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

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. 

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

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

As of June 6, 2025, Bill Wells did not have a website or any information online.

Energy & the Environment

Housing & Urban Development

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.

Public Safety

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.

Public Services

Transportation & Infrastructure

LinkedIn

Bill Wells

Facebook

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 June 6, 2025, Aaron Wolpert’s website did not contain information on this issue.

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."

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.

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.

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.

Instagram

Aaron Wolpert

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 June 6, 2025, 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

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 June 6, 2025, 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

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 June 6, 2025, 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

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 June 6, 2025, 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

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 June 6, 2025, 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

City of Covington Contact Us Page

Tim earned bachelor's degrees in mathematics and physics from Centre College and a master's of business administration from Xavier University

Tim works as National Team Lead Category Manager at a food company. 

Tim Downing currently serves as city commissioner for the City of Covington. He was first elected in 2016 and is serving his 4th term. 

As of June 6, 2025, Tim Downing did not have a website or any information online.

LINK nky, Meet the four candidates running for Covington City Commission

Plans to bring more businesses to Covington in order to grow the local economy and "improve quality of life."

- Plans to bring more businesses to Covington in order to grow the local economy and "improve quality of life."

Wants to ensure adequate support for police and fire departments in order to maintain "safe streets."

- Wants to ensure adequate support for police and fire departments in order to maintain "safe streets."

Tim Downing

- 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. 