By Marie McCain
The Cincinnati Enquirer

BATAVIA - There were times during his campaign for Clermont County commissioner when R. Scott Croswell III wondered what he was getting himself into.

Opponents attacked his commitment to the job and his ties to existing office holders.

But after being sworn in Monday as the county's newest leader, the private attorney known for his courtroom theatrics, high-profile clients, and underdog victories smiled proudly.

Mr. Croswell, 55, of Miami Township, promised to do his best for the people of Clermont County, just as his father, Robert Croswell Jr., had before him.

In an interview with the Enquirer, Mr. Croswell talked openly about his critics, his time, and his plans for this fast-growing county of nearly 178,000 people.

Question: What three issues do you believe are most significant to Clermont County?

Answer: Aggressive pursuit of managed growth opportunities and development opportunities for the county, number one. Number two, to deal with traffic issues. Number three, to manage the budget in less than robust times.

Clermont County has always operated in a very responsible fiscal manner. One of the primary things they have done is to only appropriate money equal to the expenditures in the previous year. I think that is a sound fiscal policy and I'm clearly conscious of the fact that the revenues have remained stagnant. And as long as the revenues remain stagnant, spending is going to have to remain in check.

You grow the revenue by increasing the tax base. You increase the tax base by appealing to retail, industrial, commercial and residential developers. That's exactly the very reason you want to grow your tax base.

All three issues run hand-in-hand. And, until you solve the traffic problem you're not going to be able to appeal to the developers that you want. Without them you will always have a stagnant tax base.

Q: Describe your style as a commissioner. How will you proceed in your new position?

A: I'll be hands-on, a guy people have easy access to. I'll analyze all sides of an issue before making a decision. I won't hesitate to make a decision nor will I hesitate to live with it once I've done it.

Q: During your campaign you were criticized because you plan to continue your law practice full-time, as well as maintain an active role in your family's business, Croswell Charters & Motorcoach Tours, in addition to being a full-time county commissioner. What do you say to those who believe the county won't be your primary focus?

A: The majority of the voters weren't concerned, which in the final analysis is all that matters. ... They know me and know that I don't do anything half way. I'm very good at time management. I'm very good at focusing on issues and seeking solutions.

To call something full-time and part-time is sort of misleading. The question is, will I spend all the time necessary to discharge the duties of my office, and the answer is yes. Without hesitation.

I've done that in my law career. I've done that in my business career. And, I'll do that in my public career now.

Q: Your wife is Clermont County Juvenile Court Judge Stephanie Wyler. How will you handle issues that involve juvenile court?

A: Any issue that would directly involve my wife I would not vote on. ... The mere fact, however, that she is a judge does not preclude me from voting on issues that involve the juvenile (justice) system. ... Nor would I ever involve myself in any issue that would cause an appearance of impropriety.

E-mail: mmccain@enquirer.com