The NKyTribune and The Northerner, Northern Kentucky University’s independent student newspaper, have partnered in a special way to provide this special 2020 Election Section. To help voters through their decisions on local council and commission races, we are providing these brief profiles of candidates in CONTESTED RACES for seats on those governing bodies. The candidates are listed in the order they appear on the ballot. We made every effort to contact all candidates. If the bio is missing, no response was received. That information will be added if provided by the candidate.

By Natalie Hamren
Editor, The Northerner

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Kyle Sparks

Kyle Sparks grew up in Morehead, Kentucky. He graduated from Northern Kentucky University. He currently is the chairman of business development for the city of Alexandria, a position he’s held since February 2019. He’s served as a councilman for the city of Alexandria since November 2018. Sparks is a national litigation consultant and subject matter expert for Thomson Reuters. Previously, he served as a council member for the City of Crestview.

 
 

Steven Shinkle

Steven Shinkle, a Northern Kentucky native, grew up in Alexandria. He graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a Bachelors in Economics. He currently works as a Senior Account Manager at Nestle Waters. He also serves on the Planning and Zoning Board for Alexandria. Shinkle and his wife are involved and are always looking for ways to grow with their Parish, St. Mary’s, in Alexandria. 

 
 
 

Stacey Graus

Stacey Graus is from Alexandria. He graduated from Campbell County High School and from Northern Kentucky University with his undergraduate degree and graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Law. He currently works as an attorney for Adams, Stepner, Woltermann & Dusing, P.L.L.C. He has served on the Alexandria City Council since first being elected in 1998. 

 
 
 

Thomas Lynn Baldridge

Thomas Baldridge was born in Fort Thomas and raised in Cold Spring. He graduated from Campbell County High School and Northern Kentucky University where he earned a Bachelors in Business. He was a Cold Spring council member for seven years until moving to Alexandria. Currently, he owns Baldridge Distributing and is a council member for Alexandria. He also serves as a treasurer for his church.

 
 
 

Dave Hart

Dave Hart is from Sciotoville, Ohio. He moved to Alexandria in 1977. He attended Ohio University and Northern Kentucky University. He works for the transportation department of the Campbell County School System. He served on the Planning and Zoning Board in Alexandria for 10 years and seven terms on city council. He has been on the industrial advisory board of the Center for Employment Training for 20 years at the Brighton Center.

 
 

Joe Anderson

Joe Anderson is a lifelong resident of Alexandria. He graduated from Newport High School. He’s currently retired. Previously, he served as a self-employed contractor. Over the years, he’s donated to various organizations around Alexandria in hopes that the organizations meet their goals. 

 
 
 
 

AJ Moermond

AJ Moermond is from Fort Thomas. He graduated from Campbell County High School and attended Purdue University and Northern Kentucky University. He is the third generation of his family working at Bud’s J&M Service. Previously, he served two terms on the Highland Heights City Council and was on hiring committees. He’s a supporter of CCHS Band of Pride, the CCHS Academic Team Alumni and CCHS football. 

 
 
 
 

 

Lisa Schmidt Cavanaugh

Lisa Schmidt Cavanaugh is from Cold Spring. She grew up in Huntsville, Alabama due to her dad’s job, but has lived in Cold Spring for 30 years. She attended Grissom High School in Huntsville. She currently serves as a council member for the city of Cold Spring, a position she’s held for eight years. She is also the City Historian for Cold Spring. Prior to that, she served on the Cold Spring Parks & Recreation board.

 
 
 

Paul Kloeker

Paul Kloeker grew up down the road from the Cold Spring city building on East Alexandria Pike. He graduated from Campbell County High School in 2003 and graduated from Gateway Community and Technical College with an Associates degree in 2006. He is currently the Maintenance Manager for Fisher Auto Parts Distribution Center in Walton. He’s currently a council member for Cold Spring.

 

Cindy Moore

Cindy Moore currently serves on the council. No other information available

 
 
 
 
 

Chris Ampfer

Chris Ampfer currently serves on the council. No other information available

 
 
 
 
 

Deanna Hengge

Deanna Hengee grew up in Englewood, Ohio, and graduated from Northmont High School. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati. Currently, she’s the Director of Development at Tender Mercies, a local nonprofit. She is working toward her Masters of Social Work at Northern Kentucky University. Previously, she’s worked for Fortune 500 companies and a CEO for a small firm. She enjoys spending time with her family and the outdoors. 

 
 

Stephen Roach

Stephen Roach has lived in Cold Spring, Kentucky for over 30 years. He worked in the printing industry for 27 years and started a contracting business until he retired in 2016. He was also Clubmaster and Scoutmaster for Troop 86 through St. Joseph Church.

