Let's Talk Clermont

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Episode 31


We start with some news from around the county. The Clermont County Animal Shelter is remodeling, $141,000 for expanded outdoor kennels (including a $20,000 Nestlé Purina gift), plus ~$78,920 for a commercial dishwasher with plumbing/electrical/drywall work and a $60,000 private donation. Volunteer training is Oct 18. New Richmond trims council to one meeting a month Dec–Mar (third Tuesdays, 7 PM) and posts committee times for Nov 3 and Nov 18. Union Township ESID holds its annual meeting Mon, Nov 3, 9:30 AM at the UT Civic Center. Pierce Township seeks a Board of Zoning Appeals alternate (2-year term; residents only; send letter/resumé  and questionnaire to ccelsor@piercetownship.org). In Batavia Township more zoning drama. Stonelick Ridge (≈808 homes) tied 2–2 which means it goes to the commissions with a recommendation to deny; Drees Homes (≈300) reduced density  5–0 recommend approval pending 29 staff items.


Then, a conversation with Danielle Wessel, candidate for Batavia Township Trustee. We get into practical transparency upgrades (post draft agendas, livestream meetings, faster draft minutes), whether the 2002 Central Joint Fire/EMS agreement needs a refresh on representation and funding, and how to grow without losing Batavia’s character. CRAs vs. TIFs, traffic capacity, density, and protecting real green space.


Highlights

• Animal Shelter remodel: funding breakdown and Oct 18 volunteer training
• New Richmond schedule changes (third-Tuesday winter meetings; Nov 3 & Nov 18 committee times)
• Union Township ESID annual meeting: Mon, Nov 3, 9:30 AM (UT Civic Center)
• Pierce Township BZA opening (alternate, 2-year term): apply via ccelsor@piercetownship.org
• Batavia zoning recap: Stonelick Ridge recommendation to deny; Drees Homes recommendation to approve with conditions
• Today’s guest: Danielle Wessel on transparency, fire/EMS funding, growth, CRAs/TIFs, and green space
• Next week’s guests: Dotty Meier & Anne Gross (CPS levy), Rex Parson (Batavia Township Trustee), Michael Kinner (Batavia Village Council)
• Help wanted: volunteer to recap local high-school sports

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[00:00:11] Unknown:

We've been living in it since so long.   All   Welcome to episode 31   of Let's Talk Claremont. I am your host, Patrick, and thank you for tuning in. I'm happy you're here. Happy you're listening. We've been getting a lot of new listeners with all these candidate interviews, and we've got more of those to come. And today's another candidate interview.   And but I gotta tell you, though, this is this accelerated publishing schedule is, it's it's a lot. So I'm looking forward to after the fourth to just go back to every Thursday. But we are gonna get through it because I think this is very important that that you, the listener and the producer,   that you are able to hear from these people, as many of these people as I can possibly,   as time will allow, frankly. So so and if you are a political candidate, a candidate for local office, or if you have a levy or there's something that, that's gonna be on the ballot,   get in touch with us because I still have there's still gonna be a couple more opportunities open to publish,   to publish episodes that have   interviews with, candidates and people doing levies and stuff like that. So,   again, if you're new here, this is a no this is gonna be a normal episode. This will how this will be how normal Let's Talk Claremont episodes run. We're gonna go over a little bit of the news, then we'll get to the interview, and then we'll wrap everything up with some events from around the county.  

And we actually have a fair chunk of news today, so let's get into it. We're gonna start with the county as a whole. The Claremont County Animal Shelter has a remodeling project that's gonna start this month. It's a $141,000   expansion to the outdoor area, and 20,000 of that is gonna come from Nestle Purina, so that's nice. It's gonna more than double the amount of outdoor kennels at the shelter, and this is gonna allow staff to relocate the dogs,   all at once   rather than just a few at a time. And this is gonna let it this is gonna make it so that the staff can clean the indoor kennels much more efficiently. So that sounds good.   There's all the remaining funds   are going to purchase and install a commercial grade dishwasher, and that's gonna be for about $78,920.  

Now at first glance, that number seems pretty high, but it also includes interior electric and plumbing upgrades,   and some drywall and flooring work. So when you add all that in there,   that's where you get that high number. And a private citizen donated $60,000   for the project. So whoever that private citizen was,   hats off to you. That's that was very generous.   The animal shelter is also going to hold its next volunteer training session on October 18,   and I wanna make a quick note about this particular story. I actually got two different sets of numbers for what's gonna be spent.   One was from, Claremont County press release,   and the other was from a Local 12 article. And I'm gonna link both in the newsletter so you can see them both. But I chose to go with the county's numbers.  

And I did that because   the Local 12 article the thing that stuck out to me about the Local 12 article   is it made it sound like the dishwasher alone was gonna cost over $70,000,   and then it felt a little disingenuous.   And I know from what it sounds like, the animal shelters had some criticisms in the past. And to be honest, I'm not sure what those problems were.   But I do know that when I read the Local 12 article,   it seemed like it was trying to write   to write about this in a negative light.   So because of that, I favored the county's press release. And on a personal note, we actually got our dog, Homer, from the Claremont shelter. This was about five years ago.   Not only is he the best dog I've ever had, literally the best dog I've ever had, but I thought the shelter was great and the staff were great. But if anybody know has any and I Googled it. I couldn't find a whole lot of information about some of the past troubles. But   if somebody has more information on it, let me know, and and we'll go over that in one of these news segments.  

Let's move on to New Richmond.   Starting in December, council meetings are gonna go down to one meeting per month until March, and they will always be on the   third Tuesday of each month   at 7PM.   They also posted their meeting times for November   and on November 3, not November 10. They made   a point to say that in this press release.   So on November 3,   personnel and finance meeting from 04:30PM   to 05:30PM   and a safety rules and laws meeting at 05:30PM to 06:30PM.   And on November 18, not November 11, again, they made it a point to note that, There will be a shade tree meeting, which I'm not sure what that is at 6PM,   a record retention meeting at 06:50PM,   and the council meeting will be held at 7PM.  

Also, from New Richmond, there is a new school based health center,   will be staffed primarily by Cincinnati Children's,   and it is a primary care clinic located at New Richmond Middle School. It's open to the public and accepts most insurance, including Medicaid.   So families with students in the New Richmond Exempt Village School District, you can have your kids seen during the school day with a signed consent form.   You also don't need to attend New Richmond Schools, which I thought was really nice. So you can go there even if your kid isn't in New Richmond Schools. But they see newborns up through teens,   age 18.  

And like I said, it's open to all family families.   And the services they offer are sick and well child visits, immunizations,   hearing and vision screenings, school and sports physicals,   developmental   assessments,   minor injury care, mental health services, weight management,   chronic illness care, and they have referrals to specialists, social workers, and nutritionists   as needed. It's gonna be open Monday through Friday, 7AM to 03:30PM,   and it's located at 1135   Bethel, New Richmond Road, of course, in New Richmond. So that sounds like a nice little thing they're doing down there.   We have some news from Union Township.  

The board of directors of the Union Township Energy Special Improvement District, ESID,   will have its annual meeting on Monday, November 3. I didn't know what the ESID was, so I had to look it up. And the only thing I really found was it's a nonprofit   special improvement district that Union Township created in 2019   to make it easier for commercial and other nonresidential   property owners to finance energy projects. And this is gonna be like efficiency projects or renewable projects, things like that. Like I said, I didn't find much outside of that. So, again, if anybody has more info on on what this is and what they're actually doing,   please let me know. But I'm gonna keep poking around and   see if I can find out for myself. But it'd be it'd be helpful if,   if you let me know.  

But in this meeting, they're going to cover,   approving a virtual meeting policy.   They're going to attend a fiscal matters   of of the ESID. They're gonna review ESID's   existing special assessments,   and they're gonna consider other business proposed by the directors.   It's gonna be held at 09:30AM   at the Union Township Civic Center.   Oh, maybe I'll just go to that, and then I'll see what they're talking about. That that might might not be a bad idea.   Moving on. Moving on.   Pierce Township.   Volunteer is needed to serve on the board of zoning appeals. It will be one alter alternate position that needs to be filled, and it is a two year term. You have to be a resident of Pierce Township. But other than that, if you're interested, you can respond to an online questionnaire   and send a letter of interest and resume   to ccellsor@piercetownship.org,   and I'll spell out that first part. It is ccelsor@piercetownship.org   or by mail to 950 Locust Corner Road, Cincinnati, Ohio   45245.  

And in the newsletter, I will put a link to not only the   press release that they did, but a link to the applicant questionnaire if you are interested in that.   Next up, we have Batavia Township, more zoning stuff. They had a zoning meeting on October 9. I wasn't able to attend. I wanted to, but,   frankly, I went to the Batavia Village candidate form the previous night, which, as you might imagine, it got a little spicy.   And I didn't wanna leave my wife, Katie, alone with our three kids under five two nights in a row. So I didn't think that would be a particularly good move on my part.   But it sounds like this, this meeting had a packed house,   and it was about two housing proposals. There's an 808 home development on Stone Lake Ridge, which I believe is the one on Ross Road right across from Lexington Run.  

There's also a Drees Home project on the East Side of State Route 132 north of Judd Road that's about 300 homes.   Now for the Stone Lick development, people raise concerns about schools, roads, fire, and police, and capacity, and stuff like that.   During the meeting, the developer, Daniel Griffin,   dropped the plans. There was gonna be a commercial area,   and he dropped those plans. And he said he'd donate that land for fire and emergency services use, which that sounds nice.   The zoning board did vote two to two.   So two people were for, two people were against. So that means it now goes to the trustees   with a recommendation to deny. Because if there's any ties   on these zoning boards, it automatically has a recommendation to deny it.  

