KERRY STEED
Republican
Age: 45
Residence: Wilmington/Adams Twp.
Occupation: Owner of Generations Pizzeria in Wilmington; Clinton County Commissioner 2012-present (president 2014)
What are your qualifications for the position of Clinton County Commissioner?
Chairman of Multiple County Agency Boards and Committees
Worked through Jobs Ohio and CCPA to bring 200 jobs to airpark
Collaborating with BOC to create the LEGACY FUND
Budgetary Expert able to balance budget every year in office
Partnered with Sheriff and State of Ohio to install Countywide Emergency Communications
Supporting the enhancement of our county and city parks
OWNER, Generations Pizzeria, a 53-year, multi-generational business
1993-present, 23 years
President/CEO
Created jobs and other opportunities for over 1,800 people
Implemented all short and long term strategic planning to maintain success in a highly complex and customer focused market.
Community Leader connected and supporting many local organizations. Red Cross, Relay for Life, Rotary, Orion, Leadership Clinton, etc.
Why do you want to be a commissioner?
As a lifelong member of this community my family and I have invested our entire lives in Clinton County and want nothing more than to have a positive impact on our future.
Describe the kind of commissioner you would like to be.
I want to be a commissioner that is known for doing what he says. You’ll hear buzz words, key phrases, and good intentions from my opponents but I’m the only one delivering on the promises I made to the voters. I promised I would work with the other commissioners to balance the budgets, help companies bring jobs, and protect the hospital funds. Since joining the BOC our county is in the best financial position in years, our employers around the county have more jobs than they can fill, and we are on the cusp of creating the L.E.G.A.C.Y. Fund that will enhance the health, safety, and welfare of our youth, families, and senior citizens for decades to come.
What goals would you have if elected?
The voters expect us to be smart and careful with their money. They also expect us to understand the complexities of the office while at the same time continue making constant improvements that benefit everyone. And lastly, they expect us to be forward thinkers able to provide solutions for public safety, health, and other important issues the county may face. These are the goals of the citizens of Clinton County and should be the goals of anyone seeking office. The difference, for me, is that they are not just goals but are the oaths that I swore to uphold when I took office.
The commissioners oversee millions of dollars in public money. What’s your fiscal philosophy as to how that money should be overseen?
As your commissioner, I have a proven track record protecting the millions of dollars that flow through the commissioners’ office. Whether it’s balancing the general fund budget or appropriating millions of dollars for the multitude of other agencies my philosophy for handling the taxpayers’ money comes down to seven words. If you make 50, don’t spend 51.
Do you support the county’s levied 0.5 percent sales tax or do you think it should be reduced, increased or expire this year?
Yes, I support my public statements to reduce the ½% sales tax.
During the four-year term of office you seek, the county expects to receive millions of dollars from the sale of the formerly county-owned Clinton Memorial Hospital. What should be done with that money?
Before we consider spending any money, regardless of its origin, we ask ourselves one question. Do we need to spend it, save it, or invest it? Fortunately, as your commissioner, I have been part of a team that has been able to pay off our debts (spend some of it), create an emergency fund (save a lot of it), and work on crafting legislation that will create the LEGACY fund that is providing a way for us to improve health, safety, and welfare for everyone living in Clinton County (invest the biggest part of it). Our current plan comes from the many public meetings, discussions, and research with the valuable cross-section of Clinton County concerning the money and our goal has always been to secure the funds, get our financial house in order, and invest the rest in the future of Clinton County.
Do you wish to briefly add something that hasn’t been touched upon in your responses?
The most important lesson I have learned since taking office was that serving as your commissioner is not a dictatorship. You don’t get to impose your will or viewpoint on the county or those around you. It’s a team effort and an opportunity to serve the community while working with two other independent thinkers that bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. I am honored to serve as your commissioner and I look forward to the next four years. Thank you, Kerry Steed
