Bob Drake has been committed to community service and political involvement for much of his life and hopes to use his experience as the Democratic candidate for Hamilton County treasurer.

Drake, a University of Cincinnati College of Education professor, has taught mathematics education and lived in Cincinnati for 12 years. He first became interested in the office of treasurer after the recommendation of a friend who had been involved in county politics.

“When I learned that the treasurer’s spot was unfilled on the Democratic ticket, a friend of mine told me he thought I should consider running,” said Drake. “So I did a little investigating to figure out what the treasurer’s responsibilities are. Then I found out what has been done and what hasn’t been done and decided that I could do a better job.”

Drake developed an appreciation for the value of money at an early age growing up in southern Indiana in a house that had no indoor plumbing or heating. His father died shortly after he was born and he and his mother moved in with his grandparents, from whom he learned how to handle money.

“My grandparents were conservative with money,” said Drake. “Having lived through the Great Depression, they were pretty frugal and I think a lot of that rubbed off on me. They taught me at an early age to be careful how you handle money and to invest it wisely.”

After graduating from high school, Drake enrolled at Indiana University (IU) before moving to Indianapolis. (There) he worked while completing his bachelor’s of science in education at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis in 1976. He then returned to Bloomington, where he earned a master’s degree in mathematics education at IU.

In 1987, he earned his doctorate in curriculum and instruction, mathematics/science education from IU.

During and after college, Drake worked with various social service agencies. He worked primarily with disadvantaged children, as well as mentally and physically disabled teenagers and adults.

He also taught mathematics in Indianapolis public schools from 1977 to 1985.

He was then an assistant professor of mathematics education and computer science at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire until coming to UC in 1988.

Drake has remained active in the community while teaching at UC. He was on the Board of Directors at Mental Health Services East for six years, serving as vice president for two years. He worked for the Hyde Park Neighborhood Council on the education committee for five years.

He has also done work with area public schools, including serving on the advisory panel for Project Succeed Academy, a school designed to keep local at-risk youth from dropping out.

Drake sees the treasurer’s office as an opportunity to continue serving the community. “I think there are several possibilities of things that could be done to benefit the community in the treasurer’s office that aren’t currently being done,” said Drake.

Drake’s platform includes setting up a system by which taxpayers can lower the amount of money they pay on property taxes.

The system would give them the option of paying in monthly installments rather than large semi-annual payments.

According to Drake, this system could also enable taxpayers to make choices about where they want tax dollars to go.

“Once you set up a system where people can choose to deposit on a monthly basis and accumulate the interest, they can be given the option of donating the interest to specific county projects,” said Drake.

Current Republican treasurer Robert Goering opposes Drake in the upcoming election. Drake is still in the early stages of his campaign and is taking a confident and realistic approach to the November elections.

“At this point I have a pretty good shot, but it depends on what happens between now and November,” said Drake.

Drake sees his interest in running for county treasurer as a product of his willingness to continue doing public service, as well as an opportunity to take on a new challenge.

“I think if you are willing to criticize the way things are done, then you should also be willing to take on the task of trying to make things better and I’m willing to do that,” said Drake. “It is important to seek out new challenges and push your boundaries. That is the only way you are able to develop, learn and make a difference.”

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