Stephanie Summerow Dumas

County Commissioner | Hamilton County, OH

Tell us about your background. What are the experiences, including education, that make up the person you currently are?

Raised in Avondale and moved to Forest Park 34 years ago. A Social Worker for 40 plus years. Mayor of Forest Park for 12 years. Village Manager of Lincoln Heights for 4 years. Received a full academic scholarship to attend the University of Cincinnati and graduated in 1977.

What was your trigger moment and why this specific office?

I did not want to focus on one governmental entity (Forest Park). It appeared that suburban areas were not a focus of the county. The suburban areas were paying taxes but their voices were not being heard. I ran for commissioner in 2005 and was not successful but I knew everyone needed a voice.

Do you work full-time or part-time?

Full-time.

Most people don’t know what their elected official does on a daily basis. What’s a typical day looking like for you?

Reading the public’s emails, answering and making phone calls to the public, businesses, agencies. Reviewing legislation for possible passage. Develop initiatives that can change the course of others. Write proclamations to acknowledge events or individuals. Attend or lead meetings to develop consensus in the community. review contracts and labor agreements, make input on budgets, and ensure diversity and inclusion takes place in hiring,

Additionally, they might not know what their elected official is responsible for. What is your role in comparison to other elected offices on your level?

Oversee Hamilton County which has approximately 814,000 residents. Legislative policies, Zoning approvals, Economic Development oversight, provide grants for infrastructure, MSD repair and maintenance, Monetarily undergird Non-Profit agencies, Monitor Job and Family Services.

What do you think people would be surprised to know someone in your position does?

I’ve written 3 books, two have been published. I’m also a speaker for Domestic Violence Prevention and Healthy Relationships.

What’s the best part about serving in elected office?

Giving hope to others and fulfilling my campaign promises.

What has been the accomplishment you’re most proud of while in office?

Being the first AA in 223 years to be on the Commission and the first AA woman in the State of Ohio.

In terms of finances, how much money did you have to raise for your campaign?

$450 for the Primary, $14,000 for the General Election and had $10,000 left after the election.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone who’s thinking about running for the position you serve/have served in their community?

You have to be resilient, don’t take things personally, don’t depend on the media to shine a light on you. You have to shine your own light.