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Aaron is from Hershey, Pennsylvania. He earned a bachelor's degree in classical languages and studies from Haverford College and a master's degree in ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies from the University of Cincinnati. He lives in Westside Covington with his partner Jessica and her daughter. He serves on the Devou Park Advisory Committee and Linden Grove Cemetery Board of Overseers.

Aaron is the founder and chief financial officer of Sage Yoga. He is also a curriculum consultant for Rooted and has previously worked as a substitute high school teacher and university lecturer.

Aaron Wolpert’s campaign for city commissioner is his first run for public office.

As of August 20, 2024, Aaron Wolpert’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Energy & the Environment

Candidate website

Opposes short-term rentals because they "take housing out of circulation and worsen the housing shortage."

Supports "more aggressive code and tax enforcement applied to absentee and problem landowners whose properties are unsafe or abandoned..."

Supports providing incentives for developers to build more infill housing, particularly on vacant lots owned by absentee landowners.

Supports providing incentives for developers to build more infill housing, particularly on vacant lots owned by absentee landowners. Infill housing is using land in established urban areas for new construction.

Supports the Housing Authority of Covington in its mission to distribute funding to families in need.

Believes in providing social services to the unhoused.

Believes in adjusting code enforcement based on property owners’ resources, advocating for higher standards from affluent multi-property owners.

Believes that increasing housing will boost property tax revenue, which can be used for rent subsidies.

Believes that increasing the housing supply, including new market-rate housing, will help prevent new home buyers from "over-spend[ing]" and will ultimately help reduce rents in "lower-cost housing."

- Opposes short-term rentals because they "take housing out of circulation and worsen the housing shortage."
- Supports "more aggressive code and tax enforcement applied to absentee and problem landowners whose properties are unsafe or abandoned..."
- Supports providing incentives for developers to build more infill housing, particularly on vacant lots owned by absentee landowners. Infill housing is using land in established urban areas for new construction.
- Supports the Housing Authority of Covington in its mission to distribute funding to families in need.
- Believes in providing social services to the unhoused.
- Believes in adjusting code enforcement based on property owners’ resources, advocating for higher standards from affluent multi-property owners.
- Believes that increasing housing will boost property tax revenue, which can be used for rent subsidies.
- Believes that increasing the housing supply, including new market-rate housing, will help prevent new home buyers from "over-spend[ing]" and will ultimately help reduce rents in "lower-cost housing."

Housing & Urban Development

Believes in creating "walkable, friendly, and safe streets" and aims to improve local safety standards.

- Believes in creating "walkable, friendly, and safe streets" and aims to improve local safety standards.

Public Safety

Proposes forming a citizens’ board to improve cooperation and efficiencies among social service agencies.

Believes the city should enhance recreational opportunities for kids by expanding the existing network of parks.

Wants to re-form the citizen advisory committee for park facilities and programming and establish a committee of Covington kids from every neighborhood to ensure their voices are heard in planning facilities and programs.

Believes quality-of-life concerns, such as littering, are important to address.

- Proposes forming a citizens’ board to improve cooperation and efficiencies among social service agencies.
- Believes the city should enhance recreational opportunities for kids by expanding the existing network of parks.
- Wants to re-form the citizen advisory committee for park facilities and programming and establish a committee of Covington kids from every neighborhood to ensure their voices are heard in planning facilities and programs.
- Believes quality-of-life concerns, such as littering, are important to address.

Public Services

Proposes forming a mayor-appointed Transportation Commission that would absorb the current Parking Authority and take a comprehensive approach to all modes of transport in Covington.

Believes in maintaining the current momentum of city staff, even if it means delaying equipment purchases and infrastructure improvements.

Believes walkable streets and accessible public transportation are essential.

Plans to address sidewalk repairs, debris cleanup, pedestrian safety infrastructure, and weed trimming in medians.

- Proposes forming a mayor-appointed Transportation Commission that would absorb the current Parking Authority and take a comprehensive approach to all modes of transport in Covington.
- Believes in maintaining the current momentum of city staff, even if it means delaying equipment purchases and infrastructure improvements.
- Believes walkable streets and accessible public transportation are essential.
- Plans to address sidewalk repairs, debris cleanup, pedestrian safety infrastructure, and weed trimming in medians.

Transportation & Infrastructure

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Aaron Wolpert

Aaron is from Hershey, Pennsylvania. He attended Haverford College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in classical languages and studies. He attended the University of Cincinnati, where he earned a Master's degree in ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies. He lives in Westside Covington with his partner Jessica and her daughter. He serves on the Devou Park Advisory Committee and Linden Grove Cemetery Board of Overseers.

