Let's Talk Clermont

Ep. 83 — Ron Grethel on Election Reform, Flock Cameras and Ohio House District 62 This week, we start with local news from around Clermont County and the region before sitting down with Ron Grethel, Libertarian candidate for Ohio House District 62, for a wide-ranging conversation about election reform, privacy, data centers, family policy, property taxes and what he believes state government should look like. We begin in Mount Orab, where the village is considering a proposed High-Tech Overlay that would establish additional regulations for data centers and other high-tech development on industrially zoned land. The proposal comes after sustained public opposition to data-center development and an earlier village moratorium. Residents are also asking officials to determine what may already be permitted under Mount Orab’s existing zoning code before moving ahead with new regulations. At the Clermont County Commissioners meeting, Commissioner David Painter raised two issues he believes local governments should be paying closer attention to: automated license plate readers and data centers. Painter pointed to questions surrounding privacy, Fourth Amendment protections and data access involving Flock cameras, while also encouraging local officials to study data-center development before making long-term zoning decisions. The ATF has also deployed a Crime Gun Intelligence Mobile Command Center to Batavia, where federal agents are working alongside the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office. The mobile unit gives investigators access to ballistic analysis, firearm testing, fingerprint and DNA collection, and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network. Officials described the deployment as a regional investigative resource rather than a response to a newly announced spike in Clermont County gun crime. In Batavia Village, Council unanimously approved a pre-annexation agreement involving approximately 104 acres for a proposed mixed-use development between State Route 32, Harold Road, Old State Route 32 and the Trotters Way area. Plans discussed by officials include retail along Harold Road and a mix of residential development behind it, with the possibility of attracting a large national retailer and grocery store. The project still faces annexation, zoning and additional development review. Flock cameras were also a major topic in Batavia. Several residents urged Village Council to discontinue its automated license plate reader program, raising concerns about privacy, data sharing and Fourth Amendment protections. Council did not make a decision but agreed to continue reviewing the program and hear from both Flock representatives and critics of the technology. Batavia Council also heard questions involving a TIF ordinance approved earlier this year. A resident raised discrepancies involving the property identified in the ordinance and referenced agreements with Batavia Local Schools and Great Oaks. Village Solicitor Chris Moore told Council the ordinance probably needs to be corrected and said he would investigate and bring the matter back for further review. And Milford Schools says it has reduced general-fund appropriations by roughly $5 million compared with last year while continuing to manage projected deficit spending. District officials say fiscal year 2026 ended substantially better than previously forecast and that they are continuing to monitor spending, revenue and cash reserves as they work through the current five-year forecast. Interview — Ron Grethel Ron Grethel is running as a Libertarian for Ohio House District 62, which includes portions of Clermont County. Ron talks about what brought him into politics after serving eight years as an Air Defense Artillery officer in the Army National Guard, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and later building a career in insurance and software development. We start with what being a Libertarian means to him. Ron describes his philosophy as less about the familiar “taxation is theft” formulation and more about “don’t tread on us” — limiting abuses of power by both government and private institutions while maintaining a government capable of enforcing basic rules. From there, we get deep into election reform. Ron explains his support for ranked-choice voting and open primaries, arguing that the current primary system gives a relatively small group of partisan voters substantial influence over who reaches the general election. We discuss how ranked-choice voting works, Alaska’s election system and Ohio’s restrictions on local governments adopting ranked-choice voting. That leads into the barriers facing independent and minor-party candidates in Ohio, including signature requirements and ballot-access rules, and a broader conversation about whether the two-party system creates incentives that contribute to political polarization. We also talk about family policy. Ron discusses a bipartisan paid family and medical leave proposal in Ohio and why he supports creating a program that could give workers time away from their jobs to care for a new child, sick spouse, parent or other family