2026 Kentucky General Election

Early Life

I grew up in rural Boone County, the fifth of six siblings in a 200 sq. ft two-room house without indoor plumbing.  My father was a professional inventor.  He had a successful business making orthopedic instruments in the 1950’s and early 1960’s.  He sold his business to Zimmer Biomet and moved from Hyde Park to Hebron.

Carlton Trinkle for Park Hills City Council

Education

I graduated from Conner High School in 1980 where I shared the Math award.  In 1984 I earned a BS in Math and Computer Science from NKU where I was named the outstanding senior in math.  From there I went on to graduate school at the University of Virginia on a fellowship.  After a brief stint at a startup company with my two older brothers, I completed my masters in Math in 1987 at Miami University.

Personal Life

My wife Ania (pronounced Anya) and I have been married 39 years.  She is originally from Poland.  We met in the Math Department at NKU.  We have one son – Zach, who attended Villa Madonna and now works in our company.

Carlton Trinkle is originally from rural Boone County. He earned a Bachelor of Science in math and computer science from NKU and a master's degree in math from Miami University. He has been married to Ania for 39 years and has one son.

Professional Experience

My first real job was a robot programmer for another startup company that put metal coatings on aerospace components – mostly for GE Aircraft Engines.  My position evolved to Quality Assurance Manager, Production Manager, and then Engineering Manager.  When I left in 1991, the company had grown to 30+ employees.  I then started a new company with my older brother.  We designed and built molds, mostly for aircraft engine parts for an aerospace company in Erlanger.

Professional Experience

I then started a new company with my older brother.  We designed and built molds, mostly for aircraft engine parts for an aerospace company in Erlanger.  In 2016 we became AS9100 certified to make flight hardware.  Our son Zach is currently the Quality Assurance Manager.  At our peak, just before Covid, we had 25 employees.

Personal Life

My wife Ania (pronounced Anya) and I have been married 39 years.  She is originally from Poland.  We met in the Math Department at NKU.  We have one son – Zach, who attended Villa Madonna and now works in our company.  I am mostly retired from the business now.

Professional Experience

My first real job was a robot programmer for another startup company that put metal coatings on aerospace components – mostly for GE Aircraft Engines.  My position evolved to Quality Assurance Manager, Production Manager, and then Engineering Manager.  When I left in 1991, the company had grown to 30+ employees.

Carlton is mostly retired from a business he started with his older brother that designed and built molds for aircraft engine parts. He previously worked as a robot programmer for a startup that applied metal coatings to aerospace components and later served as quality assurance manager, production manager, and engineering manager.

As of September 15, 2026, Carlton Trinkle’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Public Services

Housing & Urban Development

Transportation & Infrastructure

Public Safety

Education

Politics

I have always wanted to be involved in public service, and now I have the time.  If elected, I will work to enhance the quality of life for all Park Hills residents, preserve or improve the charm of our city, and see that every tax dollar is spent wisely.  I will never vote to increase tax rates.

Pledges never to vote to increase tax rates.

- Pledges never to vote to increase tax rates.

Economy

Carlton Trinkle

Isaac Brickman

Buket Urgen

As of September 15, 2026, Dan Lutz did not have a website or any information online.

Dan Lutz

As of September 15, 2026, Dan Lutz’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Background:

I have been a homeowner in the Park Hills community since 2021, and have had close family in northern Kentucky for my whole life. I am 30 years old and am married with three children. I graduated from the University of Dayton in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in Operations and Supply Chain Management.

Dan WARNER

Dan Warner earned a bachelor's degree in operations and supply chain management from the University of Dayton. He is married and has three children.

The beginning of my professional career was focused on inventory management, inventory forecasting, and warehousing. I have managed tens of millions of dollars worth of inventory across multiple warehouses in different regions of the country.

Following that, I concentrated on data analysis and system administration. I have two certifications in the Oracle NetSuite ERP accounting and finance database, where I used my strong instincts with numbers to help make data-driven decisions for my company.

I also have experience in project management, specifically in the area of software deployment and maintenance.

Currently, my work has shifted into the accounting space, where I reconcile the books for the business each month, generate official financial reports for company leadership, and manage all other financial processes for the organization.

