Fort Thomas Matters Election Bio: Ken Rechtin - Campbell County Judge Executive

Ken Rechtin

There will always be financial obstacles to meeting all the needs of the numerous interests in Campbell County. While many of these needs continue unmet, our county jail has morphed into a “state prison run by the county,” consuming vast resources. Our golf course for the past 16 years has suffered significant losses. And there is a growing public investment into our bus system. The current policy of increasing the burden on the taxpayer to satisfy these needs is inadequate. These financial issues cannot be resolved by “staying the course.”

Campbell Countians have lost confidence in the management of regional assets and their governing boards. Two very public examples are the airport board and the board of our sanitation system, SD1. While a path of isolation from other Northern Kentucky counties and cities is not the answer, cooperation at the expense of Campbell County is not the right path.


Job, business and property growth have been stagnant for far too long. Campbell County residents are tired of “being a show horse,” finishing third to Kenton and Boone in nearly all comparisons. A status quo approach to economic vitality is not a vision for our future.

I bring a lifetime of commitment and service to Campbell County. And, as your full-time Judge Executive, I pledge that our challenges and obstacles will receive my full-time attention. I bring 40 years of experience in business leadership and management roles in both for profit and nonprofit companies. I have consistently demonstrated fiscal responsibility and creative problem solving as a city and county commissioner, and a small business owner.

I will deliver on a vision of a growing and vibrant Campbell County. Together, we will create an educational and economic environment that supports business success and prosperity while maintaining our rich cultural and agricultural heritage.

Rechtin bio:
Ken Rechtin
18 Biehl Street
Newport, Kentucky 41071
(859) 250-2263

Married 40 years to Tina

Four Children: Zachary, Crosby, Elliot and daughter Hannah
Seven (wonderful) Grandchildren: Tate, Owen, Lilly, Oscar,                     Kade, Brandt and Wyet (and another on the way.)

Employment (current):
Retired

Employment (past):
Executive Director, Senior Services of Northern Kentucky
VP, Commercial Loan Officer, Farmers National Bank
VP, Business Banking Relationship Manager, Key Bank
VP, Public Funds and Not for Profits, 5/3 Bank
CEO, Auto Body Panels
VP, Art’s Rental Equipment
Owner, Dearborn County Tool Rental
Ombudsman and ABC Administrator, City of Newport

Education:
1966 Graduate of Covington Latin School
1976 Bachelors of Science degree from NKU
Mediator, AOC Training Fall of 2003
Graduate, Leadership Northern Kentucky Class of 2003
Graduate, Leadership Kentucky Class of 2005

Community Involvement (current):

• County Commissioner of the Campbell County Fiscal Court
• Member of the Executive Committee of the Municipal Government League of Northern Kentucky

• Executive Committee Member of the Board of Directors of OKI Regional Council of Governments

• Board Member of the Northern Kentucky Area Development District

Community Involvement (past):

• Member of the Board of Directors of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce for six years

• Chairperson of the Government Forum and Committee Member of the Business Government Exchange Committees for the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce

• Secretary Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Northern Kentucky Area Development District

• Past President of the Municipal League of Northern Kentucky

• Member of the Board of Directors of Saint Vincent DePaul Community Pharmacy (aka Faith Community Pharmacy)

• Member of the Board of Directors of Holly Hill Children’s Services

• Served nine years as Newport City Commissioner

• Founding Chairman of the Southbank River Cities Government Coalition

• Prior Board Member and Chairperson of the Diocese of Covington Board of Education

• Former Board of Directors Member of the Newport Business Association

• Co Chair of the Government Structures Focus Team for Vision 2015

• Chairman of the “Newport Tomorrow Committee” in 1977

• Member Mansion Hill Neighborhood Association in the 1970’s


Hobbies:
Farming, Beekeeping and Goat Herding
Grandfathering