Joe McAbee
Age: 58
Residence: Fairfield Twp., 25 years
Education: Masters of Education, Miami University
Employment: Multi-line Insurance Agent, AAA Cincinnati
Previous political experience: Fairfield Twp. trustee 1996-2007
Family: Wife and three children
Courtney Dennis Combs
Age: 46
Residence: Fairfield Twp., 12 years
Education: Badin High School graduate, 1987
Employment: MillerCoors
Previous political experience: None
Family: Wife and three daughters
Over the past two years, Fairfield Twp. has endured a number of crises, including a failed safety levy, a decreasing general fund and personal discord that led to one seat being open to a newcomer.
That seat is being contested by Joe McAbee, himself a former trustee, and Courtney Dennis Combs, the son of a longtime Butler County commissioner. Tara Downie, who holds that seat now, decided in August not to run again, saying she had been “publicly disrespected.”
McAbee feels he’s ideal for the job, having already been a trustee from 1996 to 2007. In that time, he points out, the township built the fire headquarters, police station, purchased the ladder truck, added paramedic coverage and grew police protection from 6 to 13 full-time officers.
“My first priority would be rebuilding the confidence of the township residents, that our township will be managed properly. The residents need to know that their tax dollars are being spent in a fiscally responsible way. Better communications, better accountability and better planning will provide our residents with the information they need,” he said.
Combs feels his family’s long political experience gives him an edge. His father, Courtney Combs was a longtime Butler County Commissioner. In addition, Dennis Combs feels his experience at MillerCoors can help smooth conflict in the township.
“I’m experienced in team-building and I thought that could help the township … I spend my time at the brewery uniting unions and management,” he said.
He also believes the township can get back on strong financial footing because he thinks development flourishing in Liberty and West Chester townships can swing Fairfield Twp.’s way.
“That’s coming, in my opinion, and that does nothing but help us. People would come here, and they’ll spend their money,” Combs said.
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