_{Ghiz featured in the George W. Bush presidential campaign documentary for her work in Hamilton County.}

GHIZ TO RUN FOR HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION

Sheriff Simon Leis to Serve as Campaign Chairman

CINCINNATI ─ Cincinnati City Councilmember Leslie Ghiz today announced she will seek a seat on the Hamilton County Commission and has formed a committee to support her bid to become the first female Commissioner elected since Sandra Beckwith in 1990.

"I have been honored to serve the citizens of Cincinnati as a member of City Council for the past four years and am eager to put that experience to work for the people of Hamilton County," said Ghiz.

"My number one priority for our city has been to improve the quality of life for every citizen by increasing public safety, promoting economic development and job creation, and fighting to keep government spending under control," Ghiz continued.  Recognizing the budget and safety-related challenges that confront Hamilton County, Ghiz said that now is the right time to put the skill sets she has developed as a member of Council to work for the people of Hamilton County.

Ghiz also announced today that Hamilton County Sheriff Simon Leis has endorsed her run for the Commission and will serve as her Campaign Chairman.

"Leslie has demonstrated her ability to take on tough issues and fight for what is right," said Sheriff Simon Leis. 

"Hamilton County continues to face difficult budget decisions," Sheriff Leis continued.  "We need people on the Commission whose number one priority is ensuring that the people of our county are safe.  If people are not safe, the important work of addressing job creation and other quality of life concerns will be in vain."

"She has my full support in her bid to become Hamilton County's next Commissioner."

Since becoming a public servant for the people of Cincinnati, Ghiz highlighted her track record in support of public safety:

• Led the fight to ensure no cuts were made to Cincinnati police and fire personnel to balance the City's budget;

• Restored funding for the successful Drug & Gun Elimination Program.  From 2003-2008, 6,686 arrests were made, 213 guns were confiscated from criminals, 45,800 grams of drugs were seized and nearly a quarter of a million dollars was confiscated from those arrested under this program; 

• Led the charge to secure federal funding to purchase electronic monitoring units to help address public safety issues resulting from the lack of county jail space;

• Increased police walking patrols and public safety technology in the City budget.

Ghiz was first elected to Cincinnati City Council in 2005 and was re-elected in 2007 and 2009.  She lives in North Avondale with her husband, Steve, and their son, George.  Ghiz said she will continue to serve on City Council during the campaign and working to ensure the safety of all city residents.