For the Drees Homes project,   the lot size was increased to cut about 15 to 25 lots, which brings the density   within the area plan. So they essentially took out some lots, and they increased,   yes, increased the sorry. I had to think about how density worked for a minute. Increased the density. Oh, no. No. No. I got that wrong.   Decrease the density. There it is. I'm sorry. Decrease the density.   The board voted five to zero to recommend approving this,   contingent upon addressing 29 staff report items. So that, also will go to the trustees, but this is gonna be with a recommendation   to   approve. So that is all the news items I have for you right now, which brings us to we are a value for value podcast. And what that means is if you find value in what we're doing, all we ask is for a little value in return in the form of time, talent, and treasure. For time and talent, get in touch with us. Let us know what's going on in your community. Let us know who you'd like us to talk to. And think about that question I keep asking. What is the character of our county? What are we trying to preserve in the face of all this development pressure?  

I I'm also gonna throw a new one out there. So when I was looking for new events for the episode, I had a thought that it would be fun to have a local high school sports section.   But, frankly, I don't really have a lot of time to cover every all of these games, and I'd I'd love to know what's going on, though.   So if this is something you might wanna do, let me know. I mean, it could be a written report. You could record yourself recapping the games.   Frankly, I'm not sure how it work would work. But if you are interested, get in touch, and we can figure it out because I think that would be fun to especially high school football. I got a I got a real soft spot for high school football. So if that's something you're interested in, info@let'stalkclaremont.com.   I'm sorry. Info@let'stalkclaremont.  

Get in touch, and we'll figure it out.   For treasure, go to the website. Click donate,   and you can donate via PayPal or Stripe. You can also do re those reoccurring donations via PayPal. You know, if the show's worth buck a month to $5 a month, whatever, you know, do that. That'd be great. It would really help the show keep going. And this is a good opportunity to thank all of our donors that come in under $50 for anonymity purposes.   We really appreciate it. Really helps keep us going.   And that brings me to any dollar amount is greatly appreciated. Anything, you know, a dollar, $2, like I said, anything   is very, very, very appreciated. Helps us keep doing what we're doing. But for donations, $50 and above, you will get a special mention on the show. And for donations, $200 and above, you will get an executive producer credit that I, will vouch for. And I'll read a note on air that you write. And that note can be anything, like I've said in the past, and I'm still pushing those nasty grams. So,   that's what we'll do for that.  

Please connect with us on Facebook, Let's Talk Claremont podcast, Instagram at Let's Talk Claremont, and we got that newsletter. We're gonna have fun with the newsletter after   the election season gets over. I'm gonna put a little bit more thought into the fun stuff that we'll do with that. But go to the website, www.let'stalkclaremont.com.   Click newsletter. Put your email in, and you're only gonna get one a week whenever a new show comes out.   And please follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or whatever it is you happen to use for podcast. It really does help to show out, but it helps you out because you'll be notified every time we have a new episode.   And, of course, if you ever wanna get in touch or just say hi, info@let'stalkclaremont.com.  

So we'll talk again about this posting schedule real quick. We're doing an accelerated one into the fourth because we have a fair chunk of candidate interviews and people talking about levies.   We have a lot of those to get through, so we need to kinda get them done before the fourth because after the fourth, won't really matter because the election's over.   So we're gonna put those out, during the week,   and   there will only be a full news rundown on Thursday. We're gonna try to do different things in the intro section for the other episodes, and we're only gonna refresh events on Thursday. So today, we've got a new crop of events, that that will go over after the interview. And the newsletter is only gonna go out on Thursday, but it will have all the episodes of the week in it.   So that's that's what we're doing in the run up to the fourth.  

So next week, next Tuesday,   10:21,   October twenty first, we're gonna be talking with Dottie Meyer, the director of Clermont County Job and Family Services, and Anne Gross, the director of Clermont County Child Protective Services.   They have an upcoming levy.   Outside of the levy, we also talk about what CPS does and how and the role it plays in job and family services.   And I enjoyed the interview. I think it was very informative. And whether you're for or against it, I think the ladies both did a really good job of of   explaining to us why they're proposing the levy and what the funds will be used for.  

Also next week, we're gonna have Rex Parson, who's the incumbent Batavia Township Trun trustee that is running for reelection, and Michael Kenner, who is running for Batavia Village Council. So tune in next week for that.   But today, we are talking with Danielle Wessel. She is a candidate for Batavia Township trustee.   And as you might expect, we talk about transparency and development a fair bit. But we also talk about how she wants to revisit the 02/2002   Central Joint Fire EMS Agreement, that's the CJ Fed agreement, to make it more balanced.   She also talks about lowering township village friction   and preserving Batavia's character, which, again, think about that question. Write in. Let me know what you think.  

Overall, I thought we had a good conversation.   And like all these candidates, we're going to wish her the best of luck come November.   And like all these candidates, win or lose, I think we'd like to have her back on. You know, she was fun to talk to. And all of the candidates really have have their fingers on the pulse of what's going on in these communities, so they're good people to talk to.   Alright. So with that, we're gonna get into our interview, and I hope you enjoy the listen.   So let's get to it.   I'll start it like I start every one of them. Tell us who you are and what you are doing.  



[00:15:52] Unknown:

Hi. I'm Danielle Wessel, and I'm running for Batavia Township trustee.   And,   you invited me here today. Thank you very much. I'm so nervous. Never done this before, but I appreciate you taking your time. Yeah. No. I appreciate you coming out. It's it's really been nice to have  

[00:16:07] Unknown:

the response from most political candidates that I've reached out to or have reached out to me has been very positive. So thank you, really. I think it's important for people to hear what you're what you have to say. So before we get into your run and and what you're running for, I'm assuming you have a day job. So what do you what do you do for I don't think trustee is a it's not like it's a well paid position or something like that. So what do you do for work? So I am the nursing excellence and outcomes program manager at Mercy Clairemont.  

[00:16:34] Unknown:

Nice. What's that entail? I know. It's it's a lot of words, and doesn't it all describe what I do?  

[00:16:39] Unknown:

That's a lot of people's jobs. Look. They have this title, and it's like, that's not really what I do. Yeah.  

[00:16:45] Unknown:

So,   a big part it used to be called magnet program manager, and we've kinda transitioned to the name nursing excellence.   So I help the different departments and nurses get their shared decision making, their shared leadership to help the   clinical staff have a voice in the change and be a part of the change   and also help nurses with their clinical ladder. So doing little extra projects, evidence based practice to be able to earn,   a yearly bonus   and also   help get them, like, signed up to be able to get different board certifications   and increase their education   Okay. And connect them with different, like, community outreach so that we can expand our mission, like, be a part of Yeah. Yeah. Like, the mission at Mercy. And So you're trying to make nurses better? Yes. Yeah. That's awesome.  



[00:17:33] Unknown:

So I you said,   do nurses do clinical work? I guess, like did you say research?  

[00:17:39] Unknown:

They can get involved in in research. Yeah. We have, like, we have I guess when I say clinical work, it's   actually healthy. Bedside. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. The, like, the the people at the bedside doing the care. Mhmm. And it's about, yeah, having let them have the power and the voice and because they're the ones that are   gonna be able to, like, know if something's gonna work because they're the ones doing it. So, like, to kinda pull them to the table to have have that boy have that voice. So did you start out as a nurse, I'm assuming?   So no. I didn't. I didn't go to school until later in life. Okay. Well, not that much later. I was gonna say you don't look that old.  



[00:18:17] Unknown:

It's not like you're 60 and like, yeah. I finally went back.  

[00:18:20] Unknown:

No. I was,   a day care worker, actually,   and   I was married. I ended up I was divorced, had two kids, single mom,   kind of paycheck to paycheck barely. And   I realized, like, I'm caring for these   children. I might as well try   to get an education and be able to care for adults. So,   I went to school.   Actually, I it was UC Claremont, and I got my I got my bachelor's from UC Claremont. Okay. And it was during those, like, few years where the whole program was here locally, which was perfect for me because,   you know, single mom, like, oh, I gotta take my kids here. I've gotta go downtown. Like, that it just made it much more attainable for me. So not a single parent, and it's  

[00:19:05] Unknown:

even with two of us, it's it can be very difficult juggling Yeah. A bunch of different schedules, especially I thought as they get older, they're like, oh, she's off at school. And so finally, we're gonna have a bit of a reprieve.   No. No. I think it's busier because now she's got pottery and Yeah. They have so many things. She's gonna have piano lessons.   And the other thing I didn't I didn't expect   was because they do full day kindergarten, which I haven't she's got homework. Like, I've never had homework. Oh, kindergarten is horrible.   I I enjoy doing it with her. It's fun. But for me, I've got a lot of fun it is for her.  

But now it's like she's at kindergarten   for, you know, five, six hours.   That's a huge part of her day that I just don't know what's going on. And like any other kid, how was your day? Good. Yeah. What'd you do? Nothing?   Okay.   I guess we'll just this is how it is now. Yeah. It's a part of your life I just don't know about.   So that's cool.   So let's get into   your candidacy.   I think the first obvious question is why'd you decide to run?  

[00:20:04] Unknown:

So   living and working here in Petunia Township,   I've gotten involved in the community. And as I'm, like, trying to connect my nurses to different community outreach events, I   started to see the connection   and how, like, I kinda like, oh, a nurse in local politics, that doesn't I didn't really know how it would work. And   now, like, as I got involved more,   I realized, like, a nurse is the perfect person at the table, and I'm already kind of in the trenches in many different ways   and wanting to kind of bring another voice and another   another viewpoint   to the township.  