Currently, my work has shifted into the accounting space, where I reconcile the books for the business each month, generate official financial reports for company leadership, and manage all other financial processes for the organization. I also process payroll, manage employee benefits, and lead employee onboarding and offboarding processes. I continue to hold the responsibility of keeping clean data in our systems and organizing this data in a way that makes it easily usable for decision making.

Dan currently works in accounting, reconciling the business's books, generating financial reports, and managing payroll, employee benefits, and onboarding and offboarding processes. He previously focused on inventory management, forecasting, and warehousing, followed by data analysis and system administration. He also has experience in project management for software deployment and maintenance and holds two certifications related to the Oracle NetSuite accounting and finance database.

As of September 15, 2026, Dan Warner’s website did not contain information on this issue.

I see a few key areas that will affect almost all residents of Park Hills. First, those who are homeowners are surely happy that local property values are generally increasing. But that also means the dollar amount of property taxes will go up as well, since the property tax rate is a percentage of property value. I will work to keep property taxes low, because our city is in a strong financial position, and we want to do our part to keep homeownership affordable in Park Hills.

Plans to keep property taxes low to help keep homeownership affordable in Park Hills.

- Plans to keep property taxes low to help keep homeownership affordable in Park Hills.

Second, many of us value Park Hills for its safety and walkability. Whether for exercise, recreation, dog-walking, visiting friends, or commuting from one place to another, our neighborhoods should have well-maintained sidewalks and roads, and robust police and fire departments for the safety of those in our city.

Said Park Hills neighborhoods should have well-maintained sidewalks and roads.

- Said Park Hills neighborhoods should have well-maintained sidewalks and roads.

Said Park Hills neighborhoods should have robust police and fire departments for residents' safety.

- Said Park Hills neighborhoods should have robust police and fire departments for residents' safety.

Finally, local businesses are very important to our community. Many of us work in or shop at small businesses in Park Hills, and I will support these valuable businesses to keep them in our city.

Plans to support small businesses and help keep them in Park Hills.

- Plans to support small businesses and help keep them in Park Hills.

Dan Warner

I’m Greg Claypole. A Park Hills enthusiast and a resident of the beautiful city for the past 38 years. My wife, Louise, and I raised our three daughters in Park Hills. Two of our daughters continue to live in Park Hills with their own families – in fact, we all live on the same street! I started my career working for the American Bakery Company.

Greg Claypole | Park Hills City Council Candidates

Greg Claypole and his wife, Louise, raised three daughters.

I’m Greg Claypole. A Park Hills enthusiast and a resident of the beautiful city for the past 38 years. My wife, Louise, and I raised our three daughters in Park Hills. Two of our daughters continue to live in Park Hills with their own families – in fact, we all live on the same street! I started my career working for the American Bakery Company. I was predominately responsible for maintaining all the machinery at the bakery. From there, I started my own company, Claypole Painting.

I started my career working for the American Bakery Company. I was predominately responsible for maintaining all the machinery at the bakery. From there, I started my own company, Claypole Painting. I offered painting and general contracting services for over 30 years. I am since retired but continue to manage our rental property.

Greg Claypole is retired and continues to manage rental property. He previously owned Claypole Painting, offering painting and general contracting services, and worked for the American Bakery Company maintaining bakery machinery.

Greg Claypole (write-in candidate): I have spent a number of years throughout my time living in Park Hills serving on city council and have always genuinely enjoyed the experience. I most recently served on council from 2016 – 2018. Even though I stepped away from council as a formal city council member in 2018, I remain active in the city as I have served on the infrastructure sub-committee from 2018 to present.

Candidates for Park Hills City Council answer questions - LINK nky

Greg most recently served on the Park Hills City Council from 2016 to 2018.

Park Hills City Council - LINK nky

There are a few projects that I would like to focus on during my time on council. First, I would like to improve the lighting on some of our city streets. I hope to add decorative streetlights to enhance the character of the city while also making it safer for residents at night. Second, I would like to see the completion of a sidewalk on Arlington Road. I believe this would make the city safer for all residents. I have also heard from some residents that there might interest in exploring restroom options at Trolley Park. I know there are many young families that frequent the park that don’t have the luxury of a lot of time to find a restroom when nature calls. Finally, I hope to explore opportunities for building a park on the south side of Dixie Highway. This would allow residents to enjoy additional green space in the city that is both beautiful and functional.

