Hamilton County deserves leadership that is focused, accountable, committed, and truthful (that’s a FACT). At a time when residents have real concerns about affordability, public safety, and the overall direction of our community, consistency in leadership matters more than ever. I’m running for Hamilton County commissioner because this is the kind of leader that I am.
Focused, not frustrating in services
In recent years, residents have expressed frustration about the direction of local public services. Numerous surveys show declining confidence in areas like safety, infrastructure, and basic services. These concerns are not abstract. These issues impact people’s daily lives − from the condition of streets, to the stability of neighborhoods, and the strength of local businesses. Leadership requires focus. When someone is elected to serve in one role, the expectation is that they will dedicate their time and energy to that responsibility. This campaign is about restoring that sense of dutiful responsibility.
Accountable, not ambitious for self
We need diligent leaders who engage with residents and small businesses, many of whom feel overlooked or unheard. Many entrepreneurs are struggling. Some have recently closed their doors. While no single official is responsible for every outcome, leaders must show up, listen, and respond meaningfully.
Public service is not about chasing personal opportunity. It is about being accountable in fulfilling promises made, not pursuing selfish ambition. Voters deserve fully committed leaders who address the challenges in front of them without deviously looking toward the next political step.
Alexander Hamilton, whom our county is named after, said, “A dangerous ambition more often lurks behind the specious mask of zeal for the rights of the people than under the forbidden appearance of zeal for the firmness and efficiency of government.”
Committed, not cunning in strategy
We need leaders who honor the full strength and diversity of our community. Representation matters − not just in words, but in decisions. Every appointment, every policy choice, and every vote is a message about who is being heard and prioritized.
At its core, effective leadership is about trust, which is built through consistency, transparency, and putting community needs ahead of strategy. When residents feel that their concerns are secondary, or that political decisions are being made with a cunning eye toward the next campaign, rather than the current responsibility, trust erodes.
We deserve better leaders who put the community first, every time.
Truthful, not transactional in approach
Having worked closely with residents and businesses, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of truthful commitment and follow-through. Whether at work as a professional, on the field as a coach, or in the community as a volunteer, showing up and staying engaged matters. The same principle applies to public service.
This moment calls for leadership that is reliably steady, collaboratively loyal, and earnestly grounded in the needs of everyday residents. We need team players who are willing to do the work, not just talk about it − leaders who embrace public office as a transformational opportunity, not a transactional stepping stone.
What separates me from my opponents
I’m running for county commissioner to offer this kind of leadership. That is why I resigned from my job to run. I will focus on the issues that matter most: justice, safety, equity, affordability, jobs, growth, and supporting working families. I will ensure that your county, our government, is responsive and efficient.
Here are the facts: My opponents have been frustrating in services, ambitious for self, cunning in strategy, and transactional in approach. I will stay focused, accountable, committed, and truthful to the one job that you elect me to do.
Voters, I humbly ask for your vote in the Democratic primary on May 5.
Dr. Herman Najoli is a Democratic candidate for Hamilton County commissioner and lives in West Price Hill. He holds a Doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership, has been married for 22 years, and has two young adult children.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: I’m running to serve Hamilton County not climb the ladder | Opinion
Reporting by Herman Najoli, Opinion contributor / Cincinnati Enquirer
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