Aaron Wolpert’s campaign for City Commission is his first run for public office.

- Opposes short-term rentals.
- Supports "more aggressive code and tax enforcement applied to absentee and problem landowners whose properties are unsafe or abandoned..."
- Supports providing incentives for developers to build more infill housing, particularly on vacant lots owned by absentee landowners.
- Supports the Housing Authority of Covington in its mission to distribute funding to families in need.
- Believes affordable housing is a nationwide issue with no easy solutions.
- Believes in providing social services to the unhoused.
- Believes in adjusting code enforcement based on property owners’ resources, advocating for higher standards from affluent multi-property owners.
- Believes that increasing housing will boost property tax revenue, which can be used for rent subsidies.
- Believes that increasing the housing supply, including new market-rate housing, will help prevent new home buyers from "over-spend[ing]" and will ultimately help reduce rents in "lower-cost housing."

- Believes in providing compensation for long-term first responders.
- Believes in creating "walkable, friendly, and safe streets" and aims to improve local safety standards.

- Proposes forming a mayor-appointed Transportation Commission that would absorb the current Parking Authority and take a comprehensive approach to all modes of transport in Covington.
- Believes in maintaining the current momentum of city staff, even if it means delaying equipment purchases and infrastructure improvements.
- Supports improving transportation and pedestrian safety.
- Believes walkable streets and accessible public transportation are essential.
- Plans to address sidewalk repairs, debris cleanup, pedestrian safety infrastructure, and weed trimming in medians.

Aaron Wolpert lives in Westside Covington with his partner Jessica and her daughter.

Aaron Wolpert is the founder of Sage Yoga, established in 2016, and manages two studios. He has also served on the Devou Park Advisory Committee and the Historic Linden Grove Cemetery and Arboretum Board of Overseers.

As of September 4, 2024, Aaron Wolpert’s website did not contain information on this issue.

As mayor, Jessica launched the first farm share in Covington by reclaiming a vacant lot on MLK and contributed to city regulations for urban market farming.

Supports small business development in urban areas.

Believes residents should not have to tolerate neighbors who refuse to maintain their houses or sidewalks.

Believes the city of Covington is an attractive place to live and wants to develop revenue collection strategies that "capitalize on that attraction without burdening longer-term residents."

Believes small business ownership requires a "full effort" and community engagement.

Plans to use existing tools to create more affordable housing.

Believes affordable housing is a nationwide issue with no easy solutions.

Believes in matching city staffing levels to demonstrated need.

Believes the city should be proud of its compassion towards underserved individuals, but acknowledges that the concentration of services strains public safety personnel and the budget.

Believes in providing compensation for long-term first responders.

Supports coordination among social service agencies.

Promises to work at city hall every morning to support city staff and encourage innovation and problem-solving.

Promises to engage with the community by attending neighborhood meetings, local events, businesses, and going door-to-door to gather residents' input on public service challenges.

Promises to address neighborhood concerns.

Believes in community partnership to improve city leadership and services.

Believes in serving the entire city and plans to maintain contact with all neighborhoods during the campaign.

Promises to improve public services by listening to residents and implementing community-driven solutions.

Believes in prioritizing people and retaining talented city staff.

Believes in engaging with local community services, such as mulching parks and re-fencing community gardens.

Supports initiatives that assist small businesses, enhance parks and recreation, and improve neighborhood services.

As a founder of Sage Yoga, provided free community yoga sessions for diverse groups, including elementary students, social service staff, and senior citizens.

Supports the design-build model for the bridge project, allowing for changes that may affect residents, such as the installation of sound barriers.

Believes the Covington Central Riverfront development and the Brent Spence companion bridge construction will "transform" the community and supports monitoring and reporting progress on these projects to residents.

Supports improving transportation and pedestrian safety.

LINK nky, 10 hopefuls vie for seats on Covington City Commission 

City of Covington News, City thanks Commissioners Huizenga, Wells as 'champions' of Covington

Bill graduated from Holy Cross High School. He is married and a father to one. 

Bill previously worked as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and firefighter. 

Bill Wells previously served as city commissioner. He served 2 terms from 2014 to 2018. 

As of August 20, 2024, Bill Wells did not have a website or any information online.

Supports modernizing city safety equipment and buying more emergency vehicles, like police cars and ambulances, as needed.

- Supports modernizing city safety equipment and buying more emergency vehicles, like police cars and ambulances, as needed.

