St. Bernard candidates push mixed‑use development, pedestrian safety and local repair programs at forum

St. Bernard candidates for treasurer and village council laid out competing priorities at a community Meet the Candidates night, with a common focus on attracting businesses through mixed‑use development and improving neighborhood safety.

Brandy Schuldmeyer, the event host and local realtor, opened the forum and introduced the candidates. Treasurer candidate David Kathman said he would bring local experience to the post, noting he has taught AP calculus at Roger Bacon for 12 years and would be a third‑generation village treasurer if elected.

Several council candidates stressed using new development to increase foot traffic. Councilman Connor Morton, who said he has served two years on the council, said the village should “lean into density” and described the Vine Street shopping district project as central to that effort. “Density first, then the shops will come,” Morton said, adding he helped lead a 15‑mile audit of streets and sidewalks and has been working to bring a home‑repair program to the village in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC).

Jeffrey Edwards, who serves on council, and other candidates said engaging residents on public improvement projects matters for neighborhood buy‑in. Edwards recounted convening Langley Avenue residents during a curb and sidewalk project and said the village has used traffic calming tools such as speed humps when appropriate.

Kaliki Rytif framed growth as an opportunity and emphasized stewardship: preserving sidewalks, parks and neighborhood character while accommodating development like the Vine Street project and school improvements. Joseph Brickler, a long‑time resident and CIC board member, and incumbent council member Gus Stutchell each cited local ties and experience supporting community events and service‑department projects. Stutchell said the village is revising municipal rental contracts and expects rentals to resume in 2026; he also described We Thrive projects with Hamilton County Public Health, including installation of free little libraries and a streetscape review.

On audience questions about vacant storefronts, candidates largely endorsed mixed‑use buildings with ground‑floor retail and housing above, and urged coordination among outside consultants, developers and village leaders. Edwards suggested partnering with consulting groups such as Yard and Company and Alloy Development to redesign storefront visibility and propose new uses for underused properties.

Morton also noted an energy‑aggregation measure will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot alongside the candidates’ races; he said the initiative followed resident requests and committee review. No formal votes or endorsements occurred at the event.

The forum closed with thanks to organizers and volunteers. Voters will decide the candidates and the energy‑aggregation question in the upcoming election cycle.