By Patrick Crowley
Enquirer Staff Writer

NEWPORT - A former Newport official who helped devise and then guide the city's economic rebirth has endorsed an upstart candidate for city commission.

Laura Long, who oversaw economic development during a period of growth and expansion in Newport, is endorsing Jeff Ballard in November's race.

All four incumbents - Beth Fennell, Jan Knepshield, Jerry Peluso and Robbie Hall - are seeking reelection.

Long, who can claim responsibility for projects that include Newport on the Levee and Hofbrauhaus, said she is impressed with Ballard's ideas, intelligence and background.

"Jeff has a very strong biography, he has a discipline for learning and has the ability to drill deeper when it comes to problem solving," said Long, who left as economic development director in fall 1998 but still lives in the city.

"It takes someone of Jeff's talent to take the city to the next level," said Long, the executive director of the Cincinnati Business Committee.

In a press release Monday, Ballard said Long is co-hosting a July 1 fund-raiser for his campaign at the law firm of Nielson and Sherry in Newport.

"With her background, experience and reputation throughout the region, Laura is a tremendous asset to have on board," Ballard said Monday.

Veteran Newport politicians, activists and political watchers said Long has had minimal if any involvement since leaving city hall five years ago.

"I don't remember her getting involved in any races at all," said lawyer Tom Beiting, president of the Newport Business Association, which is active in business and development issues at Newport City Hall.

Former Newport city commissioner Ken Rechtin said Long's endorsement is "pretty significant" given her success overseeing economic development in the city.

"Laura still has a lot of credibility in the city," said Rechtin, now a Campbell County commissioner. "Much of what has happened in Newport is a credit to Laura, (former city manager) Jim Parsons and the elected officials at the time. They got things going and the momentum continues today."

Long has supported some politicians, including Rechtin in his successful bid for county commissioner in 2002.

But she said Monday she has not been more involved in Newport politics, including endorsements, "because I haven't been asked."

Fennell said she does not actively seek endorsements, nor does she make many endorsements in political races. The other incumbents could not be reached to comment.

Ballard, 45, has lived in Newport since 1999. He works in the Cincinnati office of the Internal Revenue Service and is making his first run for public office.

Known for showing up at city commission meetings to question decisions, Ballard said he is focusing his campaign "on establishing an open, honest dialogue between city government, residents and business owners."

"The people I've met are looking for someone who will be truly responsive to their needs," Ballard said in his press release. "They want someone who will listen to their ideas and suggestions for improving the city. They know that I'll be their voice on the commission."

Born and raised in Charlotte, N.C., Ballard served 20 years on active and reserve duty with the Navy and holds a bachelor of science degree from Charleston Southern University, , and a master's of public administration from Northern Kentucky University.

Long said she was particularly impressed that Ballard received the Wall Street Journal Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement in 1990.

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E-mail pcrowley@enquirer.com