Wants to bring back OpenGov, a software that would help bring "transparency" to citizens about how city tax dollars are being used.

Plans to introduce neighborhood summits to increase city engagement and "strengthen community bonds."

Believes in adding more educational initiatives like Read Ready Covington, where "officials engage with youth by reading at elementary schools," to increase enrichment and outreach efforts.

- Wants to bring back OpenGov, a software that would help bring "transparency" to citizens about how city tax dollars are being used.
- Plans to introduce neighborhood summits to increase city engagement and "strengthen community bonds."
- Believes in adding more educational initiatives like Read Ready Covington, where "officials engage with youth by reading at elementary schools," to increase enrichment and outreach efforts.

Bill Wells

Bill Wells previously served as City Commissioner. He served 2 terms from 2014 to 2018. 

City of Convington News, Educator, rights advocate join Housing board

Bradie is a vice principal at Holmes High School. She was also a former teacher and administrator for the Covington Independent School District, as well as president of the Covington Education Association.


Bradie Bowen currently serves on the commission board of the Housing Authority in Convington. She was appointed in 2019 and is serving her first full term.

As of August 20, 2024, Bradie Bowen did not have a website or any information online.

Link NKY, Incumbents dominate Covington Commissioners primary

Proposes increasing the cost of rental licenses or expediting the sale of city owned lots and residential properties to resolve the city's budget shortfall.

- Proposes increasing the cost of rental licenses or expediting the sale of city owned lots and residential properties to resolve the city's budget shortfall.

Said, "Prevention and intervention are vital to reductions of crime and violence, one of the areas I would prioritize as a Covington City Commissioner. "

- Said, "Prevention and intervention are vital to reductions of crime and violence, one of the areas I would prioritize as a Covington City Commissioner. "

Wants to strengthen the relationships between the city and school district, and unite the various community groups already working on youth engagement, housing, and career development.

Wants to work with government leaders at the county, state, and national levels to secure funding and pass laws that improve the quality of life for everyone in the city.

- Wants to strengthen the relationships between the city and school district, and unite the various community groups already working on youth engagement, housing, and career development.
- Wants to work with government leaders at the county, state, and national levels to secure funding and pass laws that improve the quality of life for everyone in the city.

Bradie Bowen

Bradie is a vice principal at Holmes High School. She was also a former teacher and administrator for the Covington Independent School District. Bradie was also president of the Covington Education Association.


Bradie Bowen currently serves on the commission board of the Housing Authority in Convington. She was appointed in 2019.

Cari is from Puerto Rico, and moved to Covington in 2014. She earned her master's degree in French language and literature from the University of Cincinnati. She also earned her doctorate degree in foreign and second language education from the Ohio State University. She lives in Licking Riverside with her husband, three adult children, and three grandchildren. 

Cari is currently a professor of Spanish and director of the Monsignor Cleves University Honors Program at Thomas More University (TMU). She has served numerous roles throughout TMU including as the director of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force, the acting vice president for Academic Affairs, assistant dean, and director of the Academic Advising Task Force. She is also a yoga teacher and a health and wellness coach.

Cari Garriga's campaign for city commissioner will be her first run for public office.

As of August 20, 2024, Cari Garriga’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports increased funding for tools and training to ensure first responders are equipped with the resources needed to effectively protect the community.

- Supports increased funding for tools and training to ensure first responders are equipped with the resources needed to effectively protect the community.

Believes Covington's residents deserve access to quality careers that support collective prosperity.

Advocates for initiatives that promote local investment and economic empowerment.

- Believes Covington's residents deserve access to quality careers that support collective prosperity.
- Advocates for initiatives that promote local investment and economic empowerment.

Wants to prioritize investments in maintaining and upgrading roads and bridges.

Wants to address infrastructure issues by collaborating with relevant stakeholders.

- Wants to prioritize investments in maintaining and upgrading roads and bridges.
- Wants to address infrastructure issues by collaborating with relevant stakeholders.

Cari Garriga

Cari Garriga's campaign for City Commissioner will be her first run for public office.

James is a lifelong resident of Covington. He attended Latonia Elementary and Holmes High School.

James Toebbe is currently an account manager. He previously served in the military, where he served as a cryptologist.

As of September 17, 2024, James Toebbe’s website did not contain information on this issue.

As of August 20, 2024, James Toebbe’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes the city should offer tax incentives to ensure some housing development remains affordable, particularly in light of abandoned properties throughout Covington.

Supports tax incentives to ensure some housing development remains affordable.

