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.
Hatten said she was humbled by being elected to the position, and it will be “a lot of listening and learning.”
“I think to go in with the preconceived notion that you’re going to affect change on day one is irresponsible,” she said. “I’m that kind of person that sits back and I listen, I learn and I understand, and that’s going to be my approach.”
Hatten said she is one of three votes on the board, she said working with Trustee Russ McGurrin and Trustee-elect Bennett. But working with them, she believes they’re “in a good position to write the next chapter for Ross Twp.”
“I’ve spent my entire professional career in public service working for an elected official, albeit in Hamilton County. So this, being elected for Ross Twp. trustee, this marks the first time I am able to give back to the community that I call home.”
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.
As with Hatten, Bennett said he’ll do a lot more listening than talking in the beginning.
“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
Tuesday’s election results are scheduled to be certified on Nov. 25.
About the Author
