A Hamilton County commissioner primary debate featured some sparring between three Democratic candidates about public safety, The Banks and affordable housing.
Hamilton County Commission President Stephanie Summerow Dumas, Cincinnati City Councilmember Meeka Owens and local educator Herman Najoli shared their visions for Hamilton County in an April 16 debate ahead of the May primary election.
The debate, held at the Cincinnati Public Radio station in Evanston, was hosted by The Enquirer and Cincinnati Public Radio.
Finishing The Banks A question about the remaining lots at The Banks, Cincinnati's riverside entertainment district, prompted the first passionate exchange of the evening.
Owens said she would be willing to "fight for the future" of The Banks and said Dumas doesn't think The Banks is necessary for the region.
"That’s part of the problem with politicians.
They don’t listen," Dumas responded.
Dumas said she's reviewing options and hasn't decided what should be on the remaining lots at The Banks but believes it's a necessary project.
"It’s a priority and it can’t wait another two decades," Owens said.
A county beyond the city and a city that's part of the county Questions about public safety highlighted different perspectives from Dumas and Owens.
Dumas said her vision as a commissioner is to go beyond Cincinnati out to where she began as an official in the Forest Park and Lincoln Heights governments.
She said through the sheriff's office contracts with local jurisdictions, the county has extended its public safety services to all the villages and townships.
Owens said “hesitancy has a cost," and Cincinnati is a part of the county, so commissioners need to show up and be part of the....
