By Karen Vance
Enquirer contributor

BATAVIA - Party affiliation continues to be one of the few things separating Clermont's candidates for county commissioner. It is the only contested countywide race in November.

Democrat Gregg Conrad and Republican R. Scott Croswell met Tuesday night at UC-Clermont College to discuss their differences.

The Chamber of Commerce-sponsored forum explored some issues the candidates do disagree on, including light rail - Mr. Conrad strongly supports it and Mr. Croswell thinks it's "an idea whose time has not yet come." But most of the forum showed their agreement on controlled growth and expanding the county's tax base beyond residential growth. The forum centered on what kind of commissioner each man would be if elected.

Conrad

Croswell

The November vote will decide who will replace Republican Martha Dorsey when she retires at the end of her term after 16 years in office.

Mr. Conrad argues his affiliation as a Democrat allows him to be an independent voice in the government as the county faces leaner financial times.

"We must have a watchdog in county government," Mr. Conrad said. "I have no ties to existing politicians or office holders, political or personal."

But Mr. Croswell argues he isn't beholden to his party.

"I agree, it's imperative to have alternative voices in county government," he said. "But I believe I can serve as a Republican in a Republican commissioners' office and be that alternative voice."

Mr. Croswell's opponent in the Republican primary, Clerk of Courts David Caudill, was the party's endorsed candidate.

Mr. Croswell also disputed his opponents' claim that he intends to be a "part-time commissioner."

"I would spend whatever time it takes," he said. "I will be there every day if needed and will do what is required to do an excellent job."

He said he intends to continue his law practice - not unlike what his opponent intends to do with his insurance company.

He also said that a rare set of circumstances forced him to miss a candidate debate held by the League of Women Voters of Clermont County last week.

Mr. Conrad said if elected he plans to maintain his existing clients and necessary licenses so he could return to the business after completing one or two terms.

The two men were allowed to ask each other a question. Each asked why the other wanted to be commissioner.

"I've spent my time in the practice of law helping people, and I would like the opportunity to help other citizens through government," Mr. Croswell said.

Mr. Conrad said he has watched the political process for the last 10 years and felt he had the time and ability to do something in county government.

"I talked with neighbors about what was going on and saw it was always the same people, the same party, always going in the same direction," he said. "I decided I wanted to spend the time, get involved and give back."