Council candidate: 'You'll only get truth from me'

In early 2017, The Enquirer is doing occasional Q&As and preview stories on non-incumbent Cincinnati City Council candidates to better inform voters.

This week: Camp Washington resident Tamaya Dennard, 37, a first-time candidate who officially launches her campaign on Thursday.

A former City Hall aide and campaign leader for Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld, Dennard answered five questions from The Enquirer this week about her time at City Hall; growing up in College Hill; and her mother's influence.

How did you get involved in politics?

After graduating from the University of Cincinnati, I started working for Duke Energy (in real estate and land services). It was a great job, but I felt like something was missing. Having been raised by a single mom who worked really hard, I wanted to make sure the services she relied on to raise me – like city health clinics – remain protected. That way more kids like me could have the opportunity to succeed. I met P.G. Sittenfeld, and we became close friends. We teamed up, and seven years later here we are.

What did working at City Hall do to prepare you for this race?

I was able to see from the inside how to get things done. That meant seeing what systems worked well and what systems didn’t. I used the small platform I had at City Hall to work really hard on constituent issues – whether it was helping to get street lights on in Winton Hills/Winton Terrace to getting crosswalks installed in South Fairmount. I was fortunate to establish great relationships all across this city simply by being responsive to everyone, regardless of their Zip code and neighborhood.

You seem to be a no-nonsense, call-it-like-you-see-it person. Have you always been like that and how will that approach help you on the campaign?

Absolutely. Much to my mom’s chagrin, I’ve always told people how I felt. I get that honesty from my grandmother – sweetest woman ever, but she was no-nonsense. I’m running to win in the most thoughtful way I know, and that’s by being authentic. Unfortunately, there's not enough honesty in politics. You'll only get the truth from me, even if that truth isn't politically advantageous.

What was life like growing up in College Hill?

I went to College Hill School (Fundamental Academy) and graduated from Aiken High School. My very first job was at Bacall’s Café. I grew up going to fish fry’s at St. Clare and I still go to Unforgettable Cuts on Hamilton Avenue. I love College Hill. Outside of my mom and my grandma, that neighborhood raised me. It gave me confidence and a real sense of self.

Unfortunately, there seems to be two Cincinnatis: the success story of development and investments and the struggles in our under-served areas. You need someone who truly understands both of those places. My journey has taken me through both Cincinnatis. It's given me the ability to establish real relationships with c-level executives, grassroots organizers, our start-up community, arts community and other constituencies in all 52 neighborhoods.

You’ve mentioned your mom having a strong influence on you. What have you learned from her that’s molded you into the person you are?

My mom taught me to always treat people the way I would like to be treated, and to value people for who they are and not for what they have. She also taught me about overcoming adversity.  Her work ethic is second to none. My mom is 63 years old, needs a cane to walk from time to time, yet still stands on her feet for her second-shift job. It’s not ideal, but she does what she needs to do to make ends meet.

Click here for more on Dennard's professional background.