Plans to explore building a park south of Dixie Highway.

- Plans to explore building a park south of Dixie Highway.

As of September 15, 2026, Greg Claypole’s website did not contain information on this issue.

There are a few projects that I would like to focus on during my time on council. First, I would like to improve the lighting on some of our city streets. I hope to add decorative streetlights to enhance the character of the city while also making it safer for residents at night.

There are a few projects that I would like to focus on during my time on council. First, I would like to improve the lighting on some of our city streets. I hope to add decorative streetlights to enhance the character of the city while also making it safer for residents at night. Second, I would like to see the completion of a sidewalk on Arlington Road. I believe this would make the city safer for all residents.

Plans to improve street lighting and add decorative streetlights.

Wants to complete a sidewalk on Arlington Road.

- Plans to improve street lighting and add decorative streetlights.
- Wants to complete a sidewalk on Arlington Road.

I love this city and am deeply rooted here. My parents lived in Park Hills, I have lived in Park Hills for the past 38 years, and two of my grown children are currently raising their families in Park Hills. Running for city council gives me the opportunity to make a difference in the community I love. It allows me to take feedback from friends and neighbors and try to help accomplish their goals for the city. I believe in maintaining the safety of our city by keeping the police and fire department in Park Hills.

Supports keeping the police and fire department in Park Hills.

- Supports keeping the police and fire department in Park Hills.

My background as a self-employed contractor equips me with a business savvy skillset as well as experience communicating and negotiating with businesses and vendors alike. This will help in my goal of bringing new businesses to the city. More than that though, I can see the needs and goals of individuals at all ages living in the city through myself, my wife, our grown children, and our grandchildren.

Wants to bring new businesses to Park Hills.

- Wants to bring new businesses to Park Hills.

Greg Claypole

Voted for a city procurement policy ordinance.

Facebook

As of September 15, 2026, Joe Brandner did not have a website or any information online.

Joe Brandner

Background:

Retired internal medicine physician

Chairman of Board of The New School (independent Montessori school in the North Avondale neighborhood of Cincinnati)

Owned and operated several small businesses

Systems analyst, computer programmer, and database designer and administrator for primarily healthcare settings

Joe Daugherty for Park Hills City Council

Joe Daugherty is chairman of the board of The New School, an independent Montessori school in Cincinnati's North Avondale neighborhood.

Joe is a retired internal medicine physician. He has owned and operated several small businesses and worked as a systems analyst, computer programmer, and database designer and administrator, primarily in health care settings.

Park Hills, Kentucky City Council Candidates

Joe currently serves as a Park Hills City Council member.

We are the City of Park Hills. Our trees, throughout the City, provide a quality of life and improved living and increased property values and are a wonderful resource but are sometimes not adequately protected; I am working with the Tree Board to improve our urban canopy by preserving our tree canopy, removing invasive plants, and promoting a subsidized replacement plan when preservation of existing is unattainable with new desirable trees based on current best management practices.

Advocates for preserving the city tree canopy, removing invasive plants, and subsidizing replacement trees when preservation is not possible.

- Advocates for preserving the city tree canopy, removing invasive plants, and subsidizing replacement trees when preservation is not possible.

As of September 15, 2026, Joe Daugherty’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Some of our accomplishments over the past two years have included moving the police department into an acceptable space with minimum expense. Being able to look at a budget to maximize efficiency is an important quality to have in a functioning government. We have added an issue to the ballot to lower the road tax. The business tax rate was lowered significantly based on my previous work with the Council. Business acumen can aid significantly in helping to continue to make these important decisions.

As a city council member, helped place a ballot measure to lower the road tax.

- As a city council member, helped place a ballot measure to lower the road tax.

What are the most critical issues facing your constituents or community?

Pedestrian safety is always a big concern – Encouraged enforcement of existing laws regarding speeding and complete stops at our City's stop signs.

As a city council member, helped move the police department into an acceptable space at minimal expense.

As a city council member, helped move the police department into an "acceptable space with minimal expense."

Encouraged enforcement of speeding and stop-sign laws to address pedestrian safety.

