I’m a former teacher, the son of teachers, and I’ve spent most of my career advocating for children and families. I currently serve on Cincinnati City Council. Before that, I helped lead the Cincinnati Preschool Promise, which now provides two years of quality preschool for 3 and 4 year olds. My wife and I live in Mt. Washington with our two children, Maddie and Elijah. We love Cincinnati.
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife Sarah works for 8451 and we have two children, Maddie who is 11 and Elijah who is 9. The both attend Sands Montessori in Mt. Washington.
Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I love problem-solving big, complicated issues – and I love doing it with diverse groups. When people come together, across all kinds of differences, and solve a problem together…that’s one of my favorite things. I enjoy the whole process, and I enjoy it when the issue is relatively small and when it is much bigger. This is what I love most about serving at City Hall. Before that, I worked on a major ballot measure, the Cincinnati Preschool Promise. And before moving to Cincinnati, I worked on Capital Hill and in the Governor’s Office in Columbus.
What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My family and I go to Ramundos in Mt. Washington, and Elijah and I love going to Skyline on the weekends. I do love Muse Cafe in Westwood, Price Hill Chili, Echo in Hyde Park, Just Cookin’ in Bond Hill, Mazunte in Madisonville…to name a few.
How long have you lived or worked in our community?
A little over 15 years.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I’ve met so many interesting people. Monica Williams, who owns Just Cookin’, has one of the most interesting stories – and she’s an incredible story-teller.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Sedona, Arizona. It’s one of the most beautiful places with great hiking. I really want to take my family there soon.
What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I binge watch documentaries. I love them. Right now, I’m also watching Ted Lasso. It’s pretty great.
What advice would you give to people?
Work hard, be kind. Never ever give up.
What is something on your bucket list?
A long sailing trip. Really anywhere. I love being on the water.
What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
At the moment it’s Nirvana. I just watched a documentary on Kurt Cobain. It reminded me how much a miss their music, among other things.
What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Skyline. My dad and I would meet at Skyline most Saturdays, and now I do it with my son.
If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
Muhammad Ali. And where ever he wanted to go! Ali was one of the greatest political thinkers ever. I’d love to ask him how he feels about everything happening now.
What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love that everything is about 15 minutes away, even though it’s a big city with big city things and incredible neighborhoods. You just don’t have to spend much time getting around.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Not sure, but still serving. I really want to be part of making Cincinnati an infinitely better place for children and families, and that’s a career thing. Not something we’ll get done with one ballot measure or a term on Council.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Just how deep my faith in God is, and how important God is to my life. Most people don’t know that about me.
What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The Grand Canyon is probably the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.
Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
April. Spring. Passover. It’s my favorite day of the year. I love Seder dinner and the story we tell about freedom and justice.
What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A great night’s sleep!
Who inspires you to be better?
My wife.
What is one or two of your favorite smells?
I love the smell of someone cooking most soups or stews.
Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family.