CINCINNATI — Hamilton County Commissioner Greg Hartmann has attracted some competition in his 2016 re-election bid.
State Representative Denise Driehaus, a Democrat, announced Thursday her intent to unseat Hartmann, a Republican, in next year’s Hamilton County Board of Commissioners election.
“The work of the County Commission touches the lives of every resident and I am committed to bringing the same dedication, vision, and action to the Commission that I bring to the state legislature,” Driehaus said. "For too long, the majority on the County Commission has kicked the can down the road, passing the buck to future generations and avoiding the major issues.”
Driehaus is finishing her fourth and final term as a state legislature. She is the ranking member of the state’s finance committee and a member of the ways and means committee and economic development committee. Driehaus touted her ability to draw bipartisan support for legislation and experience in dealing with economic issues facing Ohio.
“Hamilton County needs a Commissioner who has a proactive vision for the future,” she said. "Hamilton County needs a Commissioner who will address tough issues like MSD and not continue to kick the can down the road. Hamilton County needs a commission that will work with both Republicans and Democrats, with cities, villages, and townships, with Business and Labor to build a better Hamilton County.”
Driehaus grew up in Green Township and spent years as a volunteer in Cincinnati.
Hartmann was first elected commissioner in 2009. He was elected to a second term in 2013 and currently serves as the board’s president. Hartmann points to his cost cutting and saving taxpayers nearly $40 million in budget cuts since he took office.