- As a city council member, helped move the police department into an "acceptable space with minimal expense."
- Encouraged enforcement of speeding and stop-sign laws to address pedestrian safety.

Why did you decide to run for public office?

To improve:

Communication within the City

Urban Forestry practices and invasive plant control

Efficiency of City spending

Reduce injustices in the tax base

Said his previous work with the council helped lower the business tax rate.

Claims his previous work with the council helped lower the business tax rate.

Prioritizes efficient city spending and budgeting.

- Claims his previous work with the council helped lower the business tax rate.
- Prioritizes efficient city spending and budgeting.

Joe Daugherty

- Encouraged enforcement of speeding and stop-sign laws to address pedestrian safety.

- Prioritizes efficient city spending and budgeting.

Lee Burkett studied at Centre College. He is a married father.

As of September 15, 2026, Lee Burkett did not have a website or any information online.

Lee Burkett

About MartyB

Marty has been married to Shannan Boyer for nearly 25 years. Together they have two sons, Sean and Brady, who attended Covington Catholic and Covington Latin respectively. Marty graduated from Northern Kentucky University in 1999, and the family has proudly called Park Hills home since October 2003.

Join the Marty Party

Marty Boyer earned a degree from Northern Kentucky University. He is a married father of two. 

Professionally, Marty has spent over 15 years building and running businesses across Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati — from manufacturing and ecommerce to technology and consulting. Before owning his own organizations, he served as Chief Product Officer at a WPP company, giving him a rare combination of corporate and small business experience.

That moment stuck with me. Now what I’m writing isn’t political talk or posturing, it’s pure passion. I signed up to defend my country in the US Army and was honored to serve my country at that point in my life. I volunteered to protect our borders from evil.

Marty has over 15 years of experience running businesses rom manufacturing and ecommerce to technology and consulting. He previously served in the US Army.

Residents have been asking for better communication from our city for over seven years. It's been raised at meeting after meeting. To be specific, there were 47 instances cited of resident communication failures. The full analysis of seven years of council meetings found that “we need to get the word out“ came up repeatedly, yet we simply haven’t done that. I believe that I can create a system and channels that are not burdensome to staff, Mayor or Council to improve resident communication. I’ve been building communication, marketing and CRM systems for my own companies and other companies as well, including Fortune 50 organizations.

Some of our city’s most critical processes live in institutional memory rather than documented systems. The city's technology stack is years behind what's available - and several upgrades can be made in a cost effective manner. From accounting, payment and communication systems, we have to improve the systems that operate our city. I've modernized two companies from the ground up. Park Hills deserves the same treatment — better tools for staff, real-time information for council members, and automated transparency for residents.

As we develop tools to strengthen the business corridor, we can never lose sight of what makes Park Hills worth fighting for in the first place — our resident experience. The convenience, the safety, the neighbors, the green space. That's why people love it here, and it should always remain our top priority. This also means investing in resident experience — and yes, that means spending money. Those funds should be budgeted, governed, and planned with intention. But prioritizing that investment isn't optional. It's how we protect what makes Park Hills special. Be judicious and pragmatic, but invest in our resident experience.

Said he can create communication systems that improve communication with residents without burdening city staff, the mayor, or council.

Advocates modernizing city accounting, payment, and communication systems to provide better staff tools, real-time information for council, and greater transparency for residents.

Prioritizes budgeted investment in resident experience, including the city's safety, neighborhoods, and green space.

- Said he can create communication systems that improve communication with residents without burdening city staff, the mayor, or council.
- Advocates modernizing city accounting, payment, and communication systems to provide better staff tools, real-time information for council, and greater transparency for residents.
- Prioritizes budgeted investment in resident experience, including the city's safety, neighborhoods, and green space.

As of September 15, 2026, Marty Boyer’s website did not contain information on this issue.

I love the businesses in Park Hills — the ones here today and the ones that came before — both as a patron and as an entrepreneur. There's real work to do in shaping our commercial corridor, starting with codifying ordinances that retain, attract, and support local businesses. That said, we have to be realistic. Our commercial inventory is limited, and that shapes what's possible.

Believes there's "real work to do" in shaping the commercial corridor, starting with codifying ordinances that retain, attract, and support local businesses.