Believes abandoned properties and inconsistent code enforcement are major issues.

Advocates for addressing the problems of abandoned properties and inconsistent code enforcement.

- Supports tax incentives to ensure some housing development remains affordable.
- Advocates for addressing the problems of abandoned properties and inconsistent code enforcement.
- Supports affordable housing efforts.

Supports veterans' advocacy and has influenced legislation for veterans' rights as a former Post Commander and State Chief of Staff for the VFW.

Supports prioritizing first responders in the city budget.

- Supports veterans' advocacy.
- Supports prioritizing first responders in the city budget.

Supports updating the policy of 1 debris voucher per month for bulk dumping at the transfer station to quarterly or bi-annually.

Supports updating the policy of one debris voucher for bulk dumping at the transfer station from monthly to quarterly or bi-annually.

Supports continuing annual town hall meetings in different neighborhoods to address resident concerns, especially for senior citizens who may lack online resources.

Supports annual town halls in different neighborhoods to address resident concerns, especially for senior citizens who may lack online resources.

Advocated for local use of Charitable Gaming funds, supporting projects like the Latonia Little Library, Holmes JROTC program, and providing Christmas assistance to underprivileged children at Latonia Elementary.

Believes city staff must respond to public service issues promptly, acknowledging receipt of the issue and developing a plan of action to address it.

Advocates for prompt response from city staff to public service issues.

Supports clearly defined roles for city staff and transparent reporting mechanisms, such as periodic reports or computer-based platforms, to track progress in addressing community issues.

Supports transparent reporting mechanisms to track progress in addressing community issues.

- Supports updating the policy of one debris voucher for bulk dumping at the transfer station from monthly to quarterly or bi-annually.
- Supports annual town halls in different neighborhoods to address resident concerns, especially for senior citizens who may lack online resources.
- Advocated for local use of Charitable Gaming funds, supporting projects like the Latonia Little Library, Holmes JROTC program, and providing Christmas assistance to underprivileged children at Latonia Elementary.
- Advocates for prompt response from city staff to public service issues.
- Supports transparent reporting mechanisms to track progress in addressing community issues.

Supports the Covington Central Riverfront development project.

- Supports the Covington Central Riverfront development project.

James Toebbe

James is currently an account manager. He previously served in the military, where he served as a cryptologist.

As of September 13, 2024, James Toebbe’s website did not contain information on this issue.

- Supports the Covington Central Riverfront development project.
- Supports addressing the budget deficit by halting non-essential expenses.
- Supports reversing any changes that impact residents once the city is financially stable.
- Supports halting non-essential, non-revenue-generating projects funded by the city’s general fund.

James Toebbe is a lifelong resident of Covington, growing up in Latonia. He attended Latonia Elementary and Holmes High School.

James Toebbe is currently an Account Manager. He has over 20 years of experience in data analysis, beginning in the military where he served as a cryptologist.

As of September 4, 2024, James Toebbe’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes post-pandemic property evaluation increases have led to skyrocketing tax rates, adversely affecting vulnerable residents like senior citizens and low-income families.

Believes Covington's transformation, especially with projects like the Central Riverfront development, should honor its history and unique character while fostering community support.

Believes in revitalizing the city to create a thriving community.

Supports residents south of downtown who have concerns about public safety, youth activities, and economic development.

Believes military service provides a unique perspective on humanity and public safety, saying, "I saw both sides of humanity...great things as well as many horrible things."

Plans to leverage connections made while serving as a leader in veterans’ organizations to advocate for policies benefiting the veteran community.

Supports honoring veterans and participating in community events for public safety.

Supports public safety through leadership roles in organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Believes in strategic collaboration and effective communication to represent Covington’s interests in public safety discussions and decision-making processes.

Promises to prioritize the interests of residents and business owners and to listen to their feedback.

Supports transparency and accountability in campaign financing.

Promises to prioritize the interests of residents and business owners and plans to be "completely transparent" and open to admitting mistakes.

Supports policies that enhance public safety and advocate for veterans' rights.

As Commander at the Latonia VFW, organized community events like the annual truck or treat event for neighborhood children and the Annual Kids Fishing Derby.

Believes the effectiveness of public services varies among residents, acknowledging that while personal issues raised with the city have been addressed, many residents lack knowledge of how to properly address their concerns.

Believes addressing public service issues requires community interaction from the mayor and commissioners to identify trends and improve communication.

Believes the return to office work will help relieve some of the "burden our city has faced" due to the shortfall caused by remote work.