 
 

Kenny Sears

Kenny Sears grew up in Cincinnati and graduated from Glen Este High School. He attended the University of Cincinnati and graduated with a Bachelors in Marketing and Management. In 1983, he moved to Northern Kentucky and began a career in financial services. He currently manages a group in the custody department at a bank. Previously, he served on the Board of Adjustments for the cities of Alexandria and Taylor Mill.

 
 
 

Adam Craig Sandfoss

Adam Craig Sandfoss is a lifelong resident of Cold Spring. He currently serves on the City Council for the City of Cold Spring, a position he’s held for the last 10 years. He works as a cardiac and thoracic registered nurse at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. During his time on city council, he helped pass a Fairness Ordinance that outlaws LGBTQ+ discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations.

 
 

 
 

 

Jeff Volter

Jeff Volter currently serves on the city council and on the Economic Development Committee. No other information available

 
 
 
 
 

Joseph “Joe” Neary

Joe Neary was born and raised in the coal region of Eastern Pennsylvania. He attended Pennsylvania State University. He has worked in the industrial computing industry for over two decades. He has served on the Dayton City Council since 2014 and worked to pass a nuisance ordinance, a fairness ordinance and more. He’s most proud of bringing an atmosphere of civility, cooperation, open communications, and common sense to the city. 

 
 

Tammy Cornett

Tammy Cornett is from Dayton. She graduated from Dayton High School. She’s retired from US Bank as Vice President of International Operations. She currently serves on the City Council for Dayton. Previously, she’s served on the Dayton Park Board and was the former President of Dayton Jr. Baseball League and Dayton Civic Club. As President of the Civic Club, she organized and chaired community events. 

 
 
 

Beth Nyman

Beth Nyman is from the Northside of Chicago but has lived in Northern Kentucky since 2000. She studied at Cincinnati State. She’s currently a freelance artist, wife, mom, and a volunteer. Previously, she was an account coordinator at Deskey, a branding and packaging firm in Cincinnati. She was the Chair of the Main Street board in Dayton where she ran events and promotions, like Holiday Market, Light Up Dayon and Fall Fest. 

 
 
 

Anthony Vincent Cadle

Anthony Cadle is from Dayton. He graduated from Dayton High School and from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelors in Economics and Masters of Public Administration. He currently is a Development Manager for the City of Cincinnati’s Department of Community and Economic Development. He also serves as the Chair of Dayton’s Planning and Zoning Board and is a parish council member at St. Bernard Church.

 
 
 
 

Robert Lee Burgess

No information available

 

Jeff Haas

Jeff Haas is from Fort Thomas. He attended Summit Country Dry High School. He graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelors of Science in Marketing. Currently, he works in equipment sales at the Hubert Company. Previously, he worked in food service equipment sales and project management. He serves on the Dayton Planning and Zoning Board.

 
 
 

Justin Slover

Justin Slover is a community manager, a father and a neighbor who believes politics is about people and community.

 
 
 
 
 

Ron Farris

Ron Farris attended Dayton High School and works at Lowe’s Home Improvement.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Johnny Walker Wirick

No information available

 

Christina Kelly

Christina Kelly is from Delhi, the west side of Cincinnati. She graduated from Oak Hills High School. She received a bachelors from Northern Kentucky University and a Masters from the University of Montana. She currently is an archaeologist. She serves as the chair of the Dayton Board of Architectural Review. She’s volunteered for yearly events such as Fall Fest, Dayton Flea, Light up Dayton and more. 

 
 
 

Scott C. Beseler

Scott Beseler was born in Detroit, Michigan and grew up in various cities in the Midwest, eventually settling in Dayton. He attended Carmel High School and graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington. He serves on the City Council for Dayton. He’s a photographer for Northern Kentucky University and is the owner of The Lodge KY, an art and recording studio. He organizes block parties in his community and volunteers to clear trails. 

 

 
 

 

Mark Cook

Mark Cook was born and raised in Fort Thomas. He attended Highlands High School and graduated from the University of Cincinnati. He currently works as a Human Resources Business Partner at Wheels Up, an aviation company. He also has served in other aviation and healthcare human resource roles. He’s seeking a seat on City Council to have involvement in the community. 

 
 
 

Connie Grubbs

Connie Grubbs lives in Fort Thomas. She received her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and her Masters from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. She’s currently a stage manager for Cincinnati Opera and a stay-at-home parent when the opera isn’t in season. She’s served on PTO for many years and has been a leader for various causes in her community. 

 
 
 

Carla Landon

Carla Landon was born in Cincinnati and lived in Newport, Kentucky for a few years before her family moved to Fort Thomas, Kentucky. She graduated from Highlands High School and Northern Kentucky University. She’s currently a Senior Communications Manager at Walmart. She’s a board member for the Campbell County Public Library and the Cincinnati chapter of International Association of Business Communicators.

