By Kristin Rover
Sun staff
Clermont County Commissioner David Uible faces a republican challenger, David Painter, in the May 6 primary election.
Uible was appointed to replace former commissioner Archie Wilson in April 2012. He was then elected in the November 2012 general election.
Uible said he has enjoyed his time spent as commissioner and has gained a greater appreciation for how well-run the county is.
“I have enjoyed taking on certain projects,” Uible said.
He said those projects include working to balance the budget when he took office, reorganizing the Clermont County Convention and Visitors Bureau, planning for the Alternative Sentencing Center in the county, saving money with the employee health savings account, helping form the port authority, and more.
Uible’s professional background includes managing and turning around distressed businesses in the manufacturing, publishing, software and medical industries, as well as starting up businesses in the community. Uible also owns and operates a buffalo farm in New Richmond.
If re-elected, Uible said he would continue working to maintain the balanced budget.
Uible said he also wants to work toward economic development and transportation improvements in the county.
He said he would like to see improvements made to Harsha Lake and would like to see the extension of the Clermont County Airport runway completed, both to help draw people to the county.
“Those are major economic impact tools,” Uible said.
He said he would also like to improve transportation in the county.
“Improving 32 is our biggest problem,” Uible said.
Uible said working in county government has been rewarding.
“I’m honored to serve,” Uible said about being commissioner. “It’s a great opportunity and I am doing it because it is my opportunity to give back.”
David Painter did not respond to interview requests, but according to his website, he was born and raised in New Richmond and has worked for the last 37 years in the nuclear industry.
He said on his website that he wanted to run for commissioner because he loves the county and wants to make a difference.
“I love Clermont County and with my life vocation as an environmental engineer, managing schedules, innovatively planning projects within a budget, understanding how we are spending our dollars, and exceeding the customer’s expectations,” Painter wrote on his website. “I can be the commissioner that Clermont County needs to prosper.”
Painter said he sees improvements that can be made in Clermont County including enhancing job creation, improving access to water and sewer in the county, repairing roadways and minimizing government spending.
He said one of the largest problems in the county is the growing drug problem.
“I will ensure that the commissioner’s office is transparent with the public and associated county offices in this and every issue,” Painter wrote. “I will break down existing barriers and welcome input from all stakeholders. All of the best ideas are not at the top.”
For more information about David Uible, visit http://daviduible.com/. For more information about David Painter, visit http://www.electdavidpainter.com/index.html.