Democracy 2012: Race for mayor of Covington, commission seats

COVINGTON, Ky. - Two current city commissioners are running to replace Mayor Charles Scheper, who was appointed into office last fall after Denny Bowman resigned.

Sherry Carran is currently serving her third term as Covington city commissioner and as Mayor Pro Tem.

Carran's platform includes promoting the city's diversity to draw more businesses and residents.

"I've served Covington for six years and I believe I've done an excellent job. I've represented the people, I've represented them regarding when we've made decisions," said Carran.

Steve Casper was elected in 2010 and is still serving his first term as Covington city commissioner.

Casper’s platform promotes his leadership and vision for a citywide housing strategy, and four decades in the real estate business.

"I have a vision. I see us working collaboratively both internally and externally to change the face of Covington," said Casper.

Voters will also elect four members of Covington City Commission.

Eight names are printed on the ballot but two of the candidates listed there have withdrawn from the race. One candidate is running a write-in campaign.

Seeking office are Chuck Eilerman, who has worked in commercial real estate for more than 20 years and serves on the Kenton County Planning Commission; incumbent Steve Frank, who is a certified financial planner and whose family has operated a Covington business since 1918; Gregory Paeth, who worked as an editor, reporter and columnist for the Kentucky and Cincinnati Post and helped lead several neighborhood organizations.

Also running are Mildred Rains, who previously served the city as director of the Code Enforcement Department until her retirement in 2006; Michelle Williams, who wants to use her training in community activism to serve the city; and Roger Hamilton, who retired from the airport’s fire department and now consults in aircraft rescue training.

Alan Terry, a retired Covington firefighter and small business owner, is running a write-in campaign.

While their names will still appear on the ballot, Ed Faulkner and Neil Gilreath withdrew from the race.

9 News and WCPO.com will provide LIVE election results on Nov. 6.