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Layoff opens new opportunity

Longtime city worker says losing job was devastating, but she is using her experience to run for office.

Chris Xeil Lyons, economic development specialist, was among those recently laid off from the city of Hamilton. Lyons has turned the potential setback into a positive by running for the West Chester Twp. Board of Trustees.

Staff photo by Nick Daggy Chris Xeil Lyons, economic development specialist, was among those recently laid off from the city of Hamilton. Lyons has turned the potential setback into a positive by running for the West Chester Twp. Board of Trustees.

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By Richard Wilson, Staff Writer 12:23 AM Sunday, July 26, 2009

HAMILTON — Losing a job is never a good thing, but being suddenly out of work can open up other opportunities.

For Chris Xeil Lyons, being among the 23 laid off from the city of Hamilton and losing her position as an economic development specialist was a devastating blow, especially after 14 years of public service.

“It was a shock. Kinda like the fear of the unknown,” the 35-year-old said. “I was thinking about how it would affect my family, but I’m too strong a person to let it get me down.”

The setback enabled the Lakota graduate to pursue another goal: politics. While checking click-backs every day on Careerbuilder.com and Monster.com, Lyons is one of several candidates running for two spots on the West Chester Twp. Board of Trustees.

With a background in finances, Lyons said she hopes to put her knowledge of joint economic development agreements, tax abatements and other governmental incentives to use by luring businesses to invest in her hometown.

“There’s never been a more critical time to be educated in incentives,” she said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2122 or rwilson@coxohio.com.

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