member. The conversation expands into adoption, maternity costs, childcare and the financial pressures facing families. Ron talks about his own family’s experience with adoption and discusses policies he believes could reduce some of the upfront financial barriers associated with adopting a child or having a baby. We also discuss an Ohio proposal that would create additional state records involving pregnancies and pregnancy outcomes. Ron explains his privacy concerns with creating government records of miscarriages, stillbirths and abortions and discusses how those concerns fit into his broader view of government data collection. Then we get into data centers. Ron argues that if Ohio communities are going to host major data-center developments, state and local governments should examine their effects on energy, water, infrastructure and taxpayers. We discuss tax incentives, energy generation, small modular nuclear reactors, water use and whether communities hosting large developments should receive more direct benefits from them. That conversation naturally brings us to Flock cameras. Ron, who works as a programmer, walks through how he believes automated license plate reader technology could be designed differently. Rather than maintaining large databases of vehicle movements, he suggests systems could compare plates against narrowly defined law-enforcement alerts and immediately discard information that does not match. We discuss warrants, data retention, private companies collecting information on behalf of government and the broader question of how constitutional privacy protections should apply as surveillance technology becomes more capable. From there, we move into property taxes and local government. Ron discusses land-value taxation as one possible alternative worth examining and talks about the importance he places on local control and keeping government decisions closer to the people affected by them. And then things get wonderfully wonky. Ron introduces us to “Article the First,” one of the original constitutional amendments proposed alongside what became the Bill of Rights but never fully ratified. The amendment dealt with congressional representation and the number of people represented by each member of the U.S. House. That launches a conversation about congressional districts, the Wyoming Rule, centuries-old unratified constitutional amendments — sometimes called “zombie amendments” — and what happens when constitutional proposals are sent to the states without an expiration date. Finally, we talk right to repair, open-source software and what it actually means to own the technology we buy. From tractors and automobiles to old iPads and digitally purchased video games, Ron argues that consumers should have greater ability to repair and continue using products after manufacturers stop supporting them. Links from This Episode • Ron Grethel for Ohio House News • Mount Orab considers new High-Tech Overlay regulations for data centers • Residents question what Mount Orab’s existing zoning code already permits • Commissioner David Painter raises Flock camera privacy and data-center issues for county attention • Pierce Township continues its data-center moratorium while studying possible regulations • ATF deploys Crime Gun Intelligence Mobile Command Center to Batavia • Batavia moves forward with pre-annexation agreement for proposed mixed-use development • Proposed Batavia development could include a major retailer and grocery store • Batavia Council begins broader review of its Flock license plate reader program • Residents raise privacy and data-sharing concerns involving Batavia’s Flock cameras • Questions raised over Batavia TIF ordinance approved earlier this year • Village solicitor says the TIF ordinance may need to be corrected • Milford Schools reduces general-fund appropriations by approximately $5 million • Milford continues monitoring projected deficit spending and cash reserves Events • Monarch Migration Hike at Clingman Park • Night at the Museum — Cheers for 250 Years at the Bethel Historical Society and Museum • Hike with Park Staff at Ten Mile Creek Nature Preserve • Loveland Oktoberfest • Fall Equinox Women’s Camping Retreat at Clingman Park • Clermont County Food and Farm Tour • Fall Bird Walk at Cincinnati Nature Center • Yoga in the Park at Sycamore Park • Milford Art Affaire • Farm-to-Table Dinner at Harmony Hill Vineyards • New Richmond Farmers Market • RAPTOR Inc. Open House Follow Let’s Talk Clermont on Facebook and Instagram, and sign up for the Thursday newsletter. Facebook Instagram Newsletter