 
 
 

Roger Peterman

Roger Peterman grew up in Michigan. He attended the University of Kentucky for undergraduate and law school and moved to Fort Thomas in 1983. He currently is a partner at the Dinsmore & Shohl law firm. He is a council member on the Fort Thomas City Council. He serves on the St. Elizabeth Hospital Board and is a member of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, as well as other organizations.

 
 
 

Jeff Bezold

Jeff Bezold is from Fort Thomas. He graduated from Highlands High School and Western Kentucky University. He currently is the Regional Manager for Depuy Synthes Mitek, Johnson & Johnson. He serves on the Fort Thomas City Council. Previously, he worked for the Parks and Recreation Department for the city of Fort Thomas. He also has worked in mortgage sales for Wells Fargo and has spent the last 15 years in medical sales.

 
 

Ben Pendery

Ben Pendery is from Fort Thomas. He graduated from Highlands High School in 2005 and Denison University in 2009. He started his career in Ohio state government before transitioning to the private sector in 2013. He’s a member of the Fort Thomas Lions Club, as well as Christ Church, UCC. He’s an avid outdoorsman and enjoys being on the water, in the woods, on a golf course or taking runs through town.

 
 
 

Adam Blau

Adam Blau is from Fort Thomas. He graduated from Highlands High School in 1993. He owns The Liquor Box, a liquor and convenience store, in Independence, Kentucky. He’s currently a council member for the city of Fort Thomas and a board member of the Kentucky Alcohol and Beverage Retailers Board. He’s a former Renaissance Board Member for Fort Thomas.

 
 
 

Matthew Reed

Matthew Reed was born and raised in Fort Thomas. He attended Highlands High School and graduated from Northern Kentucky University in 2012. He currently is the Director of Leasing for EBCON Inc. Property Management in Cincinnati. He also is an assistant football coach at Highlands High School. He loves giving back to the school and football program that gave him so much when he was a student.

 
 
 

Ken Bowman

Ken Bowman is from Fort Thomas. He attended Finneytown High School and studied at the University of Cincinnati. He currently is a Realtor at Huff Realty. He’s served on the Fort Thomas City council since 2012. Previously, he served on the Fort Thomas Renaissance board for nine years. He’s been a mentor for people with special needs since 2012 and is a member of the Fort Thomas Forest Conservancy. 

 
 
 

Lisa Kelly

Lisa Kelly has lived in Fort Thomas her whole life, attended St Thomas, Newport Central Catholic and Northern Kentucky University. She owns Dirty Hairy’s Dog Spa and a Pets Wants franchise located in the historic Midway District. She has served four terms on the City Council. Her daughter graduated from Highlands and her son is now attending Highlands.

 
 
 
 

 

Frank Peluso

Frank Peluso is a lifelong resident of Newport. He graduated from Newport Catholic High School in 1973. He’s retired from full-time employment, but currently serves as a city commissioner for the city of Newport. Previously, he worked in the Newport Water Works Department and other jobs for Newport, as well as the private sector. He attends neighborhood meetings, volunteers and is available for all Newportians.

 
 
 

Beth Fennell

Beth Fennell graduated from West Lafayette University in Indiana with a Bachelors in communications. She graduated from Purdue University for graduate school. She’s currently a State Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser. She also currently serves as  Newport City Commissioner. She previously has served as the vice mayor for Newport. She’s a member of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

 
 
 
 

Joseph Anthony Santini

No information available

 

Jason M. Walter

Jason Walter was raised in Burlington, Kentucky and has lived in Newport, Kentucky since 2014. He graduated from Conner High School and the University of Kentucky. He currently is a Senior Area Product Sales Manager. He’s involved in Newport tree planting, fundraising for the Newport dog park and supporting Local 45 initiatives.

 
 
 

Ken Rechtin

Ken Rechtin graduated from Covington Latin School and Northern Kentucky University with a Bachelors of Science degree. He’s currently retired from private sector employment and is a Newport City Commissioner. He served 12 years as a County Commissioner of the Campbell County Fiscal Court. He enjoys beekeeping, writing, gardening and being a grandfather. 

 
 
 

Gordon Henry

Gordon Henry is from Newport. He graduated from Newport High School and attended Northern Kentucky University. He currently is the Executive Director of Dayton Housing Authority. He has served as the President of ReNewport, a 501-c3 focusing on Newport’s economy, education, and more, for four years. He is also the Curriculum Chair for New Leaders Council in Kentucky, a leadership development program. 

 
 
 

Jerry Rex Peluso

Jerry Peluso is a lifelong resident of Newport. He attended Newport Catholic High School. He’s currently the mayor of Newport, a position he’s held for the last 12 years and served 20 years on the Newport City Commission. He has served on the Northern Kentucky Board of Health. He also has worked for Peluso’s Market, a family business since 1931.

 
 

 
 

Click here for printable 2020 Campbell County Ballot