Believes establishing clear communication channels and proper documentation between the commission and city staff will ensure accountability in addressing public service issues.

Believes in enhancing accountability measures for city staff to address issues raised by the City Commission.

Believes in the importance of community support and participation in shaping the future of Covington.

Believes in engaging with community members and local business owners to gather insights on enhancing public services and community life in Covington.

Advocates for community involvement among veterans.

Believes in prioritizing community engagement and addressing residents' concerns.

Expects waste and recycling fees to increase by $36 per year based on the city’s finance director recommendations.

Believes the general fund shortfall needs to be addressed, but the candidate's website does not provide specific plans for mitigation.

Supports reversing any changes that impact residents once the city is financially stable.

Supports halting non-essential, non-revenue-generating projects funded by the city’s general fund.

Supports addressing the budget deficit by halting non-essential expenses.

Shannon Smith Commissioner

Shannon earned her bachelor's degree from Morehead State University and her law degree from Northern Kentucky University. 

Shannon is a lawyer and small business owner. 

Shannon Smith is a city commissioner in Covington. She was elected in 2022 and is serving her 3rd term.

As of August 20, 2024, Shannon Smith’s website did not contain information on this issue.

As commissioner, supported Covington Connect, an effort to address the digital divide by bringing free wireless internet to thousands of low- and moderate-income homes

- As commissioner, supported Covington Connect, an effort to address the digital divide by bringing free wireless internet to thousands of low- and moderate-income homes

Shannon Smith

Shannon received her bachelor's degree from Morehead State University and her law degree from Northern Kentucky University. 

Shannon was elected in 2022 to her third term on the Covington Board of Commissioners.

Tim lives in Covington with his wife Kara. They have 3 children. He earned his bachelor's degree in environmental science from Trinity College. 

Tim currently serves as vice president for O'Rourke Wrecking Company in Cincinnati. He has spent his career in the environmental and construction industry. He previously joined the Navy and then the Navy Reserves. 

Tim Acri's campaign for city commissioner is his first run for public office.

As of August 20, 2024, Tim Acri’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Wants to collaborate with residents and local leaders to secure more State and Federal funding for housing and urban development in the city.

Advocates for securing more state and federal funding for housing and urban development.

Supports small businesses and aims to find creative ways to incentivize and retain them in Covington.

Supports small businesses and aims to find creative ways to incentivize and keep them in Covington.

Believes responsible development in the urban core is crucial for the city's future, and supports reshaping the former IRS property to benefit residents and businesses.

Supports transforming the former IRS property to benefit residents and businesses.

Believes Covington should develop the Ohio River Corridor, saying, "We have watched the City of Cincinnati grow the Ohio River Corridor for the past 15 years from the southern banks of the river and it is time that Covington does the same thing."

- Advocates for securing more state and federal funding for housing and urban development.
- Supports small businesses and aims to find creative ways to incentivize and keep them in Covington.
- Supports transforming the former IRS property to benefit residents and businesses.
- Believes Covington should develop the Ohio River Corridor, saying, "We have watched the City of Cincinnati grow the Ohio River Corridor for the past 15 years from the southern banks of the river and it is time that Covington does the same thing."

Believes street lighting, stop signs, sidewalks, and traffic control are essential for public safety.

Supports public safety infrastructure like street lighting, stop signs, and sidewalks.

- Supports public safety infrastructure like street lighting, stop signs, and sidewalks.

Supports creating more youth leagues and sporting programs regardless of community location, income, or ethnic background.

Wants to restore, protect, and preserve parks, green spaces, and open spaces, while also creating more opportunities for recreation and public enjoyment.

Supports restoring, protecting, and preserving parks, green spaces, and open spaces.

- Supports creating more youth leagues and sporting programs regardless of community location, income, or ethnic background.
- Supports restoring, protecting, and preserving parks, green spaces, and open spaces.

Believes that improving Covington's older infrastructure is crucial for the city's future.

Supports improving Covington's older infrastructure.

- Supports improving Covington's older infrastructure.

Tim Acri

- Your city commission is made up of four elected city commissioners and a mayor. Together, they share the legislative and executive duties of the city government. In some cities, they also have administrative powers. 
- The city commission is responsible for the health, comfort, and safety of residents of the city 
- The city commission passes and enforces city laws, oversees all departments of the city government, and passes the city budget.
- Most cities in Kentucky hold nonpartisan elections for city officials. City commission members serve two-year terms and elections are held in even-numbered years. 

Passes laws and regulations for your city.

Covington City Commissioner

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Covington City Commissioner

Election results

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