- Believes there's "real work to do" in shaping the commercial corridor, starting with codifying ordinances that retain, attract, and support local businesses.

Marty Boyer

Background:

I am a long-time resident of Park Hills where I raised my 5 children. Many of my children and all my grandchildren still live in our beautiful city. I was a municipal securities lawyer and public finance advisor prior to retirement. I became involved with public service through my work in Trolley Park. I have worked hard for over 25 years to make our park green, sustainable, safe and welcoming.

Pamela Spoor | Park Hills Voter

My name is Pam Spoor. I am a wife, mother of five children all raised in Park Hills, grandmother of three dear little girls, a lawyer with a background in municipal finance and securities, a volunteer, a gardener, president of the board of Behringer-Crawford Museum, three-term councilman and devoted fan of Park Hills.

Column: Pam Spoor touts beauty of Park Hills

Pamela Spoor raised five children in Park Hills and is a grandmother of three. She became involved with public service through her work at Trolley Park.

Column: Pam Spoor touts beauty of Park Hills - Cincinnati Enquirer

Pamela is retired and previously worked as a municipal securities lawyer and public finance advisor.

Why did you decide to run for public office?

I ran for city council in 2010 when our city found itself in financial distress. I have focused on successfully restoring financial health to our city while lowering our taxes and eliminating our city sticker fee. I also sought to establish public reporting and transparency for our city.

Pamela ran for Park Hills City Council in 2010. She described herself as a three-term council member.

I also seek to preserve the natural and architectural beauty of our city and its unique character. I have volunteered for many years to beautify our public spaces and parks. I hope to include a park on the south side of Dixie Highway and am working on acquiring a good location. I also hope to expand the walkability of our city which promotes good health and community interaction. Further, I would like to see our section of Dixie Highway enjoy renewed vibrancy with the addition of more business, especially a restaurant. Finally, I would like to see our Park Hills Centennial (2027) celebrated with special events.

Seeks to preserve Park Hills' natural and architectural character.

Plans to add a park south of Dixie Highway and is working to find a location.

Wants Park Hills to mark its 2027 centennial with special events.

- Seeks to preserve Park Hills' natural and architectural character.
- Plans to add a park south of Dixie Highway and is working to find a location.
- Wants Park Hills to mark its 2027 centennial with special events.

As of September 15, 2026, Pamela Spoor’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Vision:

My hope and vision for our city is straight forward. I want us to have the fiscal solidity to meet our obligations to the residents while minimizing their tax burden. Those obligations include maintaining our roads, supporting our police and fire departments, and maintaining our parks. Since I have served on council we have reduced our real estate taxes, reduced our Road Tax once, eliminated our city sticker fee, reduced our business tax, and through prudent management of expenses brought Park Hills to its point of greatest prosperity. A second reduction of the Road Tax is on the ballot.

Plans to expand walkability in Park Hills.

- Supports maintaining city roads.
- Plans to expand walkability in Park Hills.

What are the most critical issues facing your constituents or community?

Our city must maintain financial health so we can meet our obligations to our residents without raising taxes. We are a small city with a small business district and must carefully control our expenses. We must always live within our means, but we also must maintain our roads, keep our excellent police and fire departments, expand our walkability, maintain our parks, our community garden, and expand our historic streetlights for safety. This can be accomplished with good financial planning.

Supports expanding historic streetlights for safety.

Advocates for expanding historic streetlights for safety.

Supports maintaining Park Hills' police and fire departments.

- Advocates for expanding historic streetlights for safety.
- Supports maintaining Park Hills' police and fire departments.

Prioritizes fiscal management to meet city obligations, avoid raising taxes, and control expenses.

Said the council reduced real estate, road, and business taxes and eliminated the city sticker fee while she served.

Wants additional businesses, especially a restaurant, along Park Hills' section of Dixie Highway.

- Prioritizes fiscal management to meet city obligations, avoid raising taxes, and control expenses.
- Said the council reduced real estate, road, and business taxes and eliminated the city sticker fee while she served.
- Wants additional businesses, especially a restaurant, along Park Hills' section of Dixie Highway.

Pamela Spoor

- Supports maintaining Park Hills' police and fire departments.

