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EXCLUSIVE:
2 MORE NAMES IN RUNNING FOR COVINGTON MAYOR
The River City News has confirmed that two more names are being considered by the City Commission to replace Covington Mayor Denny Bowman. That brings the total to four with one local businessman/philanthropist passing on the invitation to be considered.
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| Kudera |
JIM KUDERA, Kenton Hills. He is the former interim-Mayor of Independence (in the late 1990s) where he also served on the fire board and ran for city council as recently as 2004 and served at least one term on the council. Now a resident of Covington with his wife Helen, the 75-year old is listed as retired in searches of the Kentucky election database. Kudera has been noted publicly as a Republican and past election contributions would support that. The only Covington political contribution was a $25 check from his wife to the failed reelection campaign of former Commissioner Mildred Rains in 2010. Kudera is the national chairman of the Covington-based People About Reform and works alongside its Executive Director, Steve Mullin who co-owns The Merlot Group with Covington City Commissioner Shawn Masters. According to a report from the 2000 election when Kudera was running for Independence City Council, it was noted that he was appointed to replace that city's mayor, Ike Gabbard, in 1997 when Gabbard was forced to resign or face a lawsuit from Kentucky's attorney general for a 1954 criminal conviction of receiving stolen property, according to a report in 2001 from the Cincinnati Enquirer. Another Enquirer report from 2000 when Kudera sought and won a seat on the city council, offered some insight to the local leader:
Republican. Retired from Ralston Purina Co. in 1986 as assistant national sales manager, as well as in regional sales and regional sales management; self-employed in residential rentals, agriculture and real estate. San Diego City College graduate with degree in business administration. Wife, Helen; seven children. [snip] Mayor (appointed) 1998; board chairman of Independence Fire District; secretary for advisory board of Salvation Army; member of Moon Brothers Post 275 of American Legion, former adjutant; Gideons member since 1995; Independence Christian Church board chairman, worship leader and elder.JOHN JASPER, Latonia. If his name sounds familiar to longtime residents of Covington, it should. Jasper was named the city's first Ombudsman in June 1977 (only to be reassigned less than a year later to a city housing inspector. Covington would not have an ombudsman again until 2004 when Suzanne Gettys was hired in the role, according to a 2004 report from the Cincinnati Enquirer.) Jasper is expected before the commission in private this week.
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| Scheper |
The pair of names join that of CHUCK SCHEPER who is believed to be the leading candidate to fulfill the remainder of Bowman's term that expires at the end of 2012. Scheper wrote the 1999 publication The Scheper Report about city hall efficiency for Covington and squabbled on occasion with leaders from the past over how to best implement some of his proposals. The Covington Business Council is on the record as supporting the idea of Scheper as mayor and awarded the business leader its Founder's Award:
Scheper is Chairman of the Board at Bexion Pharmaceuticals where Corporex Chairman Bill Butler also sits on the board."Congratulations to Bexion’s Chairman of the Board, Mr. Chuck Scheper for receiving the Covington Business Council Foundation Annual Founder’s Award. Mr. Scheper is a cancer survivor and his journey to wellness led him to become active in various causes related to cancer, including the Cancer Support Community, where he now serves as the National Board Co-Chairperson.The Founder’s Award recognizes this and other numerous volunteer efforts. Mr. Scheper is currently a member of the Regional Stewardship Council of Northern Kentucky’s Vision 2015, Vice Chair of the Catalytic Development Funding Corporation of Northern Kentucky, and he is a member of the World President’s Organization."
The River City News is working the mayor story every day and will keep you updated as we learn more.
SEE ALSO: Carran In Charge As Search To Replace Bowman Officially Begins
Have you seen Tuesday's morning news round-up? It's the last day to register to vote in November's statewide elections; a new piece of art will greet visitors in Mainstrasse; a 5k run is this weekend in Devou Park to raise money for the NKY Emergency Shelter; and much more! Click Here
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