Ep. 82 — Terry Cole of Colemine Records and Plaid Room Records on Building a Record Label, Running a Record Store and Making a Life in Music This week, we start with local news from around Clermont County before sitting down with Terry Cole, founder of Colemine Records and co-owner of Plaid Room Records in Loveland, for a conversation about records, independent music, entrepreneurship and what it actually takes to build a record label and record store. We begin with Clermont County’s latest update on housing and growth. County officials say Clermont continues to grow considerably faster than Ohio overall, with much of that growth concentrated along major transportation corridors in the western and central parts of the county. Officials reviewed roughly 3,800 new housing units last year and are working with townships on long-term land-use planning aimed at balancing development with infrastructure and preservation. That rapid growth is also beginning to put pressure on parts of Clermont County’s sewer system. County officials specifically pointed to portions of Goshen and Miami townships where sewer-line capacity is becoming a constraint on additional development. The county is studying water and sewer capacity as it considers where future growth can realistically be supported. In Pierce Township, trustees have extended the township’s data-center moratorium through May 31, 2027, while officials work on new zoning regulations. The extension comes as Crane Data Centers explores a roughly 300-acre industrial site along U.S. 52 near the former Beckjord power plant. No formal development application has been submitted, but the proposal has already drawn considerable public interest and concern. Tate Township is approaching a major decision on an overhaul of its zoning resolution. Trustees will hold a public hearing September 28 on a proposed rewrite of the township’s zoning code following months of meetings, public input and revisions. In Loveland, the city has announced its fall brush and leaf collection schedule. Brush pickup begins October 5, followed by leaf collection starting October 12, with neighborhood collection dates continuing into November. And Union Township trustees have scheduled a special September 21 town hall devoted to the township’s use of Automated License Plate Reader cameras. Residents will have an opportunity to hear more about the system and weigh in as trustees consider its future use. Interview — Terry Cole Terry Cole is the founder of Colemine Records and co-owner of Plaid Room Records in historic Downtown Loveland. Colemine started in 2007 with a focus on releasing raw, authentic soul music on vinyl. In 2015, Terry and his brother Bob opened Plaid Room Records, creating a brick-and-mortar record store that also became home base for the growing label. Terry walks us through the business from the inside: how a label works with artists, gets music recorded and released, presses physical records and ultimately gets that music into the hands and ears of listeners. We talk about how Colemine began, how something that started small developed into a full-fledged business and why opening Plaid Room became an important part of making the label sustainable. Terry also talks about the realities of owning a record store in an era when nearly every song ever recorded is instantly available online. We get into why people still buy vinyl, what makes record stores different from simply streaming music and the role a good independent shop can play in building a community around music. It’s a conversation about music, records and entrepreneurship, but also about what happens when someone takes something they genuinely care about and figures out how to build a life around it. Links from This Episode • Colemine Records • Plaid Room Records Photo credit: Mitch LaGrow News • Clermont County updates its housing and growth strategy • County officials say Clermont continues to outpace statewide population growth • Roughly 3,800 new housing units reviewed or approved during the past year • Sewer capacity emerging as a constraint on development in parts of Goshen and Miami townships • Pierce Township extends its data-center moratorium through May 31, 2027 • Developer explores a roughly 300-acre data-center site near the former Beckjord power plant • Tate Township schedules final public hearing on major zoning-code rewrite • Loveland announces fall brush and leaf collection schedules • Union Township schedules September 21 town hall on Automated License Plate Reader cameras Events • Night Hike: ’Possums and Pawpaws • Milford Farmers Market — Five Points Landing • Batavia Farmers Market • Clermont County History & Museum Day • Major General William Lytle’s 256th Birthday Celebration • Milford Farmers Market at the Greenhouse • Simmons Farms Saturday Farmers Market • Annual Lantern Lighting Ceremony • Sunset on the River • New Richmond Farmers Market • Fall Equinox Foraging Hike • Music on the River — Daniel Bennett and the Dirty Shirleys • Monarch Migration Hike • Night at the Museum — Cheers for 250 Years • Hike with Park Staff — Ten Mile Creek Nature Preserve • Loveland Oktoberfest • Fall Equinox Women’s Camping Retreat • Clermont County Food & Farm Tour • Fall Bird Walk • Yoga in the Park • Milford Art Affaire • Farm to Table Dinner at Harmony Hill Vineyards • RAPTOR Inc. Open House Follow Let’s Talk Clermont on Facebook and Instagram, and sign up for the Thursday newsletter. If the show brings you value, consider supporting us through your time, talent, or treasure. Visit Let’s Talk Clermont online to subscribe, donate, share a boots-on-the-ground report, or contact the show. Facebook Instagram Newsletter If the show brings you value, consider supporting us!

