Specifically, Nix claimed that she had $101,000 in campaign funds — far more than the other candidates — and that unlike Carpenter she effectively reduced the county’s budget and possesses a “business woman’s point of view.”
“My intent was to accurately portray my qualifications against my opponent,” Nix said. “I haven’t seen the complaint, and I guess I’ll have to take a look at it and go from there.”
Nix made the comments in campaign literature and a speech to Butler County Republican Party members leading up to a vote for the party’s endorsement for county commission on Nov. 5. Nix got the most votes, but not enough for an endorsement.
Carpenter’s sworn affidavit counters that Nix compared funds she currently has with campaign filing declarations by other candidates in July. Those reports listed Nix as having $12,714 on hand and Carpenter having $8,513.
As for Nix’s other claims, Carpenter said she reduced her office’s budget $152,285 from 2007 to the draft 2010 budget; and that she has worked in business all her life.
“I grew up over a family business. I live in a family business now,” Carpenter said, referring to Barker Ornaments, which her husband runs from their home. “I think Nancy knows that.”
Carpenter called Nix’s claims “intolerable.”
“This is not OK to do, to operate this way in Butler County,” Carpenter said. “Any time you lie to the public, you print a lie in a campaign, that is a violation of Ohio law.”
Nix, Carpenter, incumbent Commissioner Gregory Jolivette — seen as vulnerable within his party because of an ongoing Ethics Commission investigation — and former West Chester Twp. Trustee Jose Alvarez are among candidates for the GOP primary.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2175 or jsweigart@coxohio.com.
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