Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Election topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Evendale incumbents and challengers outline priorities ahead of November council vote
Summary
Incumbent Steven Burke and candidate Wanda Walker Smith presented brief campaign statements in Evendale, emphasizing business attraction and home-value preservation (Burke) and public safety, transparency and small-business support (Smith). Both asked for votes ahead of the Nov. 4 election; Smith noted early voting began Oct. 7, 2025.
Steven Burke, the incumbent council member and vice mayor, said he is running for reelection to Evendale Village council and highlighted his long ties to the community. "I have been a resident for 42 plus years and have raised all 4 of my children in this wonderful village," he said, noting years of volunteer coaching and involvement with the swim team. Burke identified himself as "a retired CEO and owner of a business in Sharonville," and said that experience has taught him "a lot about businesses, people, and growing things." He said he is "passionate about the future of Evendale and committed to attracting businesses in the area and also maintaining and growing the value of our homes," and reminded listeners he is finishing a four-year term and asked for their vote on Nov. 4.
Wanda Walker Smith, a commercial banker and longtime resident, said her decision to run for council was deliberate and framed her professional and volunteer background as qualifications for economic stewardship. She identified roles including director of the Hamilton County Small Business Development Center and past service on the Gorman Heritage Farm Board and the Recreation Committee, saying that experience "will prove beneficial to the economic growth of our community." She added that she guides small business owners and that her record shows she can provide similar professional services for Evendale. "The safety of our residents is of the utmost importance," Smith said, adding she supports "continued investment and training in police, fire, and emergency services." She also emphasized transparency as a foundation for trust in local government and pledged to be accessible and responsive to neighbors. Smith asked for voters' support, saying, "Vote for me, Wanda Walker Smith," and noted that "Early voting started Tuesday, 10/07/2025."
The statements were brief, focused on personal background and broad policy priorities rather than specific ordinances or formal council actions. The next scheduled step for residents is the Nov. 4 election, with early voting already under way as the candidates noted.