[00:20:44] Unknown:

So how do you think being a nurse or working with nurses and things like that, what kind of,   I guess, skills and tools do you have that you think you'll be able to apply at the trustee level?  

[00:20:55] Unknown:

So   as a nurse, you have to   care for individuals, care for staff, care for patients   with then it doesn't matter, like, what they think, what they've done. You have to give your all and care for them and listen to them, and you have to be their voice.   And as an advocate   and I have many years experience of being like, helping the staff, helping the patients have a voice.   So I feel like that 100%   kind of reflects to the township.   And   I am so prior to me being nursing excellence and outcomes program manager,   I was nurse manager over the different cardiac testing and cardiopulmonary   rehab at Mercy Clairemont. So I have the leadership part too, the the budgeting, the government regulations, the like, they're all of this stuff, and,   like, it's more than you would even   realize that you have to get involved in. Oh, yeah. I mean, I think  

[00:21:50] Unknown:

I don't know this for a fact, but I imagine most people look at trustees or council members and things like that and go, what do they even do? And then you start peeling back the layers, and it's just there's all these laws and regulations. And, you know, half the people in the county want this, and half the people want this. And there's a small group over here. They're just upset at everybody.   So   they'll they'll never be happy. They're always gonna be upset. Yeah. So it's a lot of things to to really think through. It's not just like you show up to meetings and, like, hey, everybody. We do roads. Good night. Yeah.  

[00:22:20] Unknown:

Checked out. See you next month. See see you next month.  

[00:22:23] Unknown:

So, no, I, you know, I think that's probably a very good asset to to have, especially when you're dealing with HIPAA stuff. I I'm a copywriter by trade, and I've done some work for health care and those HIPAA regulations. You have to be so careful.   Oh, yeah. Every single piece of copy you write, it'll come back like, well, you can't say this because of this. Okay.   Alright. I guess I guess Well keep it legal.  

[00:22:45] Unknown:

And, I mean, you have all of the joint commission regulations and different accreditations.   It's it's endless, the amount. Yeah. Well  

[00:22:52] Unknown:

So are the laws in in governing local government. So Exactly. It's yeah. It is.   So I I've obviously looked at I'm not gonna be obvious. But I looked at your website, and I think one of the things you stated was transparency.  

[00:23:06] Unknown:

Mhmm.  

[00:23:07] Unknown:

So let's start there. And can you tell me what you think the township is doing well and what you would like to change in terms of transparency?  

[00:23:14] Unknown:

Yeah.   So, I mean, the township is doing relevant with their Facebook page with transparency. I I do appreciate that. I can definitely see the effort and the changes   that have gone on.   A big part that is missing, though, is   keeping people informed, like, in the moment. Mhmm. So   we do not currently,   like, share what the agenda is prior to a meeting. Mhmm. So you're gonna get the agenda when you show up.   And,  

[00:23:42] Unknown:

obviously, like, you I don't know. You're just not as prepared. You're not gonna until you show up. I mean, I've noticed that, and it's not that's not unique to the township either. It's   and I think it's tough for the small staffs   to to do   that stuff, but even the meeting because they have to approve the minutes. And so it's you know, you have minutes for the month, and then you have to wait a whole month to figure out what even happened to the meeting if you can't get rid of them. And,  

[00:24:06] Unknown:

really, I mean, the majority of our townships around do post   drafts. Mhmm. And that's how you get around the ORC,   the sunshine sunshine law. I forget the exact code of it. But I don't think anybody's gonna hold your feet to the fire on that one. You'll be alright if you talk about the exact chapter first. You do have to approve the agenda in a public forum. Yeah. But you can post the draft agenda. So post the draft agenda, a staff has, like, a little, you know, stamp on it that says draft or even in, like, on the website if you were to click on it, just as long as it said draft, you're still in compliance.   So getting that posted. It's already done. It's there when you show up, so they could easily   share it ahead of time. And Botavia Township isn't a small township of, like, 30,000 residents.  



[00:24:51] Unknown:

And that the area because I didn't realize the area. The area is kinda it's huge. I don't know exact square footage or mileage, but it's big. Yeah.  

[00:24:59] Unknown:

Yeah. So what what else, with transparency, do you have any other, like, I guess, initiatives that you'd like to take on? Yeah. So, I mean, with the draft agendas being posted, live streaming Mhmm. You can live stream for free Mhmm. And keep, you know, keep up to date with what's going on. It's hard to for people that are working or with kids to get to a meeting Mhmm. And especially at 05:00.   And then you might say, oh, well, we could we should do it later, but some of these meetings are already grow going late. So I don't know that that's the answer. But Well, and the trustees. I mean, like, it's not like you're gonna quit your job if you become trustee. Yeah. Trustees have jobs. You know? It's like everybody's very, very busy. So I would I would be inclined to agree with you that some kind of video would be good. Yeah. And I mean, you can you can livestream for free. There are avenues, and then there's you can go more expensive routes, but it can be   done. And then the same thing, how you have to approve the agenda, you have to approve the minutes Mhmm. Or you can post the draft minutes. Yeah. I mean, if you had the livestream videos, I guess the draft minutes could be,   like, one or the other,   but you could post them. Yeah. And technology today, like, you don't have to be handwriting all of your minutes. Like Yeah.  

Do they handwrite the minutes? Yeah. Well, they handwrite them when they're taking them. Oh, okay. Yeah. Fine. Like, I know like, I'll do a combination in in my meetings at work,   and we just transitioned from Zoom to Teams. But  

[00:26:27] Unknown:

Sorry. That was a and so No. No. That's painful.  

[00:26:32] Unknown:

Yeah. I I definitely   prefer Zoom, but I've gotten I'm trying to get comfortable with Teams. Nobody likes Teams. And Teams does also have the transcription,   so I'm able to at least get that. It helps, like, capture  

[00:26:45] Unknown:

the little Well, there's also some really good AI out there that if you have an audio file, it'll like, for this podcast, for instance, the platform I use, it   it's not that great, and I should probably look at it a little the transcript a little closer than I do, to be honest.   But it does a pretty good job of taking the audio and just transcribing it. Yeah. Yeah. So I agree with you on, you know, there's definitely technology out there that's pretty inexpensive that can help with transparency.  

[00:27:10] Unknown:

Yeah.  

[00:27:12] Unknown:

So the other well,   you had three things on your website, and I'm sorry I've forgotten   the other one that isn't development. Because I'd I wanna I feel like development might be a So it's emergency  

[00:27:23] Unknown:

services. I said services you need. Yeah.  

[00:27:26] Unknown:

So with services,   what do you again, what do you think the township's doing well, and and what are the things that you think you wanna fix? I do think the township supports their emergency services, and they do advocate for it.  

[00:27:39] Unknown:

Recently, things are getting a little bit more heated when we're looking at   the discrepancies   between   how much the village   contributes versus how much the township contributes, and  

[00:27:53] Unknown:

it is not very equitable at this moment. I think if I remember correctly, I saw a news article. It was   the village is responsible for 17% of the calls,   and they contribute 7%.   Yeah. I don't know if it's of total budget, but  

[00:28:09] Unknown:

there's clearly an imbalance. Yeah. Yeah. They're con they're contributing 7%   while their calls are taking up Yeah. 17%,   and the township's picking it up. And a big concern there,  

[00:28:21] Unknown:

I guess, it does then tie into development. It it does. And we'll get trust me. We'll I wanna keep the powder dry for development because I feel like that might be a quite the topic.  

[00:28:30] Unknown:

Yeah. So   So emergency services. I think at this moment, we really need   to look at our contract. And I   and this contract, I believe, was   written up in 02/2001.  

[00:28:43] Unknown:

Oh, so it's,   I guess, getting a little dusty.  

[00:28:46] Unknown:

Yeah. And I   I wasn't familiar with it at the time, and, honestly, it's only something I've been digging into in, like, the past little while. The actual contract? Well, the information of, like, the history of it and where it came from. Can you talk about that a little bit? Well, not not, an expert, but Oh, that's fine. Well, I mean, what'd you find? So what   and it's actually on the website just, like, when it all came up originally, the northern parts of Batavia Township   were ran from the Batavia Township, like fire and emergency.   And then you had the,   like, I forget if it's, like, south   one of the sections, they were ran still on, like, a volunteer group. Mhmm. So it was about it all coming together and coming up with the agreement with the village and the township   and having   one service. Was it was first put together? Do you know if there was an imbalance even then with the village and the township? I'm not positive. Okay. I wanna request some records to kind of learn a little bit more because it's not it's not something I could pull up. Right. I've, like Not just on the website. Documents. Like, there are a lot of things on the on the website that I was able to read, but I'm I would not,  

[00:29:55] Unknown:

say I'm an expert whatsoever. Oh, that's fair. That's fair. Is there anything else interesting that you found as you were looking into the agreement and things that you might wanna change about?  

[00:30:04] Unknown:

Yeah. So when they originally made the agreement, you have two   there's five seats for the board, and two of them are from, like, the township trustees,   two of them from the village, and then one at large community member. Okay. And   with   Batavia Village contributing such a small portion, and   I do believe that the trustees   or the township  

[00:30:27] Unknown:

needs to be they need to have the highest percentage on the board. Like a bigger voice. Yeah. Almost like you do in the house of representatives or something. You know?   You've got the larger population. You should probably have a little bit more voice. Yeah. Something like that. Yeah. Would you wanna expand how many seats there are or keep it the same and just give the village, like, a seat and then have more township people?  

