Jeff Dietrich is seeking re-election to the Fort Mitchell City Council in the Nov. 3 general election. The nonpartisan race has seven seats and eight candidates on the ballot.

Asked why he is running, Dietrich said in our questionnaire, "I'm seeking re-election to Ft Mitchell City Council to continue our city being a desired destination to raise a family and enjoy a strong community lifestyle. This is done by focusing on safety within the community, especially as new technology, such as scooters and e-bikes, challenge our environment."

Candidate information

Party: Not applicable for this race, according to Dietrich.

Education: "Accounting and Finance degrees from University of Illinois."

Family: "My wife and I have lived in Ft Mitchell for almost 15 years. We have three daughters who graduated from Beechwood."

Family in government: "Both my parents were involved with local government for many years while I was growing up, instilling in me the impact a strong local government can have on an entire community."

Experience and public service

Dietrich has served on the Fort Mitchell City Council since 2023. He is a member of the city's Budget, Audit & Finance Committee and the Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky, according to the city of Fort Mitchell.

Asked about accomplishments that qualify him for the job, Dietrich said in our questionnaire, "In the last four years on council, I've been a part of the finance committee, and been fortunate to work with a strong team of city employees and volunteers to provide feedback on our city's budget."

He added, "Outside of government, I have been a CFO for a software development company in Northern Kentucky for the last 22 years … We've been lucky enough to be selected multiple times as the top workplace in Cincinnati area and in Kentucky, and it all comes down to having the right people on the team."

On the issues

Fort Mitchell Gateway development: Asked what the project should deliver for residents and how to protect taxpayers, Dietrich said, "This is a major development for the city that will bring additional tax revenue with it. More importantly, it takes a major visible piece of what has been vacant land and makes effective use of the space, with additional businesses in addition to needed senior living space."

Traffic is also a concern. Dietrich said, "Traffic on Buttermilk is already a challenge around 71/75, and this will add to that challenge. We will have to continue working with the state to ensure the enhancements to that interchange happen."

Pedestrian and road safety: Dietrich said, "I think the influx of powered scooters and bikes will continue to be one of our biggest challenges. We've restricted some of what's allowed and I believe that is a good start. I fully support the idea of walk-your-bike areas that the mayor has stated in particular in high density streets such as Beechwood Rd around start of school and the end of school."

He also said speed humps "introduced in the last couple of years have been successful in slowing down traffic on certain through streets throughout the city."

Public safety staffing and taxes: Dietrich said, "City staffing of all departments is critical to keeping the city thriving and safe. I never believe we have to be the highest paid employer, BUT we do have to be fair and competitive. Turnover can kill the effectiveness of any team, and it is very expensive to have high turnover."

He pointed to the fire department's shared arrangement with Lakeside Park and Crestview Hills as a successful example of controlling costs through shared services.

The other candidates in the race are Alyson Roeding, Bradley Leeke, Jared Arlinghaus, Jebadiah Holbrook, Jerry Deatherage, Kim Nachazel and Vicki S. Boerger.