Ep. 81 — Brooke Hathaway-DeSantis of Bike Trail Books on Books, Community and the Human Side of AI This week, we start with local news from around Clermont County and the region before sitting down with Brooke Hathaway-DeSantis, owner of Bike Trail Books in Loveland, for a conversation about independent bookstores, reading, community, small business and the complicated role artificial intelligence is beginning to play in creative work. We begin in Wilmington, where a resident has filed a lawsuit challenging the city’s use of emergency legislation to approve rezoning connected to a proposed Amazon Web Services data center. The dispute centers on whether the emergency designation improperly prevents residents from challenging the zoning decision through a referendum. A judge has temporarily paused the latest zoning action while the case moves forward. In Loveland, debate continues over the city’s Flock license plate reader cameras. A resident presented City Council with a petition signed by nearly 400 people calling for their removal, citing privacy, data-sharing and effectiveness concerns. Council members largely defended the cameras as a useful law-enforcement tool while acknowledging unresolved questions about how information may be accessed by other jurisdictions. Loveland is also moving its Downtown Streetscape Phase One project closer to construction. The project would combine visible improvements such as sidewalks, lighting, curbs and street trees with major water, stormwater and sanitary sewer work. The city is pursuing state and federal funding, with construction potentially beginning in late summer 2027. Flock cameras were also a major topic in Union Township. Trustees agreed to hold a special town hall-style work session before the October business meeting to hear from police, residents and other stakeholders. Trustee Michael Logue introduced a motion to temporarily suspend the Flock program until stronger written policies and safeguards were adopted, but the motion failed 1–2. Union Township trustees also approved a zoning change for roughly 9.98 acres that would accommodate six single-family homes. The proposal passed 2–1 after discussion over density and how the development fits the township’s long-term plans. And Costco continues moving forward in Eastgate. Union Township officials announced that the retailer has officially submitted plans for its proposed development, marking another step in the zoning and approval process. Interview — Brooke Hathaway-DeSantis Brooke Hathaway-DeSantis is the owner of Bike Trail Books, an independent bookstore in historic Downtown Loveland. Brooke explains how a visit to a small bookstore during a 2022 trip to Virginia planted the idea that eventually became Bike Trail Books. What began as an online-only experiment quickly grew into pop-ups, story times and book clubs before Hometown Cafe offered her space for a small physical bookstore. Within weeks, the online business had become brick and mortar. Brooke talks about bootstrapping the store, the importance of supportive local partners and why choosing Downtown Loveland turned out to be one of the most important decisions she made. We also get into the realities of running a small bookstore. Brooke discusses thin margins, staffing, balancing business ownership with raising young children and why she invested in employees much earlier than many new small-business owners might. Brooke describes independent bookstores as modern “third spaces”, places outside the home and workplace where people can gather, develop relationships and build community. Bike Trail Books leans heavily into that role through memberships, a dozen monthly book clubs and events ranging from book bedazzling and educational workshops to Classics and Cocktails and Read Between the Wines. We talk about the broader resurgence of independent bookstores, the strength of Cincinnati’s indie book scene and the Cincinnati Bookstore Crawl, which now brings readers through dozens of independent bookstores across the region. From there, the conversation takes an unexpected turn into artificial intelligence. We talk about the difficult questions facing writers, artists, designers and small-business owners as AI becomes increasingly capable. Brooke explains why she draws a line around using AI for creative work while still recognizing its usefulness for business operations. Our conversation becomes an exploration of where useful technology ends and human creativity begins and what happens when small businesses and individual creators are left wrestling with ethical questions that much larger corporations may have little incentive to consider. Brooke also talks about what she is reading, how audiobooks fit into her life and what genres are moving through the bookstore. We discuss fantasy, romantasy, horror, science fiction, middle-grade books and the challenge of getting young readers into the right book at the right time. And Brooke gives us plenty of recommendations. Among the books discussed are The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Midnight Library, I See You’ve Called in Dead, The Ministry of Time, Dungeon Crawler Carl and The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion. And a big thank you to Brooke for suppling the episode art for this week's