Monday, October 18, 2004
Disagreements mark race
By John Kiesewetter
Enquirer staff writer
HAMILTON - Rusty Thomas and Greg Jolivette disagree on a lot of issues, the first of which is whether Jolivette's appointment as Butler County commissioner should matter in the campaign for the commission seat.
"It's the first thing people mention to me," said Thomas, 29, a lawyer and Butler County Democratic Party political director.
In January, the Republican Party engineered a job swap between state legislator Jolivette and Commissioner Courtney Combs to avoid a bitter primary fight between Jolivette and Michael A. Fox.
"There is a belief the right to decide was taken away from the people," said Thomas, who switched parties last year.
Jolivette, a former Hamilton mayor and council member, said nobody mentions the job swap to him.
"But I don't see this as an issue. Experience is the issue," Jolivette said.
He said his city and state government background will be valuable.
He also has used his knowledge as former House Health Committee chairman in attempting to launch health-care coverage for low-income workers and small businesses.
Thomas criticizes commissioners for "rushing to create" a Butler County Port Authority, and giving it power to seize private property.
Thomas said he would sell the county's 120-mile fiber-optics network.
"I've seen how politics plays into decision-making, which shouldn't happen," Thomas said.
Greg Jolivette
Age: 52
Occupation: Owns Jolly's Drive-In
Experience: Hamilton City Council member, 1982-90, and 1996-97; Hamilton mayor 1985, 1987-89; 1995; state representative, 1997-2004; county commissioner, 2004.
Education: Bachelor's degree from Loyola University, Chicago.
Personal: Wife, Loretta; three children.
Quote: "You have to ask yourself, 'Who would be the best commissioner based on experience?' and I think I win hands down."
Rusty Thomas
Age: 29
Occupation: Lawyer
Experience: Butler County Democratic Party political director, former Butler County Republican Party executive committee member.
Education: Bachelor's degree from Miami University; law degree from University of Toledo.
Personal: Single
Quote: "Term limits were put in place to get new people with new ideas, and keep an energy alive in government. I am the new face and the new voice."
---
E-mail jkiesewetter@enquirer.com
ELECTION 2004
Chabot has a nice chat with justice
Health care looms as president's task
Fingerhut knows underdogs
Women for Kerry draws 2,500
Kerry: Bush has hidden plan
Disagreements mark race
Voting opens today in Fla.
Newspaper: More votes uncounted in black areas
2004 Presidential endorsements
•
Election 2004 section
TOP LOCAL HEADLINES
Gay parents face extra challenges
What would you do if your child were gay?
Vets get a thank-you
Food banks scramble to meet demand surge
'Gentleman' bank robber defied police
Rapid-transit busing touted as the trendy way to travel
Local news briefs
KENTUCKY HEADLINES
Agencies nudging locals to exercise
CHA's actions 'troubling'
Ky. lost a third of OB/GYNs since 1999
Smokers' health plans: Costlier
EDUCATION
Second-chance school
Profs: Godzilla is gateway to higher learning
XU's shantytown builders connect with homeless
NEIGHBORS
Hall inducts kung fu master
'God Squad' teaches understanding
He shares collection from Holocaust years
Eight traffic safety 'blitzes' in township
GOOD THINGS HAPPENING
Luncheon raises $52,000 to battle multiple sclerosis
LIVES REMEMBERED
Maryetta Z. Young, teacher, photographer
|