Background: I was born and raised in Northern Kentucky. My wife and I have lived in Park Hills and raised our 6 children for the last 24 years.

Steve Elkins for Park Hills City Council

I had oversight for the procurement of expensive aviation equipment and 3rd party contracts. I have a BS in Marketing from Northern Kentucky University. I have served on the Parish Council at St. Agnes and served on the Park Hills Civic Association.

I have a BS in Marketing from Northern Kentucky University. I have served on the Parish Council at St. Agnes and served on the Park Hills Civic Association.

Steve Elkins is originally from Northern Kentucky. He earned a bachelor's degree in marketing from Northern Kentucky University and has served on the Parish Council at St. Agnes and the Park Hills Civic Association. He and his wife have raised six children.

I have been on City Council for the past 10+ years. I have worked in senior management for a global logistics/aviation company for 35+ years in a variety of positions where I was responsible for a large varied staff and budgets exceeding $10M.

Steve Elkins has worked in senior management for a global logistics and aviation company.

I was born and raised in Northern Kentucky. My wife and I have lived in Park Hills and raised our 6 children for the last 24 years. I have been on City Council for the past 10+ years. I have worked in senior management for a global logistics/aviation company for 35+ years in a variety of positions where I was responsible for a large varied staff and budgets exceeding $10M.

Current Council Members
Jurisdiction	Representative	Alternate
Bromley	Mayor Mike Denham	Councilman Andrew Clift
Covington	Mayor Ron Washington	Commissioner Tim Acri
Crescent Springs	Mayor Paul Meier	Councilman David Kramer
Crestview Hills	Mayor Paul Meier	Councilman David Kramer
Edgewood	Mayor John Link (Secretary)	Councilman Ben Barlage
Elsmere	Councilman Andrew Myatt	Councilwoman Joanne Barnett-Smith
Erlanger	Mayor Jessica Fette (Vice President)	Councilman Tyson Hermes
Fairview	Mayor Beverly Willman	Councilman David Kramer
Fort Mitchell	Mayor Greg Pohlgeers (President)	Councilwoman Jeannine Bell Smith
Fort Wright	Councilman Bernie Wessels	Councilwoman Donna Ross
Independence	Mayor Chris Reinersman	Commissioner Beth Sewell
Kenton Vale	Commissioner Mike Conway	Commissioner Beth Sewell
Lakeside Park	Councilman Brian Waite	Councilman Dennis Landwehr
Ludlow	Mayor Sarah Bowman	Councilman Steve Chapman
Park Hills	Councilman Steve Elkins	Councilwoman Laura Cardosi

PDS Council

Steve serves as a Park Hills city council member and has been on the City Council for more than 10 years.

PDS Council - Planning and Development Services of Kenton County

As of September 15, 2026, Steve Elkins’s website did not contain information on this issue.

As I noted, I have been on City Council for the past 10+ years and we have enjoyed a great run of success during that time. Taking a budget that was near bankruptcy to one with a positive reserve in excess of a million dollars. Also addressing a declining infrastructure to a situation now that has the vast majority of our streets and sidewalks (including new/additional sidewalks) in great shape. I want to continue the positive trends.

Wants to continue efforts to maintain and expand Park Hills streets and sidewalks.

- Wants to continue efforts to maintain and expand Park Hills streets and sidewalks.

We are a small city with a small tax base that is mostly funded by our citizens, so we must remain diligent and keep a strong hand on our finances. We also need to find creative ways to entice more businesses to our great city.

Calls for diligent management of city finances.

Advocates for creative ways to attract more businesses to Park Hills.

- Calls for diligent management of city finances.
- Advocates for creative ways to attract more businesses to Park Hills.

Steve Elkins

- City council members make up the legislative body of the city's government and are responsible for the public's health, safety, and welfare. Its legislative duties include enacting ordinances, levying taxes, and adopting a budget. 
- The city council has the authority to investigate all activities of the city government and its employees. 
- City councils in Kentucky typically have between 6 and 12 council members. They serve two-year terms except in Louisville and Lexington where some members serve four-year terms. 
- Council members can be elected to represent a single district or the city at-large. Elections take place in even-numbered years. 

Passes laws and regulations for your city.

Park Hills City Council Member

Candidates (10)