State Representative Cindy Abrams is serving her first term in the Ohio
House. She represents the 29th Ohio House District, which includes portions
of western Hamilton County.
Abrams previously served as a Police Officer for the City of Cincinnati and
as City Councilwoman for the City of Harrison before being appointed to the
29th district seat.
Abrams received her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Indiana
University and is a graduate of the Public Leadership Academy of The Ohio
State University. She served on the boards of the
Hamilton County Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency, Hamilton
County Municipal League, and SHELeads. Active in the Hamilton County
Republican Party, Abrams serves on the Hamilton County Judicial Screening
committee. Additionally, she established the Harrison Junior City Council
Program.
Abrams resides in Harrison, Ohio with her husband and their two sons. They
are active members of St. John the Baptist parish in
Cincinnati.
Why did you become involved in government? I first became involved in government at the local level when I saw decisions being made that negatively affected our first responders and citizens safety. I knew the importance of getting a “boots on the ground” perspective when considering policy changes in order to get a holistic view of how the entire community will be affected. With my law enforcement background, I wanted to be a voice for my community by serving on Harrison City Council. Now, with years of both public and private sector work experience, I bring a new perspective to the Ohio House.
What are your legislative policy priorities or goals for the upcoming
session?
As a former police officer, keeping people safe at all times will always be a
priority of mine and is reflected in the legislation I sponsor and support. I’ve
introduced
House Bill 429: Expanding the Safe at Home Program to help protect victims of
domestic violence, rape, menacing by stalking or human trafficking and HB 431:
Creating a Sexual Exploitation Database, this will be a public database of
individuals who have been convicted of solicitation or promoting prostitution.
I am also focused on economic development and keeping jobs in our region. I was
appointed to serve on the House Commerce & Labor Committee, which allows me to
consider legislation that does just that.
What surprises/unexpected challenges did you encounter when you
started?
It has been a smooth transition since being appointed in October. I have learned
largely, in a short amount of time, about a wide variety of topics that impacts all
11 million Ohioans.
How do you stay in touch with your district?
I work hard to continue to be accessible to my constituents. I hold office hours in
varying locations around my District. I also visit each City, Township and Village
meeting in my District to connect with local elected officials. I attend various
club/organization meetings and events in the Greater Cincinnati area. I post
regularly on my Facebook page, State Representative Cindy Abrams.
It’s very important to me to be accessible and communicate with my constituents.
What is the most interesting/unusual request from a constituent?
I found it odd when people email my office asking me to vote on legislation being
considered by Congress in Washington, D.C. Since I serve in the Ohio House of
Representatives, I only vote on legislation that comes to the House Floor in
Columbus Ohio.
What are some of the attractions or hotspots in your
district?
District 29 has MANY attractions and hotspots! We have options for enjoying the
great outdoors in one of many Great Parks of Hamilton County locations. My favorite
Great Parks location is Miami Whitewater Forest.
Want a great cup of coffee or tea? Try the Coffee Peddlar in Harrison, Sayler Park
Coffee in Sayler Park or BLOC Coffee in Price Hill. How about a delicious dessert?
Harrison Home Bakery in Harrison or St Lawrence Bakery in Price Hill. Some of my
favorite restaurants are Incline Public House, Primavista, Veracruz Mexican Grill -
all in Price Hill. I also love the Sweet Heart Cafe in Colerain Township, Market
Street Grille, Valle Escondido, ElMariachi’s and Chander’s Burger Bistro in
Harrison. Kreimer’s Bier Haus in Cleves offers a great menu and outdoor
entertainment when the weather is nice. Wild Mike’s is always a family favorite! We
enjoy the riverfront view at Cabana on the River (seasonal hours). Date night with
an adult beverage? 1860 Taproom and Bottleshop or Heist & Co. in Harrison, or 13
Below Brewery in Cincinnati.
Ohio is so diverse, what are the primary challenges you’re
facing?
Ohio is so diverse that what might be a priority for one area might not be in
another area of the state. That is why communication is so important! We must always
stay in touch with our constituents, listen to what is important to them and make
decisions based on what is best for your District.