[00:30:51] Unknown:

I think that just kinda   I don't know about adding. I don't know if that would be a possibility,  

[00:30:57] Unknown:

but I I don't either. I didn't Yeah. I   know nothing about this, so I'm just asking questions. I'm Yeah. If it's a dumb question, you can tell me.  

[00:31:06] Unknown:

Yeah.   No. I think that I mean, if they did just have one person at the table or and and I don't know how equitable that would be either, but I I do believe that the township needs to have the majority at this point. I'd agree with that.  

[00:31:22] Unknown:

Yeah. I mean, it makes sense to me. Yeah. And then  

[00:31:25] Unknown:

beyond just, like, having a larger voice in   like, having a larger the township is contributing more.   Having a larger voice is necessary. But if there is a way with the agreement to   for the village to contribute   to help limit that deficit, to limit the inequity between the two. Well, that is probably a very good segue into development.  

[00:31:52] Unknown:

Oh.   So   let's talk about let's talk first about your   ideas about development for the township. Like,   I   I don't think it's   a big secret developments coming. I mean, it's just Definitely. It's coming this way. It's probably coming all the way out to Mount Horeb.   This place is growing. So   what what would you like the township   how would you like the township to approach development?  

[00:32:20] Unknown:

So I think at at this moment,   we need to, like, hear more voices and kinda come together because we're at this pivotal part of growth where if we just kinda take not take a pause, but   take, like, take a deep breath and let's come together with our community   and look at this reasonably.   Mhmm. And with that, that's why I say transparency   because I know the the township staff, they 100   do want community input. Yeah. So me saying that they're they don't have these things is not   saying, like, they're doing anything intentional. I truly do believe it. Like, I I mean, I I see Rex at all the different community events, and he's That guy knows everybody.   He he does. He does. And I when I know that they want the community input, I think it's just like what you're comfortable with   and how how you get it. But   with transparency,   we can   get more people's voices. Like, you know, you're reaching more people and more people in the know, then we'll be able to   kind of come together as a community and look at that growth plan because the township stated it, and I think, like, everybody, like, been very vocal about it, that our growth plan   is ready for an update.  

We've already exceeded our projections, like, growth wise. And part of that is   with with Amelia dissolving, we did absorb,   like, a portion. So some of the excessive growth is from that as well, but it doesn't it doesn't negate the fact that we are growing. Yeah.  

[00:33:48] Unknown:

So what would you like the township   to look like? Just in general. I mean, are you thinking   more residential developments, more industrial developments, or or kind of what what do you want it to look like?  

[00:34:00] Unknown:

So   that's really hard because I think that, like, some of the things that the, like, the village with   the tax abatements Yeah.   Has put a wrench in the plans for some of what I think Batavia Township   has potential because it's like, oh, you're you're worried about what the neighbor's doing and, like, what you might you might do. But,   nonetheless,   like, we do we still do need to grow. Yeah.   And   I would love more businesses to come, and I think, like, everybody would love to have more businesses. But,   we still do need   the growth   of, like, the different subdivisions   and, like, that can't be an all no on everything   for sure. Mhmm.  

But, like, if there's a way that we can kind of look at our bigger picture together and,   like, target certain areas   to what, like, oh, this area would be   more inclined to housing development, this business. And I know it's kind of like that. It's just   when we   get   certain areas and all of the surrounding communities in an uproar   Yeah. Just to kinda take a moment and   reflect and see   if that's what   we all really want or if it's best. Yeah. And I I could never say that, like, just from my opinion because as,   an elected official, you don't just vote on your opinion. Right. It's about listening and listening to everyone. Right.  

[00:35:30] Unknown:

So I guess we'll just ask the question. What do you think about all the text of abated developments that the village is doing?  

[00:35:36] Unknown:

So I can understand   why they're doing certain things. I think it's gotten an excess.   Yeah. So   with all of these services   that they aren't contributing to,   adding more and more tax abated homes   is only gonna contribute more, which has led to the,   emergency service, the fire levy that's gonna be that will be on our November ballot.   And   it's only gonna be worse by having these tax abatements.   I I mean, I appreciate I mean, if I was a resident buying a home, I mean, I would have thought I struck gold getting a fifteen year tax payment. Yeah. I mean,  

[00:36:14] Unknown:

from the perspective of a homeowner,   I think, oh, yeah. I definitely want well, then that's kind of the point is, oh, yeah. I wanna move there. Yeah. So Yeah. I I get why you use them. I mean, but in such a small area to do one after the other after the other after the other  

[00:36:30] Unknown:

is a little frightening to me, and it's fifteen years. Like, I mean, I I thought that oh, no. That couldn't be right. Not fifteen years. When I very first was in learning about this, I thought   How did you first learn about it, by the way? Just, I mean, just social media. Yeah. Yeah. See like, hearing things or, like, the last couple years and, you know, kind of hearing one person talking about it and then going and trying to, you know Have you seen the I think his name is Bill Albright. Oh, yeah. Yes.  

[00:36:56] Unknown:

Yeah. That kinda cracks me up a little bit. Yeah. Yeah. He's at every township. And, actually, I I Well, it's funny because you mentioned transparency in videoing, and I was talking to Karen Schwartz, and she made the joke. Like, you know, we almost don't need to videotape them because Bill will do it for us.  

[00:37:14] Unknown:

Yeah. And, honestly, it's been helpful. So I've watched many of his videos when because he goes to, like, all of the village. I mean, he goes to all these different Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It's not just the township. So I He's quite vocal.   Yeah.  

[00:37:29] Unknown:

I don't know if I'd condone, you know, how you know, the way he approaches things, but, you know,   that's   that's his right to do it. Yeah. So so   so when I interviewed Karen and and Taylor Corbett at the township about the CRA issue,   one of the things   they said is   the village doing CRAs   like this puts   the village and the township almost   in competition with each other. Yeah.   So   the question, I guess, would be,   how would you try to work with the village? And because they wanna grow, and they wanna grow fast, and they wanna be a city   and and do all the things that they wanna do.  

What would your   approach be to trying to, I guess,   just work with the village?  

[00:38:22] Unknown:

Yeah.   I know that they have tried to work with the village,   so I don't know, like,   what the township could do that would be appealing to the village to wanna make any changes or slow down the CRAs,   because they're wanting to yeah. They wanna get to that 5,000   so they cannot be dissolved once once you get the 5,000  

[00:38:43] Unknown:

residents. Yeah. I don't I've heard that. I I don't know if that's No. I okay. Then I'm I'm just,  

[00:38:49] Unknown:

I guess, my opinion, and I know others.  

[00:38:53] Unknown:

That's fine.  

[00:38:55] Unknown:

But   it it's yeah. That I mean and that's probably why they're doing so many tax evaded homes right now just to quickly get there so you can't get dissolved. I don't know. I don't know. What do you think some of the dangers of rapid growth like that would be? I mean, obviously, services, but do you see any other,  

[00:39:12] Unknown:

like, dangers in something   growing too fast? I mean, businesses can anything can grow too fast. Yeah. Yeah. I mean plant. Yeah. Like, you like plants. We were talking about that earlier. Like, if a plant grows too fast, it's essentially what Roundup does is it, like, supercharges it and kills it. Yeah.  

[00:39:29] Unknown:

Yeah. So, yeah, there's so many different factors into it beyond just,   oh, we don't have the funds for these services.   We don't like, our our roads, they also we don't   the way that it works, and it's, I think,   similar to, like, when I'm managing a department,   as things grow, you have to   overgrow   before   they'll invest to fix the problem or to expand. So   that's the same. So, like, at work,   we had to, like, oh, we're doing things to increase our   productivity, get the word out there. Our department's busier, busier, busier. So staff,   you do have to overwork your Yeah. Like, look. We are way over productive. Now we can hire another person. So you have to do that Yeah. Before you can get approval to hire the person. You kinda have to go through the trenches. Yeah. And it's the same way   with our our roads. So   our roads, we can't get invested to,   like, grow our like, expand our roads or add different reinforcements until we have grown A problem. Too much. So it's like, oh, we've gotta, like, oh, there's a problem.  

And then it's invested. And when you have multiple   things all going in at once, it   we're just at risk of   kind of being   overgrown   or stressed in problems   all at once while then waiting for it to be bad enough to have them invested in it.  

[00:40:58] Unknown:

Another thing that came up in the interview with,   Karen and Taylor at the township   because I asked them, but one of the critiques I've heard about from the village is   that the townships,   you know, they just don't wanna grow. Like, there's just no growth, no nothing like that.   And their response was is, like, we don't actually have to   go out and find the developers wanna be here. Like, we don't need Yeah. To offer CRAs   and TIFs and things like that.   I guess, first, I'd ask what what your response is. Like, is that something you'd agree with, or do you think CRAs and TIFs are a valuable tool? They should just be applied differently.  

[00:41:42] Unknown:

I do think that they can be valuable,   just not in excess.   I currently live in a TIF district. Oh, do you? Yes. Nice.  

[00:41:52] Unknown:

Well, TIFs are a little different than CRAs. Yes. Because I think you do pay the full   property. But then you pay the all your taxes. It's just those taxes go to different things. It's not like going to schools and fire and stuff like that. Yeah. Like, a little portion goes here, a little portion goes there. We still pay  

[00:42:08] Unknown:

plenty. And the one that I like, the section that I'm in, you actually pay a little bit extra. It was connected with the olive branch.  

