “Who is most likely to be Loveland’s next Mayor?”

    Just for fun, we’ve thrown in our favorite write-in candidate, Ms. Loveland Frog! Because after-all it would be nice to have a “tad” more gender equality and hear something besides just 7 human voices croaking “Yes” in unison for the next two years.

     



  • [Watch] Re-Broadcast of Loveland City Council meet the Candidate Forum

    [Watch] Re-Broadcast of Loveland City Council meet the Candidate Forum

    Loveland, Ohio – On Wednesday, October 16, Loveland Magazine and the Little Miami River Chamber Chamber Alliance co-hosted a Meet the Candidates Night for those running for Loveland City Council in the November 5 election. The event was held in the Media Center of the Loveland Middle School.

    Loveland Magazine broadcast the forum live on our Facebook page and this is our re-broadcast.

    Our moderator for the forum was Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge Brad Greenberg, and Pastor Bill Hounshell sorted and asked the written questions that were submitted by the audience.

    Candidates Kathy Bailey, Andy Bateman, Kent Blair, Cory O’Donnell, and Angela Settell participated. Pat Ahr was unable to attend due to a previous engagement.

    PUBLISHER’S NOTE of THANKS:

    Thank you to John Ames the Loveland School Business Manager for the hours you spent on the details of room logistics and the sound system. Thank you, Pastor Bill Hounshell, for perhaps the hardest job of the evening – sorting through the many audience submitted questions and fairly and impartially asking them to the candidates. Thank you, Judge Greenberg, for adding your dignity to the forum and for keeping things running so smoothly. Thank you Loveland Voters for attending and your community engagement. Thank you, Chamber – CeeCee Collins and Meredith Taylor – for the important roles you played in making the evening a success and allowing us to partner with you again this year. David Miller, Publisher

    If you find this story useful and helpful in your daily life…



  • Meet the Council Candidates Wednesday evening

    Meet the Council Candidates Wednesday evening

    Loveland, Ohio – The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance and Loveland Magazine will co-host a Meet the Candidates night this Wednesday.

    The forum will be in the Media Center of the Loveland Middle School at 7 PM.

    The school is at 801 South Lebanon Road.

    This event is FREE and the public is encouraged to attend

    The format will follow the same as in the past:

    • Candidates will each present for 2 minutes to open the forum.
    • Questions will be asked for 60 minutes allowing each candidate two minutes to reply or pass.
    • After 60 minutes candidates will close with a 2 minute speech.
    Residents will be putting their questions into a “hat,” and all questions will be screened for duplication. The Honorable Judge Brad Greenburg (Hamilton County Courthouse) will serve as the emcee.

    LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV will broadcast the event live on our Facebook Page.

     

  • City establishes new fixed rate for members in electric aggregation program

    City establishes new fixed rate for members in electric aggregation program

    A Press Release from City Hall

    Loveland, Ohio (April 4, 2019) – City of Loveland officials are pleased to announce that they have established a low fixed rate for members in the City’s electric aggregation program. The City selected Dynegy as the program’s supplier following a competitive proposal process for a two-year program starting with the May 2019 meter read.  Dynegy recently won a competitive proposal process and is replacing Constellation as the program’s supplier. Program members will pay a low fixed rate of 5.015 cents/kWh for their May 2019 through May 2021 meter reads. Residents should look for a mailer from Dynegy on or about April 8th, announcing the new rates, terms and conditions.

    “We’re excited about the two-year offer of 5.015 cents/kWh which is lower than the expiring rate that served us well. The savings will be a benefit to our residents,” said Dave Kennedy, City Manager of Loveland. Kennedy concluded by saying, “Current program members and those customers who are receiving their electric supply from the local utility, Duke Energy, will receive an opt-out letter. The letter will explain the low offer we negotiated and the means to opt-out should a customer not want to participate in the program. Residents will have 21 days to return an opt-out card to Dynegy, if they decide not to participate.”

    Mayor Kathy Bailey said, “We are delighted by the low fixed rate for Loveland residents and businesses. This low rate will allow residents to predict their costs for the next two years.  Our rate of 5.015 cents/kWh is very attractive, and we expect participation rates in our program to be high.  Customers who are currently served by other suppliers may also join the City’s program by contacting Dynegy at 888-682-2170.”

    Customers served by another supplier should review the obligations in their existing contract before joining the City of Loveland program, as many suppliers charge a fee for early termination. Customers wishing to join the program must be in good standing with their bill payment and cannot be part of the utility’s percentage of income payment program (PIPP).