episode! Links from This Episode Bike Trail Books Libro.fm Bookshop.org News Wilmington resident challenges emergency legislation used for Amazon Web Services data-center rezoning Lawsuit raises questions about residents’ ability to pursue a zoning referendum Loveland residents present petition seeking removal of Flock license plate reader cameras Loveland officials defend Flock cameras while acknowledging continuing privacy and data-sharing concerns Loveland moves Downtown Streetscape Phase One closer to construction Union Township plans special public work session on its Flock camera program Motion to temporarily suspend Union Township’s Flock cameras fails 1–2 Union Township approves zoning change for six additional single-family homes Costco officially submits plans for its proposed Eastgate development Events Union Township Farmers Market Season Finale Miami Township Community CPR Union Township CPR/AED Training Milford Farmers Market at Five Points Landing Batavia Farmers Market Milford Farmers Market at the Greenhouse Second Saturday at Haussermann Park Batavia Fun Fair New Richmond Farmers Market Clermont County Tire Disposal Day America 250 Revolutionary War Veterans Monument Dedication Loveland Farmers Market Pawpaw Hike at Pattison Park Williamsburg Farmers Market Pawpaws Along the Paved Loop Music on the River — Wild Carrot New Richmond Homecoming Parade Pawpaw Hike at Klingman Park Night Hike — Possums and Pawpaws Clermont County History and Museum Day Major General William Lytle’s 250th Birthday Celebration Simmons Farms Saturday Farmers Market Annual Lantern Lighting Ceremony Sunset on the River Follow Let’s Talk Clermont on Facebook and Instagram, and sign up for the Thursday newsletter. If the show brings you value, consider supporting us through your time, talent, or treasure. Visit Let’s Talk Clermont online to subscribe, donate, share a boots-on-the-ground report, or contact the show. Facebook Instagram Newsletter If the show brings you value, consider supporting us!

Ep. 80 — Corey Kafka of Jester’s Cards and Games on Gaming, Community and Finding Your People This week, we start with a packed round of Clermont County news before sitting down with Corey Kafka, owner of Jester’s Cards and Games in Milford, for a conversation about Magic: The Gathering, Warhammer, tabletop gaming and the community that grows around local game stores. We begin at the Clermont County Commissioners meeting, where a resident raises questions during public comment about possible future development at the former Zimmer power plant site. The resident points to information she says she found in the PJM interconnection queue regarding a possible 629-megawatt natural gas project. Commissioners say they have no information about a new development at the site and have not signed nondisclosure agreements related to it. Commissioners also reject a proposal supporting a Clean Ohio grant application that would have preserved roughly 54 acres of the Fix family property in Jackson Township. Public access becomes the central point of disagreement, with Commissioners David Painter and Bonnie Batchler voting against the measure and Commissioner Claire Corcoran voting in favor. Clermont County is also confronting rising employee health-care costs. Medical claims are running substantially higher, and officials are considering changes to deductibles, employee contributions and coverage of working spouses as they try to reduce the size of the county’s projected 2027 insurance increase. We also have an update on the former Beckjord power plant property near New Richmond, where Clermont County officials say they are prepared to pursue federal litigation aimed at forcing cleanup of coal ash stored near the county’s primary drinking-water wells. In Loveland, officials continue working on a rewrite of the city’s noise ordinance. The discussion centers on whether enforcement should continue relying on objective decibel limits or move toward a broader “reasonableness” standard based on factors such as time of day, duration and how far noise travels. In Union Township, the Zoning Commission recommends approval of six additional detached homes in the Briar Hill redevelopment along Glen Este-Withamsville Road. We also look at plans for a proposed Costco in Eastgate, where the retailer has formally entered the township zoning process for a roughly 166,000-square-foot warehouse and fuel station. And in Milford, City Council continues weighing downtown parking options, seeks approximately $850,000 in state funding for cleanup of contaminated soil at the city-owned Harvest Market parking lot, begins discussions about the future of its park levy and approves additional repairs at the Happy Hollow sewer lift station. Interview — Corey Kafka Corey Kafka is the owner of Jester’s Cards and Games in Milford, a local game store built around trading card games, miniature wargaming, tabletop games and, perhaps most importantly, community. Corey explains how he went from working as a welder to owning a game store almost by accident. A longtime gamer who first played Magic: The Gathering in the 1990s, he had largely left the hobby behind before his kids introduced him to Commander and brought him back into the game. From there, things get nerdy. We dig into what makes Magic such