[00:42:15] Unknown:

Okay.  

[00:42:16] Unknown:

And so you pay   our our taxes are higher than someone outside of the TIF Yeah. For the same amount of property. Right. I was so confused. Like a raw deal. No. I was, like, I was so confused, like, when buying the home and I saw the tax rate. I  

[00:42:30] Unknown:

before you we get into what is it like? Because I don't think I've ever bought a home   in a CRA or a TIF. Is that something you talk to your realtor about, or how'd you even find out? No. I found out by  

[00:42:42] Unknown:

searching on the Internet over and over again to try to figure out what was wrong. I even called   the county about the taxes. I was like, why are the taxes so high   on this home versus   another home still in Batavia   that's said it's valued at the same price? And they didn't   they're like, no. Batavia taxes are lower than the surrounding. Like, well, book Mine aren't? And so I just kept on, like, searching on the Internet Yeah. And found, oh, wow. We're part of this TIF. Yeah. And I thought yeah. So that's how I learned. Yeah. And Probably the next question. What is a TIF? And then Yeah. Then I went into, like, horrible dad, and it's  

[00:43:21] Unknown:

And then and then you're down the rabbit hole. Yeah. So you actually pay more. That's interesting. I didn't   I'm I'm interested to see how that's actually structured.   So there wasn't any discussion with the realtor or  

[00:43:33] Unknown:

the bank or No. No. No. But, I mean, it it's transparent. It shows you what your taxes. I mean, I was able to look and see what the taxes were. It was just   I didn't know  

[00:43:44] Unknown:

why they were so high. Yeah. And the other thing that I don't and I'm sure you can find it out if you really want to, but   it doesn't seem like for TIFs   where the money is going   is clear. Is clear. I mean, I again, I'm sure you can find it out,   but I think you probably have to do some digging Yeah. And read very dry legal documents   about   where your tax dollars are actually going.  

[00:44:11] Unknown:

Yeah. That'd be interesting to see if that's something Yeah. And it's really weird. So when you look it up on, like, the Clermont County property search,   you'll see in these TIF districts   two   properties for the same property, and one will have a t buy it and one will not. And then you look in both. I don't know. I have not figured out all of that. No. It I know that   I pay the money and And it goes something.  

[00:44:36] Unknown:

Somebody's getting it.   Well, it's I had a kind of a similar experience when I started because, you know, the signs go up and I'm starting a podcast   and, like, okay. Well, something's going on here. What is a CRA? And then it's, man, you're down a rabbit hole. It's like CRAs and TIFs and GEDs and Yeah.   All and I guess I always assumed that it was complicated, but I didn't realize it was So complex. So complicated.   So   I can't I can't remember your answer to the question. Do you do you think CRAs are a valuable tool, tips are a valuable tool, and kind of if you do, how would you apply them? I think that they can be a valuable tool. Okay. I don't think that they should be used in excess like they have been. Been. Okay. And as far as the CRAs with the fifteen year abatement,  

[00:45:24] Unknown:

that   puts you at an even bigger deficit Yeah. For, you know, that longer period. I mean, I would be more on board for, like, a five year. You know? Like, oh, you have these new homeowners. Let's help them get you know, you can afford this home because, you know, as you're growing, I I mean, I know what it's like when you, you know, when you buy a home. Yeah. Everything's so expensive. You have to   just to move and yeah. So And to keep it up.  

[00:45:51] Unknown:

Yeah. Big fix. It's like, oh, I bought a home. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Oh, no. This is broken. Yeah. This is I need to fix this. No. It's time for a new roof. Yeah. I'm like, oh, great.  

[00:46:01] Unknown:

Yeah. Yeah. But fifteen years, I   I   I don't understand   how,   like, services can be supported when you have so many with the fifth like, fifteen years. That's a long time. It's not like, oh, we're just a little bump in the road, and we'll get there.  

[00:46:18] Unknown:

So in your mind, though, because I I believe with CRAs, they do pilot, payment in lieu of taxes, which is   I don't know what the airport one is. I think they're talking about 50% of the actual tax you should pay would go to a pilot payment.   Do you like the idea of that? And do you think if it was clear   what the structure of this payment in lieu of taxes is and where they're going? Do you think that would help at all?   I mean, it could help if it was still supporting the services. Yeah. I guess that's what I'm getting at is Yeah. You know, because I'm pretty sure you can do intergovernmental   agreements and,   you know Yeah. And then I guess that would kinda go back to how would you work with the village. And if they're willing to work with you on that, it seems like they're because I I basically asked I'm sorry I'm bringing this up so much, but it's   it's all honestly the best touchstone I have for the problem.  

Because I asked   Taylor and I asked Karen, I said, what would make this problem go away? They were pretty much like,   if they help fund the fire. Like, if it if we can get funds for that, then okay. Yeah. Township's fine.   Would you agree with that? I mean  

[00:47:27] Unknown:

yeah, we need yeah. Because we do need funding   for fire, EMS,   and schools,   not, like, just one section of it. We need all of it because   it's not like they're in their little bubble doing their things, and it's not affecting   Like, we're sharing   sharing these responsibilities   and the services, and they're   draining it. Yeah.  

[00:47:52] Unknown:

So I'm gonna switch gears just a little bit if that's alright.   This is gonna be the first time I ask a question. I'm kind of upset I haven't asked it before. Uh-oh.   No. It's it it should be a fine question.   So I've heard from a couple different people when it comes to development is preserving the character   of the township of Batavia.   I'm wondering what you think that character is. Like, how would you describe the character of Batavia, and what are you trying to preserve?  

[00:48:17] Unknown:

Yeah. That's a good question. Oh, thank you. Well, because everyone so everyone says that. It means so many different things. Well, exactly. Yeah. Which is why, like, on my platform, I've   put in transparency   first because I feel like and, like, clear points because everyone, oh, reason responsible growth. Yeah. Like, keeping the character.  

[00:48:36] Unknown:

Every single person says it. It's quite generic, I think. So it's why But it's but it's like, what is that character? I mean, I know what I think the township's character is, but that's probably different than somebody who   because it's such a huge township. You know? Yeah. Yeah. Because, I mean, there I guess there's probably multiple different characters to the township. Like, different areas have different What would you say the predominant character is if you had to? If I held your feet to the fire. What is the character   of the township of Batavia? What would you say? I think it's a combination  

[00:49:06] Unknown:

of having   those,   like, the rolling hills and some open the open areas as well as having the the close knit communities and having them kind of all live simultaneously.   So   I would love, as far as, like, we're growing, growing, growing, preserving the character to be able to get another plot of land in our township that we can guarantee that's gonna be preserved even if we can't, like, do anything with it right now. But,   like, another area the township could have for future park or,   like, just to   keep   that green   and not, like, overdevelop everything, but   and you have more input when you don't have different,   you know, people owning it. But   that character of still having those the the nature, still having, like, the different parts to be able to go to in the nature.  



[00:50:01] Unknown:

Do you I think you were saying before we started that you've done some volunteer work for the parks.   Is that true? No. Not at all. I'm sorry. Because we were talking about Jim Dahlmeyer. Right? Yes. Yes. You met him. Yeah.   I'm assuming you like the parks. Have you met anybody? Have you met Chris Klingman or   Case Gift or anybody at the park? I don't know who the I can't remember who the director is.   No. Oh, they're good people. That's there's there's no question there. They're just really nice people. Yeah. And I really appreciate what they're doing. That they've   I can't remember how many acres it is, but it's a lot of acres that they've   bought, and it's just gonna be green space. For the county. For the county. Yes. Yeah. Not the township. But, I mean, there's places in the township that I actually don't if I remember correctly, I don't know   if there are   any townships   or villages that actually own their own parks. I think it's so I think something has and I could be wrong about this, but I think the county maintains   most of the parks.  

And if the village or the township wants to build up Yeah. I mean, you have the townships  

[00:51:07] Unknown:

and the county and then also the state. So, like, you could all they could all have different parks, but   the township does. So Okay. Well, I was wrong. So Yeah. No. That's okay. That's okay.   But Sycamore Park, that is a county. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But it's, like, right where   township and the village kind of come together, but that is a county park.   And then   our park that that we have is at the community center. Okay. It's a beautiful park. You know, Rex took me around that whole park. I should have known  

[00:51:36] Unknown:

better than to say that the township doesn't own anything. Tell him. Well, I'm gonna publish this. He's probably gonna hear it.   I feel bad. Rex is such a nice guy. Yeah.   He took me around that park, and I It's a beautiful park. It's a great park. And   everybody you know, he's just showing me everything that they're doing.   Everybody either knew him,   or if they didn't, he just walked right up. Yeah. Like, hey. How you how you like our park? And, hey. I'm Rex, and what do you think of this? Yeah.  

[00:52:03] Unknown:

Is it crazy? Yeah. He actually   he   advocates for the parks Yeah. 100%.   And I if I'm correct, he also advocated to get the little the parks and events   council together Mhmm. Where they're it's ran by community members to kinda get input.  

[00:52:21] Unknown:

And I know Rex is running. So I don't wanna tout him up. You know? No. No. No. No. No. It's okay.   Well, I was gonna ask because when I interviewed Deidre Hazlebaker in in Loveland, she made the comment that   I'm not running   against anybody. I'm running for   the township, and I'm wondering if that's something you would agree with. 100%.  

