Recap: 2021 Candidate Happy Hour

GSG and DSG were excited to host city council and Mayoral candidates at our annual pre-election Candidate Happy Hour ahead of the November 2021 General Election.

GSG and DSG were excited to host city council and Mayoral candidates at our annual pre-election Candidate Happy Hour ahead of the November 2021 General Election.

2021 Candidates Night

A record number of candidates are running for Cincinnati City Council, but only nine people will be elected for a two-year term. David Mann and Aftab Pureval won the primary run-off in June to be on the ballot for Cincinnati Mayor. Across SW Ohio there are many ballot issues and local government elections. You can view your ballot at the Secretary of State’s website. 

Important Election Dates: 

October 4 — Last day to register to vote or update name/address. You may download the form and return via mail, or complete the form in-person at the Board of Elections, Bureau of Motor Vehicles or the CIncinnati Public Library.

October 5 —  Early voting begins. You can download the vote by mail by application here. 

Vote early in-person at the Board of Elections (4700 Smith Road 45212):

  • Oct 5-8       T-F 8am – 5pm
  • Oct 12-15   T-F 8am – 5pm
  • Oct 18-22   M-F 8am – 5pm
  • Oct 25-29   M-F 8am – 7pm
  • Oct 30        Sat 8am – 4pm
  • Oct 3          Sun 1pm – 5pm
  • Nov 1         Mon 8am – 2pm

Tuesday, November 2 — Polls open, 6:30am – 7:30pm

Visit the Hamilton County Board of Elections website for more information about local elections or sign up to become a poll worker.e

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Government Strategies Group
700 Walnut Street
Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Phone: 513.651.4100

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Charles “Chip” Gerhardt

President & CEO

Chip Gerhardt has made government affairs, economic development, and issue advocacy his life’s work. He’s worked for decades in the public and private sectors, and advocated at the local, state, and federal levels of government. In 2007, he used that experience to found Government Strategies Group, a full-service government relations firm. At GSG, he works directly with clients, helping them navigate the complicated intersection of politics, public policy, and business.

In his many years in public policy, Chip has been involved in significant policies including; creation of tax increment financing districts, the Clean Ohio program, Cincinnati City Center Development Corporation, and most importantly, the passage of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. He has also been at the forefront of some of the biggest developments in Greater Cincinnati, including the Horseshoe (now Hard Rock) Casino, TQL Stadium for FC Cincinnati, parking garage structures at The Banks, and the redevelopment of the @580 building. Rarely is there a public policy endeavor in Cincinnati that does not involve GSG.

Chip received his B.B.A in Marketing from the University of Notre Dame and his Juris Doctor from the St. Louis University School of Law. He lives in Anderson Township with his wife Jane. Son Charlie is a local chef and children Hank and Anne have completed their education and started lives of their own.

Focus areas:

  • State and local government relations
  • Economic development
  • Issue advocacy

Driven by:

  • A lifelong interest in the political system has driven Chip to a career in public policy and politics. As a parent of three, one with Down syndrome, has compelled him to promote public policies designed to help others. Whether it is enabling financial independence for people with disabilities, advancing funding for housing families facing homelessness, or assisting with economic development projects, Chip involves himself in things that make a positive difference. 

In the community:

  • Hamilton County Board of Elections member
  • Current Board Member for Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, People Working Cooperatively, Corporation for Findlay Market, goVibrant, and the African American Chamber of Commerce
  • Former Chairman of the Board for the National Down Syndrome Society
  • Former board member of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Cincinnati Museum Center, the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority, the Clermont County Chamber of Commerce, and the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati
  • Cincinnati Magazine’s 300 of the Region’s Most Powerful Business Leaders, 2021-2022
  • Cincy Magazine Power 100, 2011-2022