an enduring game, from its five-color system and nearly endless deck-building possibilities to Commander, premodern Magic, drafting and the strategy behind building a deck that actually works. Corey and Patrick compare favorite colors, tribal decks and different approaches to the game before moving into the much darker universe of Warhammer 40,000. Corey explains the basics of Warhammer, including how armies are built, how point systems work and why winning is often about completing objectives rather than simply destroying your opponent’s army. We also take a tour through some of the game’s factions and lore, from Space Marines and the Imperium of Man to Chaos, Orks, Tyranids, Necrons and more. But the conversation eventually comes back to something bigger than cards, miniatures or dice. Corey says the real product a local game store offers is a social life. Jester’s hosts games and events throughout the week, including Magic, Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece, Gundam, miniature games and even Super Smash Bros. The store offers tables, terrain and hobby space where people can walk in, find a game and meet others with the same interests. Corey talks about building a store where newcomers do not have to feel intimidated, where experienced players are willing to teach and where people from very different walks of life can form friendships around a shared hobby. We also discuss the resurgence of tabletop gaming, the role nostalgia played during and after COVID, and why games that once carried a stereotypically “nerdy” reputation have become increasingly mainstream. Corey’s message to anyone curious about gaming is simple: walk into a local game store and give it a try. You may come for the cards or miniatures, but you might stay for the people. Links from This Episode Jester’s Cards and Games News Resident raises questions during public comment about possible future development at the former Zimmer power plant site Clermont County commissioners say they have no information about a new Zimmer development and have not signed NDAs related to the property Commissioners reject support for a Clean Ohio conservation proposal involving roughly 54 acres in Jackson Township Public access becomes the central issue in the Fix property conservation vote Clermont County faces a sharp increase in employee health-care costs heading into 2027 County officials consider changes to deductibles, employee contributions and working-spouse coverage Clermont County prepares for possible federal litigation over cleanup of the former Beckjord power plant site Loveland continues rewriting its noise ordinance and debates decibel limits versus a reasonableness standard Union Township Zoning Commission recommends approval of six additional homes in the Briar Hill redevelopment Costco formally submits plans for a proposed Eastgate location in Union Township Milford continues considering solutions to downtown parking shortages Milford seeks approximately $850,000 for cleanup of contaminated soil at 300 Main Street Milford begins discussions about the future of its park levy Milford approves additional repairs at the Happy Hollow sewer lift station while investigating whether the force main may be contributing to pump problems Events Art in the Park — Artist Charcoal Birding Canoe Float Yoga in the Park Milford Farmers Market at Five Points Landing Milford Farmers Market at the Greenhouse Simmons Farms Saturday Farmers Market Loveland Art Festival New Richmond Farmers Market Morning Mindfulness Walk Loveland Farmers Market Clermont County Safety Council — The Next Frontier of Safety: Well-Being and Suicide Prevention Batavia Farmers Market Williamsburg Farmers Market Music in the Park in New Richmond Hoots and Doodles Herping Night Out — Frogs, Snakes and More Union Township Farmers Market Season Finale Miami Township Community CPR Union Township CPR/AED Training Second Saturday in Haussermann Park Batavia Fun Fair Follow Let’s Talk Clermont on Facebook and Instagram, and sign up for the Thursday newsletter. If the show brings you value, consider supporting us through your time, talent, or treasure. Visit Let’s Talk Clermont online to subscribe, donate, share a boots-on-the-ground report, or contact the show. Facebook Instagram Newsletter If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! Donate

Ep. 79 — Debbie Davidson on Education, Rural Development and Ohio House District 63 This week, we start with news from Loveland, Milford and New Richmond before sitting down with Ohio House District 63 candidate Debbie Davidson. In Loveland, City Council moves forward with the State Route 48 and Butterworth Road sidewalk project, which is expected to connect more than 400 homes with historic downtown. Council also approves roughly $50,000 in traffic-signal improvements at West Loveland Avenue and Lebanon Road. In Milford, residents continue raising concerns about the city’s Flock automated license plate readers while Police Chief Jamey Mills defends the system as a useful crime-fighting tool. We also take a close look at Milford Schools, where finances finished fiscal year 2026 far better than projected, staffing changes are expected to save nearly $1 million, and enrollment continues to decline. And in New Richmond, the effort to place dissolution