[00:52:41] Unknown:

Yeah. And the way that townships are made, they're each township in Ohio has three trustees.   It's not   just one person making the decision. It's not two. It's three.   And the whole point is to bring more viewpoints   and ideas to the table, not just more of the same. Right. So, I mean, that's the whole point. Like, we don't want it to   elect everyone that is gonna do the exact same thing or has the exact same experience. That defeats the whole purpose Right. Of getting more of community voice to the table. Right.  

[00:53:14] Unknown:

So I think I think there's a leak. Yeah. There is. Okay. I thought I was hearing you. No. No. No. There's a leak. That's, I guess I should say because people can't see us where the bean and brewing, and we should probably tell them to see what's taking. You know what? I think maybe we should move the peace lily under it so I can get water. Oh, yeah. Go ahead. If oh, I'll do it. And  

[00:53:33] Unknown:

then you can narrow me what I'm doing. Okay. So we are at the bean and brew right now in a room in the back, and there's a very sad peace, Lily, because you know what drama queens they can be.   So in order to   temporarily   help this drip problem,   we've now moved the peace lily underneath the drip. So it is being watered slowly.  

[00:53:53] Unknown:

That that's gonna be a first for the podcast, and I feel like I've done my good deed for the day. That's great. Yeah. You know, you're gonna have to come back later today and look at that. I'm just gonna be so happy. I don't see what's perked up at all.   So   because a lot of people probably don't have the experience of running for local political office.   What's that been like?  

[00:54:15] Unknown:

Oh my gosh. It's   I mean, it   every day I'm learning something new or hearing something new, and I love to dig into things to, like, kind of learn,   like, not, like,   not just,   oh, I wanna I wanna do this, but, like,   why is something like this?   And,   like, how do you kinda you I don't know. You can't really   help grow or do anything until, like, you're kind of learning   why something is why it is. Sure. Like a root cause analysis. Yeah. Yeah. And   with that, just   everything   with running and all of the difference, Like, oh, you need to do this first, and you have to do that before that. And,   getting   putting yourself out there is not easy.  



[00:55:02] Unknown:

Yeah. No. I'm   starting to I started a podcast. I was for months before this. I was wringing my hands. Like, do I really wanna do it? Yeah.   So is it is it been tough putting yourself out there? Is it been   has it has it been rough? I mean, I  

[00:55:18] Unknown:

it's been a lot. I'll say that much. It's just because I am in just I think   everyone running, you're, like, just normal   people. Yeah. And it's not anything at least these local positions, no one's doing it for the money. Right. I can promise you that. Yeah. If you thought you were gonna get rich and famous being a township trustee, I hate to be the one to break it to you. Oh, jeez. You know, that was really what I was going for.  

[00:55:44] Unknown:

I'm sorry to dash your dreams   I'm being a wealthy township trustee.  

[00:55:49] Unknown:

Man.   Yeah.   But we are just normal people living normal lives, and   it's   like   you don't just you're not just like, oh, I'm running, and now I'm   an expert in all things politics or, you know,   I'm sorry. That drip is so No. So, like, distracting.   I I think I made it worse. There's multiple drips now. Is there? Yeah. It's all in the same area.  

[00:56:18] Unknown:

I'll let him know about that afterwards.  

[00:56:21] Unknown:

Yeah.   Sorry. No. No. That's fine.  

[00:56:25] Unknown:

This is the first on the podcast.   Oh. A leaky ceiling.  

[00:56:30] Unknown:

You know, it's a good thing we didn't set up in that corner. I know. I was just thinking. I hope hope this does This looks pretty solid. We're safe. Okay. Good.  

[00:56:39] Unknown:

So it's it's been a lot running. Yeah. Are are you going and knocking on doors and doing all that stuff? I have been, and I need to get out there a lot more. Now would you say you're more of a introvert or an extrovert?  

[00:56:51] Unknown:

I'm a combination.   Yeah. I do better in smaller groups. So Yeah. Like, if I'm, like, having a huge room,   I guess I'm fine, but, like,   it drains me more in bigger groups. But   in, like, in smaller groups and working with people,   it's just it's much easier Yeah. For me. I I really love connecting   with people.   And,   like so that part, I'm good at. Yeah. And I love being me. So I think that is also, like, a challenge because I was like, well, I'm not gonna do something different just because Yeah. I'm running. Like, how fake is that? Like Are you sure you wanna be a politician?   I I don't even see this as a a politician.  

Like, I know, like, it's local.   Yeah. And it's so confusing,   but it's there's nothing really like, when you think about, like, stereotypical, oh, politicians,   politics, like, this is community work. Yeah. Like, that's that's what I see it as. It's like a community service. Like,   you know, you're working for the community. You're not   if you're not in it for, you know, being rich and famous, which I just learned a few minutes ago, is that gonna happen? I'm sorry.  

[00:58:04] Unknown:

I I felt like somebody should tell you.   Well, I think that's good to hear, especially when you   because I said on a recent podcast, and I   believe this, you know, the people   if you take the the village and the township   at odds with each other. I mean, the people on the village council and the trustees, they're our neighbors. They're our friends. They're our fellow community members and citizens.   And I think it's   best to approach it as   they're really trying to do the things that they think are best 100%.   For their communities.   And if you start thinking that way, then I think it's a little bit better than,   like, you know, all these   evil people on the village council wanna do this and all these evil trustees wanna do that. It's like, no. These guys   like, your kids probably go to school with them. It's they're   they're our fellow citizens. You know? Yeah. I feel pretty confident they're not evil. Yeah. I don't think any I don't I don't imagine anybody at the local level is, like, twiddling their mustache.  

Like,   how can we Yeah. Who can we put down today? How can we overdevelop everything and and make the fire department go bankrupt? Like, I don't think that's what people are trying to do. Yeah. I agree. Yeah. And  

[00:59:16] Unknown:

if you do kind of have the mindset of   us versus them,   it just it does put a roadblock in being able to work together no matter what. Like, you need to be able to come together.  

[00:59:27] Unknown:

And Well, I think you see that with the village and the township, and I'm not saying anybody's at fault for it. But you go so far down a conflict like that, and everybody's in their trenches, and nobody wants to   come to a reasonable  

[00:59:39] Unknown:

solution. You know? Yeah. And it's tough because   all of the individuals, like, sitting on the council right now, they they weren't all the ones that   started this many years ago. And then the same like, the township, it's kind of a a rolling, growing process. And Yeah. Then you're all just kind of you find yourself   in this situation that it just kind of, like, spiraled and spiraled. And   if   you don't   there's not, like, a a finger to blame, but   all on, like, the people there now because everything   they weren't the ones making the first decisions, and it's been a whole process. Like, when we win, they first did the agreement for the central joint fire emergency Yeah. Those weren't everyone wasn't it's not the same people were at the table. And so And plus, you said the agreement was reopened 02/2001?  

[01:00:30] Unknown:

Yeah. And I think signed in 02/2002, but don't quote me on that. But, I mean, that's still over twenty years that this agreement's been in place. And I've I think I've made this comment before. It's   it's really difficult to make a decision now   about how a community is run or county or whatever it is   and really grasp   the twenty year ramification   of that decision because there's just so many things that change. Yeah. So I think it's I just think it's a good point is it's like   people twenty years ago when they made that joint fire department,   were probably doing it because it was the best thing for the county. And how could you possibly   have predicted that twenty years later, you've run into a problem like this? Yeah. I mean, unless you have a crystal baller,   in which case, you should be looking up lottery numbers and not  

[01:01:20] Unknown:

Yeah. And I could,   I can understand that there is gonna be well, I guess back to this, like, fire Yeah. Yeah. Fire, like, sorry. But I can understand that, like, there will be some inequities   with, like, village versus township when it comes to that because you have to look at also,   like, the value of different properties and income levels. So there might be a disparity   as far as how much is contributed.   But then   when it gets so large is when you're really having the problem and the houses being added are not   lower income houses. They're, you know,   middle class.  



[01:01:57] Unknown:

That actually brings up a a a question.   When you think about   residential development,   what kinds of residential development would you like to see? And I'm thinking, you know,   economically,   demographically, things like that. Like   but and even, I guess, a density. Like,   what what kind of residential development is would you say is, like, yes, that fits in with the character of the township?  

[01:02:23] Unknown:

Yeah. I think that, like, if we're gonna be   developing,   we, like, we have our growth plan   our growth plan right now and our,   different zoning, the article 36.   And   it all definitely needs to be updated Mhmm. To, like, where we are today. But   I would love to see, like, any new community   having a little bit more green space in it and not just, like, plain use. Like,   I don't I think the green space, it doesn't have to really be I don't know. There's certain things about it that it's just generic. Like, you can't develop or do anything, but maybe have more criteria as far as,   like, what, like, upkeep and, you know, making it, like, really a valuable   a valuable part. But   to still have that community, so if you had, like, a little, you know, cluster of, like, oh, these houses might be a little bit smaller, but   more green space in that same area that you you would have even more so than what our   current zoning   zoning is   and having it   reflect,   like, the community. So each, like, each little pocket   of these different developments kind of   reflecting still, like, oh, what makes Batavia so special? And, like, the little the character of   your you can have, like, the   the green space, the nature,   and and all of that in the community area with the different,   like, different little parks, like, all within   a little bubble of   a subdivision   just to really kind of   think about it and not   generically,   like, okay. We're gonna plow this and Yeah.  



