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Hamilton County Commissioner

Term: 4 yearsResponsibilities: 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.

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    Herman Najoli
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Meeka Owens
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Stephanie Summerow Dumas
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

What are your qualifications for office? (250 character limit)

If elected, what will be your top 3 priorities? (500 character limit)

Occupation Educator and Behavioral Health Professional
Education I hold a bachelor’s degree in economics (major) and commerce (minor), a master’s in advanced leadership, and a doctorate in organizational leadership.
Experience I have been an educator at a regional university, a social worker at a faith-based shelter, and a behavioral health professional with several notable organizations.
Endorsements None
Affiliations Since 2015, I have been a volunteer soccer, basketball, and track/field coach at three Westside schools and with FC Cincinnati Foundation’s West End Pride program.
Political Philosophy Government should ensure an equitable society where justice prevails, and all thrive for the common good.
I am a resident of Hamilton County, a father, and a friend. I have lived in Price Hill on the Westside for 20 years. I have a doctorate in Organizational Leadership, but my greatest joy is my wife of 22 years and two kids that we have raised here.
1. Justice and Safety - Alexander Hamilton, whom our county is named after, said “The first duty of society is justice”. I will push for safety in our communities. 2. Equity and Affordability - We have 49 jurisdictions. I will champion equitable services for all residents to be able to afford to live, raise families, and retire here. 3. Jobs and Growth - Good economic planning and infrastructure is vital for business. I will advance innovative ideas and smarter strategies for WBE, MBE, and SBE.
Occupation Councilwoman, City of Cincinnati
Education Masters of Education - Xavier University; Bachelors Degree - Miami University
Endorsements Planned Parenthood Action
Political Philosophy Democrat
Lifelong Cincinnatian, current City Councilmember, and community development leader. Proven record expanding affordable housing, clean energy, and economic opportunity. I bring results-driven leadership focused on making Hamilton County work for ever
Lower costs and expand affordable housing; strengthen public health, mental health, and addiction services; and grow an economy that works for every community, supporting small businesses, workforce development, and sustainable infrastructure across all 49 jurisdictions. Building a sustainable region with a climate-forward lens.
Occupation Hamilton County Commissoner, Licensed Social Worker, Author, Small Business Owner
Education B.S.W. in Social Work, State of Ohio Licensed Social Worker
Experience Hamilton County Commissioner 7+ years, City of Forest Park Mayor 6 years, Lincoln Heights Village Manager 4 years, Politician 33 years, Vice-Mayor 6 years Licensed Social Worker 48 years,
Endorsements CRBC, Matriots, Jeff Berding, Bishop Bobby Hilton, and others forthcoming
Affiliations n/a
Political Philosophy Integrity, Honesty, Fairness, Transparency, Team Player, Hard Work, Flexibility
Trailblazing leader and first African American woman County Commissioner in Ohio, with 7+ years on the Commission (3-time President). Former mayor, vice mayor, and village manager with 30+ years in public service and 48 years as a social worker.
(1) maintaining a stable, responsible budget to ensure essential services like public safety and mental health remain strong; (2) expanding affordable housing, building on 1,000+ units created/preserved and advancing initiatives like tiny homes for Veterans, while continuing to assess rental assistance and eviction prevention, and (3) strengthening youth advocacy by sustaining the Office of Youth, expanding year-round opportunities, and increasing youth engagement in county government culture.