of the village on the November ballot has missed the required deadline. Because Ohio law limits these dissolution votes to even-year general elections, supporters would have to restart the process for a possible vote in 2028. Interview — Debbie Davidson Debbie Davidson is the Democratic candidate for Ohio House District 63, which includes much of rural Clermont County and part of Brown County. We begin with education and Davidson’s concerns about Ohio’s school-funding system. She argues that declining state support has shifted too much of the cost of public education onto local property owners, particularly in rural districts with relatively little commercial tax base. Davidson discusses the Fair School Funding Plan, EdChoice vouchers and the financial pressure facing districts such as Clermont Northeastern, New Richmond and Bethel-Tate. She also makes the case for giving skilled trades, vocational education and apprenticeships a larger role in preparing students for life after high school. From there, we talk about rural economic development. Davidson wants to see more state investment directed toward small communities like Felicity, Hamersville and Fayetteville, with an emphasis on rebuilding downtowns, supporting local businesses and creating more economic opportunities in communities that have lost jobs and investment over time. Development and energy become another major part of the conversation. Davidson discusses the growth of data centers across Ohio and raises concerns about their power requirements, water use, environmental impact and tax incentives. That leads to a broader discussion about nuclear energy, new reactor technology and how Ohio might meet growing electricity demand. We also talk about solar development and agrivoltaics, including the possibility of combining solar generation with farming rather than treating energy production and agriculture as mutually exclusive uses of land. The conversation then turns to taxes and state spending. Davidson argues that Ohio should return to a more progressive tax structure and says state tax policy is closely connected to the property-tax pressures residents are experiencing at the local level. We also discuss addiction, incarceration, workforce development and the importance of helping people find meaningful work and a sense of purpose. Davidson talks about alternatives for low-level offenders, volunteer opportunities and the role communities can play in helping people build a path toward stability. Finally, we talk about political division and the areas where people on opposite sides of the political aisle may have more in common than the national political conversation suggests. From trade education and rural investment to concerns about data centers and development, Davidson argues that local problems can still create room for people with very different politics to work together. Davidson closes by explaining why she decided to run for Ohio House District 63 and why she believes many of the challenges facing Clermont and Brown counties ultimately lead back to decisions made in Columbus. Links from This Episode Visit Debbie Davidson’s campaign website News Loveland moves forward with the State Route 48 and Butterworth Road sidewalk project The project is intended to connect more than 400 homes in Loveland’s Warren County neighborhoods with historic downtown Construction is currently targeted for spring 2028 Loveland approves roughly $50,000 in traffic-signal improvements at West Loveland Avenue and Lebanon Road Milford residents continue calling for removal of the city’s Flock automated license plate readers Milford Police Chief Jamey Mills defends the cameras as a useful crime-fighting tool Milford Schools finishes fiscal year 2026 far better than originally forecast District officials still project deficit spending in future years Milford says staffing changes for the 2026–27 school year will save nearly $1 million Five teaching positions were left vacant through attrition rather than layoffs Milford opens the school year with approximately 100 fewer students than at the same point last year District officials point to smaller incoming classes, EdChoice participation and other educational options as factors in declining enrollment New Richmond’s village-dissolution effort misses the deadline for the November 2026 ballot Supporters would have to restart the process for a possible dissolution vote in 2028 Events Premier Car and Truck Cruise-In Goshen Ohio Farmers Market Dog Days of Summer Dog Hike Chillseekers Women’s Summer Hike Series Hike with Park Staff at Pattison Park Lakeside Union Township Farmers Market Union Township Summer Concert featuring the Marty Connor Band Full Moon Paddle at Chilo Lock 34 Milford Farmers Market New Richmond Farmers Market Turtles All Around Art in the Park Birding Canoe Float Yoga in the Park Simmons Farms Saturday Farmers Market Loveland Art Festival Follow Let’s Talk Clermont on Facebook and Instagram, and sign up for the Thursday newsletter. If the show brings you value, consider supporting us through your time, talent, or treasure. Visit Let’s Talk Clermont online to subscribe, donate, share a boots-on-the-ground report, or contact the show. Facebook Instagram Newsletter If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! Donate