[01:04:07] Unknown:

You know? Well, I'd, yeah,   I I generally tell people. It's like, you know, I don't wanna wake up in a strip mall. No. It's like I don't want my house to be   suddenly, there's nothing but Dollar General surrounding my house. You know? I think  

[01:04:21] Unknown:

so But it's really hard too because,   some of these developments   going in areas where the roads are definitely not like, they're not used to all of this traffic. Yeah. And you're kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place. I get it. But, like,   we're putting all of these homes in and  

[01:04:42] Unknown:

You know if there's been traffic studies for the   the developments that,   that Batavia's  

[01:04:49] Unknown:

been doing? I haven't looked into that. I'd I'd imagine, like, they typically do I mean, I think they have to. Studies. Yeah. And, I mean, they're I like, with the apartments, I know that they've they've done them and they've had, like, some,   modifications.   But  

[01:05:03] Unknown:

I don't I   it's nice to see apartments going in and and trying to bring people to the area, but then I just think that little bridge and those two stoplights.   Alright, man. I don't know how you're gonna deal with that. I mean, it's a it's a,   like,   a a genuine question I have. It's that traffic in that little   area right now. Because I go I go to a gym over there. Even in the morning, it's like, everything's always backed up. So I just think, like, how how are you gonna deal with that? And I didn't didn't know if you'd looked at any of the traffic studies or not. No. I haven't with that. I know that they have done, and there are some different modifications that would be coming. I can't speak to exactly what they are. That's fair. I wouldn't ask you to. But when you have, like we're out in the country in those little country roads and you've been plop in a big old Yeah. Development,  

[01:05:47] Unknown:

and   you're not gonna get the roads aren't quite   ready for that. And some of the accidents that that happen on those little country roads, I mean, they're quite devastating.  

[01:05:58] Unknown:

Yeah. My wife loves taking the scenic route everywhere. Yeah. And every time we go and they're not that busy. That's why she likes taking them and, you know, some of the farm fields. But some of the some of them aren't even   two lanes. Yeah. And there are some that are like a lane and a half. I can't remember the name of the road, but   I think it's a lane and you have to if somebody's coming, you have to pull off into one of these little, like I don't know what you call it. I guess it's a little   section Yeah. That lets people pass. And if you're not near one, you have to back up and  

[01:06:28] Unknown:

it's I think is it the one well, there's many, but, like,   if you're going on Olive Branch, don't like, all around. And then, like, you're going to you would be going to 50, but instead, you went on this little road. It's it's around there. I can't remember exactly where it is. It is it can be terrifying. I used to actually I get terrified when my wife drives us down those roads because And it used to be Katie, but she has a bit of a lead foot.  

[01:06:51] Unknown:

And sometimes she's driving with her knee and has a a cough. It used to be a lot worse too.  

[01:06:57] Unknown:

Yeah. I used to take that road every day because I lived in Petunia Township and drove   my son to a daycare that was   over, like, Milford Loveland area.   I then went back to UC Clermont for school, but I took that little road. And, I mean, I just had I think maybe because I didn't care. Like, my car wasn't nice at all, so I wasn't worried about, like, all the gravel and the off roading at that moment. I'm like and then,   like, we had to, like, oh, traffic's bad. Let's take this. And I was like, oh my gosh. I don't remember a thing like this. This is, like, years later. Yeah.  

[01:07:31] Unknown:

I love the I I mean, it's so beautiful, but,   you know, I didn't ask this in the beginning. How long have you lived in the township?  

[01:07:39] Unknown:

So I moved back to the township in 02/2016.   Okay. I lived here when I was first starting nursing school. I lived in the   Olive Branch. I forget the name. I don't I forget the name of it now. It's one of the low income Mhmm. Like, developments there.   And I lived there the first   year or two of   nursing school. And   once I got, like, section eight vouchers, I I don't know if I should be talking too much about it. What? I got section eight vouchers and because, like well, the first one was income   adjusted a little. Like, it was a little bit it was cheaper than it would have been,   if I wasn't in the low income section. But,   when I got the vouchers because I had two boys, I needed to have a two bedroom. So   I, at that point, moved to a little place in Williamsburg, and   it was much nicer because it's you know, you're just it's just like an individual person that rents out things when you get these section eight vouchers. So   that was nice. Yeah. But   so   moving back, like, I had gone up to date into work because I couldn't find a job right away, but then I moved back in 02/2016.  

Okay. What part of Dayton? I'm from Middletown originally. So Yeah. So I originally got a little place up, like, an apartment in Centerville.  

[01:08:51] Unknown:

Oh, yeah. My sister lives there. Centerville is a nice town. It is. It is nice. What made you move back?  

[01:08:57] Unknown:

A job. A job. And my family is here too. So,   like, I was up in up at Miami Valley, and I was on their open heart surgery team.  

[01:09:07] Unknown:

And then I, like, had recruiters. Were you a nurse for Open Heart Surgeons? Really? Yeah. That must have been kinda nuts. Yeah. I did that for many years. What's it like actually being in an operating   what is that like?  

[01:09:24] Unknown:

I I don't know how to explain it. What?  

[01:09:27] Unknown:

It's just normal. Yeah. I guess, you know, I I asked that question, and it's, like, well, that was just your job. No. It is interesting.  

[01:09:34] Unknown:

Like, I I sometimes like, I would think about it. Like, it doesn't  

[01:09:38] Unknown:

so it doesn't It's not like taking your tonsils out. I mean, open heart surgery is I mean, that's serious surgery. Yeah.  

[01:09:46] Unknown:

Yeah. But I I was on the open heart surgery team up at Miami Valley Hospital, and recruiter had contacted, and I was like, oh, that sounds like that might be Mercy Anderson.   And, like, being that I grew up in New Richmond. I went to New Richmond schools from kindergarten to high school.   And so I was like, oh, that's my area, and   that's what   brought me back down.  

[01:10:08] Unknown:

How'd you like New Richmond? Everybody I've interviewed from New Richmond   loves New Richmond.  

[01:10:14] Unknown:

Like, everybody I've interviewed from towns loves their town, but New Richmond seems like a special like, we love New Richmond. I do love New Richmond. I didn't live in town. I was outside of town, but I was right off of 52 with the rivers in my backyard. Yeah. So even though we just had a a little teeny   house with, you know, five kids, one bathroom,   I've I loved that I can just go outside, like, walk walk by the river or, like, just kinda disconnect. So even though, like, the physical place was so small Yeah. The whole world was much larger and flowing, and, like, you just   I don't know. It's  

[01:10:53] Unknown:

there's something about New Richmond in that river because I I was interviewing a couple people,   like, at the cardboard boat museum. Oh, yeah. And it was,   like, right after the flooding,   after this   devastating flooding. And, you know, you'd ask people in New Richmond, like, how was it? It was like, well, it was pretty terrible, but that's just what it's like living there. And all I could think in my head was,   well, maybe move away from the river that floods every so often and destroys   your entire livelihood.   But, no, they they just accept that as part of life, and they just love the river, and they love New Richmond. And I always thought that was   Yeah. There's a lot of history in New Richmond. Tons of history. Tons of there's a lot of history all over   the county, really, especially with the Underground Railroad and Grant. Yeah. All of that stuff. Yeah. It's a it's a really I I love Claremont County. I know I'm from Middletown, but   Claremont County has treated my family very, very well.  



[01:11:48] Unknown:

So Yeah. I like Claremont County for sure. Well, I hope so. I mean, you're running for political office in Claremont County. Yeah. I mean, I've lived here the majority of my life other than when I went up to Dayton for six years. Yeah. Yeah.  

[01:12:02] Unknown:

Dayton's an interesting place.   I don't wanna disparage Dayton.   Dayton's fun. Yeah. We'll leave it at that.   Oh, let's see. I'll be honest with you. I think   I think I've oh, no. I do have one more.   Was there a moment   where it just kind of hit you, I need to run for trustee?   And and what was that moment like?  

[01:12:30] Unknown:

I had been   wanting   to get involved   for quite some time. Like, it's been on my mind the last couple years in trying to figure out and not really you know how, like, you're like, oh, I wanna do something, but you don't know what it is. Like and so trying to   come about something and, like, learning more how things work   and come together. And   I think   knowing   that, oh, wow. There's, like, learning more about   how townships work, how the counties work, and all of that, and knowing that there were   two seats up for reelection coming up in this year and   just like, oh, this might be my time. So I graduated with my doctorate of nursing practice last Congratulations.  

May.   So, you know, that I'm always needing to have my cup to be overflowing.   Yeah.   So I have that, you know, that little break of time because I'm not   we're I'm not working on my schoolwork and every breaking every waking moment that I'm not at work. Yeah. And then it just kind of it all kind of came at the right time to,   like, get involved in the community,   and I have   I don't actually have free time. I don't know why I thought I had free time, but I know that I'm like, I used to do a lot of schoolwork, and now I don't have to. Yeah.   So  

[01:13:55] Unknown:

you gotta fill it with something. Yeah. Might as well be, government work. Yeah. Yeah.   And this is kind of an aside, but how many kids do you have? You said two? Yeah. How old are they? I have two.  

[01:14:06] Unknown:

So they actually just had a birthday. Oh, nice. My youngest just turned 21 on Saturday. Oh, wow. Nice. Yes. 21. 21. Is did he survive it?   I hope so.  

[01:14:21] Unknown:

I think I barely survived my 20 birthday.  

[01:14:26] Unknown:

And, my oldest just turned 24.  

[01:14:29] Unknown:

Oh, wow. Okay. Where where are they at? Are they in the township, or are they My oldest has a home in Williamsburg.   Okay. What's he do out there? He  

[01:14:39] Unknown:

I mean, I guess if you don't wanna say that. No. No. He actually he works for FullSky Technology.   He's a Never heard of that. IT tech. Oh, okay. That's a good job. Yeah. For more of, like, the   the smaller   community businesses. Yeah. Yeah. So, you know, the local vets and Yeah. Chiropractors and stuff like that.  