    The City is pleased to have made this program possible but asks that you do not call the city offices.  They are not equipped to handle a large volume of calls.  If residents have any questions, they should contact Dynegy at 888-682-2170 after the opt-out notice arrives.



     

  • Blair gets Bailey nod for vacant council seat

    Blair gets Bailey nod for vacant council seat

    Loveland Mayor Kathy Bailey – File Photo

    Loveland, Ohio – On Wednesday, Mayor Kathy Bailey announced she has selected Kent Blair to fill the vacant seat on City Council. The council seat has been vacant since the resignation of Mark Fitzgerald on August 14 of last year. Blair will serve the remaining two-year’s of Fitzgerald’s term. Blair is expected to be sworn into office at the next council meeting scheduled for January 9.

    In a press release, Bailey said she conducted personal interviews with several candidates before making her decision. “I selected Kent because he shares my commitment to community engagement and transparency,” Bailey said. “The voters made clear this November what qualities they want in their council members, and Kent exemplifies them all. He is committed to working with this new council to make the City proud of the work we do, and the manner in which we do it.”

    Blair had submitted petitions to run for one of the four, four-year open council seats in last November’s election but withdrew from the race when Neal Oury submitted petitions to run.

    The Back Story

    On August 11 the Hamilton County Board of Elections ruled that Oury and the Loveland Community Heartbeat Political Action Committee (LCHPAC) had submitted sufficient petitions to recall Fitzgerald. The petition effort was successful, and could have resulted in a head-to-head race, Oury vs. Fitzgerald, however instead of facing the voters to retain his seat, resigned. That left Fitzgerald’s seat open and Loveland without a Mayor.

    Oury then submitted petitions to run for one of the regular open seats on Council and that is when Blair withdrew his petitions to run. It was an apparent deal with LCHPAC who endorsed five candidates. If there was not a recall election, Blair would withdraw making room for Oury’s name on the ballot. Others receiving the LCHPAC endorsement were incumbents, Rob Weisgerber, Ted Phelps, and newcomer Tim Butler. 

    Fitzgerald stepped down as Mayor at an August 14 meeting so that he could still cast a vote on who would be the next mayor and vice-mayor. The votes were 4-3 in favor of then vice-mayor Angie Settell and then, council member, Pam Gross. After the meeting was over, Fitzgerald distributed a letter that he was resigning from Council. The attempt to elevate Settell to Mayor was later ruled illegal by City Solicitor Joe Braun because there wasn’t proper public notice of the meeting. Braun also ruled that the council seat would remain open until new council members were sworn in on December 4 and a new Mayor elected. Bailey was elected Mayor.

    About Kent Blair

    Kent Blair is expected to be sworn into office at the next council meeting scheduled for January 9.

    In announcing his withdrawal from the ballot, Blair said on August 18, “I was one of nine candidates on the ballot for four City Council seats. When I was first asked to consider running, I made it clear to all that, while I want to serve, and believe that I would do a good job, the main outcome of the election must be removing the existing majority on Council. To help achieve that, if necessary, I would withdraw my own candidacy so that the full support of those in Loveland who share my goal could be focused, laser-like, on four candidates for four seats. With the recall election no longer a possible ballot question, the mathematics of the race have changed. It is in celebration of that victory, and in keeping with my commitment, that I have withdrawn my name for the ballot for November, and strongly urge any and all who share my views of the future of our city to support now and cast your votes when the time comes for Rob Weisgerber, Ted Phelps, Neal Oury, and Tim Butler.”

    Blair is employed at U.S. Bank where he is an investment advisor and broker. He is a 12-year resident of Loveland and dad to a senior at Loveland High School. He has been a member of the Amazing Charity Race Committee since its inception and as a 7-year coach of SAY Soccer.

    In announcing his candidacy Blair said he would advocate for transparency and resident engagement. At the top of his list for reform is the makeup of the Community Improvement Corporation. Blair added, “I am a strong supporter of accountability of elected officials to the people they serve. I believe in process, good stewardship of resources, an expectation of inclusion, and sensible growth. Loveland should stand for all of the residents, not the few who lead it. Development of a future master plan must be approached with an emphasis on community representation, not strategic power plays that benefit only a few.”

    Bailey added, “I appreciate and thank all of those candidates who applied. This was a very tough decision, but I think Kent will be a great addition to the new council, and I am excited to work with him.”