Republican Jonathan Pearson is making a second run for Hamilton County Commission after losing the seat to Alicia Reece in 2024, according to Cincinnati CityBeat.

Pearson faces Democrat Meeka D. Owens in the Nov. 3 general election. The seat represents residents across Hamilton County, including Anderson Township, Mariemont and Terrace Park.

Pearson said taxes and rent cost are the top concerns he hears from county residents, according to his candidate questionnaire with WVXU.

Candidate information

  • Party: Republican
  • Occupation: Owner, Pearson's Home/Turf, a turf and landscaping business based in Fairfax since 1992
  • Personal: Pearson described himself as "a pro-life Catholic conservative" in an interview with WLWT. He said he also does street ministry.

Experience

Pearson said he has worked as a golf course maintenance worker and as a property manager and site foreman for a 175-acre subdivision in Indian Hill. He has also owned Pearson's Home/Turf, also known as Pearson's Turf & Landscaping, since 1992.

On the issues

The following positions are drawn from Pearson's candidate questionnaire responses.

Taxes and budget: Pearson said he would maintain a well-studied budget, honor tax rollbacks, cut unnecessary budget items and keep the public informed "with the most transparent means possible."

Sewer system upgrade: On the county's multi-billion-dollar sewer system upgrade, Pearson said he would keep management on task, confirm all projects are necessary, confirm projects are on or below cost and on time, and keep the public regularly informed.

Bengals stadium lease: Pearson said taxpayers "started in the hole" on the stadium deal. He said he would like to see the Brown family "step into the lease with more skin in the game." He emphasized regular contact and "forthright transparency" as key to any tenant relationship.

Tax levies: Pearson said Hamilton County residents pay too much in taxes. He outlined a five-part formula for evaluating levies: Does the recipient actually need the money? Does it add quality value to the county? Does it come at a modest cost? Is it redundant to other taxes? Is it the right time to consider new taxes?

Candidate questionnaire responses were published by WVXU and WLWT. The Anderson-Mariemont Journal presents these positions as stated by the candidate.