[01:14:58] Unknown:

Cool.   Well, now I think I'm officially out of questions.   But I do want to give you the floor so you can just kinda make your final pitch. Oh, jeez. Okay.   I hope you have a final pitch. I didn't know I needed to do that.   I can't. Are you sure you wanna run after a run?  

[01:15:21] Unknown:

So I am just excited to be able to   help bring another voice and another idea to the township.   And,   well, now I'm fumbling here. But It's alright. Take your time. It's a long time. No. No. You're good.   So   for me,   I didn't grow up, like,   having things or you know, I I never knew I would even go to college. I didn't even think it was attainable.   And just, like, little by little, like, oh, wow. I had this little light. Like, I could go to college, and I was inspired by one of my fellow coworkers at the day care because I saw her, like, struggling and going in the evenings, and it's just like, oh, I could do that. And I never ever ever even thought that that would be   an option, not because of intelligence, just like, oh, it's so expensive. Yeah. Yeah. And   so   going and getting my my degree and just kind of, like, pushing through and pushing through and pushing through.  

And   I've continued that because then I'm like, oh, I thought I went and got my masters. And I was very fortunate that,   Mercy, I was accepted into a cohort that they actually paid for my masters. I was like, this is perfect because then some of that interest rate on my huge amount of student loans was paused. Yeah. And so I could actually make a dent in my, like, you know, my student as well. Now I'm getting off track here. Yeah. That's alright.   But   I I'm not like, even though now, like, I sit here and   I live in a nice neighborhood. I have a good job, and I'm, like,   so, like, blessed in everything that I have,   and I   have my doctorate.  

I it wasn't just given to me. I was,   like, in section eight housing, and it was I like to I, like,   fought all odds to get   worried and today.   And   it was like, I never knew that   I could have a voice or that my voice   matters.   And I think that there are a lot of people I mean, everywhere you go, there's still people in those same situations, but, like, reflecting on our township and a lot of the community members, like, they don't really know that they have a voice. Mhmm. And,   I also remember, like, the feeling when you actually realize that you do have a voice or your voice matters.   And I really wanna bring that to the township. I want to hear these voices that we haven't heard   and let them know that, like, you are important   and really   come together and at this, like, pivotal moment of growth and time and   make make a difference and kind of   growing together and inspiring these voices.  

That sounds like a good pitch to me. I don't know if it was a pitch. It was just me, like,   kinda going off on No. It's not. That's what I thought. That's, like, from my heart. That's not, like, my technical portion of Do you wanna do your your technical, or I guess we went over it. We went over it, but, like, I think, like, for me, I I would rather wanna know, like, what's what's in someone's   heart, but I've also learned that   a lot of people don't really   I can say I mean, like, how I wanna do certain things, which, you know, we've discussed and and whatnot. And   I I just I did wanna share that, like Yeah. That that truly is how   I   came about it. And, like, every day at work, like, I   I   work hard to advocate. There are plenty of staff that they don't know they have a voice or don't know how to even speak up or where to go and making those connections. And it's just, like, that   brings me like, that fills my cup. You know, you have all these, like, stressors and a lot of times the advocating and the,   like, working together, it is a stressor. But the success of being able to   have that voice heard and   being able to see a difference, it  

[01:19:20] Unknown:

it's just that's everything. Yeah. No. That was perfect. That's perfect.   And with that, I will thank you and call it a successful podcast.  

[01:19:29] Unknown:

Thank you so much. I appreciate you. You're very welcome.  

[01:19:43] Unknown:

Well, thanks again to Danielle for sitting down with us. Like I said, I enjoyed our conversation. Hope you enjoyed it.   And, you know, we're gonna wish her luck in November.   So let's talk about some events.   The first thing we have is the community costume swap on October 16, which I know is today, at 5PM at Sycamore Park. I kept this in here because I really I really do like this Halloween costume or a copy.   Give a costume, get a costume. This free community swap invites families to bring gently used Halloween costumes   and exchange them for something frightfully fresh.  

All ages from little monsters to grown up ghouls are welcome.   It's a great way to refresh your costume without scaring your budget.   Normally, I don't like to put things that are on the day of the show because, you know, you don't have a whole lot of time for it, but I just I gotta tell you, I really like that copy. So whoever wrote that, good job.   Next up, Homeschool Discovery Days, fall leaves, October 17 from 1PM to 2PM at the Catherine Stagmore Park.   It is an educational nature program tailored for homeschoolers, but it's open to all families.   Kids will learn about the science behind autumn leaves, like why they change color and how they prepare for winter, and they'll learn about this through hands on activities and games. It is held outdoors in the park, so it might be a little chilly. Bring your coat.  

And it's an hour long program that combines science and fun to explore the fall season.   Admission is free, but please register in advance. That is required, and I'm sure you can do that on the park's website.   Batavia Farmers Market, October 18, 9AM to 2PM at the corner of Main Street and Depot Street in Batavia.   It is a seasonal open air market featuring local farmers and artisans.   You can browse fresh produce, farm raised meats, baked goods, honey plants, and handmade crafts. It is family friendly and free to attend.   It is also a great way to support local vendors and enjoy a Saturday morning in downtown Batavia.  

Next is yoga in the park, October 18 at 9AM   at Sycamore Park.   Start your Saturday with a calming morning yoga session in nature.   This free class, no registration needed, is open to adults and teens of all skill levels.   An instructor will lead gentle poses and breathing exercises on the lawn at Sycamore Park with the backdrop of trees and the East Fork River.   Beginners can learn the basics while experienced yogis   enjoy practicing   in a serene outdoor setting. Be sure to bring a yoga mat and a towel or a towel and some water, and the sessions typically last about an hour.   BooFest, Claremont County YMCA Halloween Festival, October 18, 12PM to 2PM at Claremont Family YMCA,   is a free community Halloween party hosted by the y. Families are encouraged to come in costume and enjoy trunk or treating, music from a DJ,   games,   kids dance activities,   and snacks in the YMCA's West parking lot. There's even a costume parade for youngsters and prizes awarded to the best decorated car trunks. It is open to the entire community. You do not need to be a Y member to join the fun.  

Next, we have Forged Tea Time and Hike brewing botanical potions.   This is gonna be on October 25, 05:30PM   to 06:30PM at Clingman Park.   It is an autumn nature program where you will learn to identify and forage local plants   to brew a witchy herbal tea potion.   The event includes a short guided hike, weather permitting, and encourages attendees to wear fun witch themed attire.   It is a free workshop, but you do need to preregister,   and it is it is designed for ages 12 and up.   Howell O'Ween dog costume hike. October 25, 6PM at Shore Park.   This is a Halloween themed evening for dog lovers.  

Dress up your pup in a costume for a self paced night hike through the park. Enjoy treat stations for both humans and dogs, photo ops, and meet adorable dogs from the county animal shelter. Leashes are required, but no registration is needed, and the event is free and obviously   pet friendly.   Last but not least, Cincinnati Nature Center, nature's tricks and treats, October 25,   06:30PM   to 8PM at the Cincinnati Nature Center, Row Woods. It is a family friendly nighttime fall festival on the nature trails of the Cincinnati Nature Center. Guests follow a flashlight   lit trail through the woods and encounter tricks and treats at various stations, from games and crafts to learning about nocturnal animals.  

Costumes are encouraged for kids and adults, and adventurous participants   who complete the whole trail can win a small prize.   It does tickets do cost money. It is $10 for members and $18 for nonmembers, and it runs rain or shine, so dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.   So those are all the events we have, and I'll do another quick note on events. I do the best I can to find as many of them as I can, but I know I don't get all of them. So if you know an event or you have an event that you'd like people to know about, just send us an email, info@let'stalkclairmont.com.   And that will lead us into our final pitch for we are a value for value podcast. And what that means is if you find value in what we're doing, all we ask is for a little value in return in the form of time, talent, or treasure.  

For time and talent,   get in touch. Let us know what's going on in your community.   Let us know who you'd like us to talk to. And think about that question I keep asking. What is the character of our county or your township or your village? What are we trying to protect in the face of all of this development pressure? And if you're interested in doing some kind of high school   sports news roundup, something like that, get in touch. Info at let'stalkclaremont.com.   I think that'd be really fun to do.   For treasure, go to the website, let's talk claremont.com.   Click donate,   and you can donate via PayPal or Stripe. And if you wanna donate a different way, just get in touch, and we'll make that happen.  

And thank you to all the thank you again to all the producers that come in under 50 for anonymity purposes.   We really appreciate it. Helps us keep doing what we do. But for donors that donate over $50, you will get a special mention on the show. And for $200 and above, you will get an executive producer credit that I will vouch for, and I'll read a note live not live. I keep saying live. I'll read a note on air, and that note can be anything. It can be what you're up to, ad read for your business, or one of those nasty grams that I really wanna give a dramatic reading.   Please   also follow us on Facebook, Let's Talk Claremont podcast. We're on Instagram at Let's Talk Claremont, and we got that newsletter. Go to the website, www.let'stalkclaremont.com.  

Hit newsletter, put your email in, and we'll only send you one a week when a new show comes out.   And, of course, follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts,   or whatever it is you use for podcast. It really does help the show out, but but it helps you out because you'll be notified   every time we have a new episode. And if you just wanna get in touch, info@let'stalkclairmont.com.   Well, that is all we have for you today. I hope you enjoyed the show, and we will see you next week.