Hatten and Bennett said they were committed to the race before Young’s controversial Facebook post this summer using a racial slur, but Lukhi said that is why he entered the race.
Besides Young’s seat, trustee Keith Ballauer’s seat was also up for election, and he decided not to seek another term, which opened the opportunity for the challengers.
Bennett isn’t unfamiliar with local government, having served nearly 40 years as Fairfield’s fire chief and 18 months as the city’s acting city manager. However, he said township government is a lot different than municipal government.
“On day one, I’m going to keep my mouth shut and talk to a lot of people and learn the innerworkings of Ross Twp.,” he said. “There are a lot of people that think you’re going to come in here and hit the ground running, and that is certainly not the case.”
One of the big things he sees Ross Twp. needs is a plan for the future. He doesn’t want to see the rural atmosphere of the township change anytime soon, but change is inevitable, he said.
A plan allows the leaders of today guide the type of growth of Ross Twp. a generation or more into the future, he said.
Credit: Nick Graham
Credit: Nick Graham
Hatten, who was not available for comment on election night, said she wants to use her 32 years of public service to Ross Twp.’s benefit.
“The residents deserve leadership that will not only respect its citizens but also its rich history, values and vision for the future of this community,” she previously told the Journal-News.
A priority for Hatten is engaging in meaningful dialogue so she can be “educated on the challenges and opportunities that face the residents and business owners.”
Hatten has worked for the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office and Crime Laboratory since graduating from Miami University in 1993 and is the chief administrator. Among her responsibilities, she manages the $9.5 million annual budget.
She sees Ross Twp. as “a hidden gem” and its residents “figured out it is a great place to live and raise a family as evidenced by the amount of new home construction in the area.”
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