In a time when communities crave leadership that listens, acts, and uplifts, Chantel Raghu emerges not only as a new face in Butler County politics but as a transformational force ready to reshape the future. After seven impactful years on the Oxford City Council and currently serving as Vice Mayor of the City of Oxford, Ohio, Raghu is stepping forward with courage, conviction, and a clear vision as she runs for Butler County Commissioner.
The campaign isn’t just another political bid—it’s a movement toward compassion, collaboration, and accountability. With her background as a veterinarian, small business owner, and dedicated public servant, Chantel Raghu’s Butler County Commissioner campaign represents a refreshing departure from politics as usual.
Chantel Raghu: From City Council to Countywide Vision
When Raghu was first elected to Oxford City Council in 2017, she didn’t just fill a seat—she filled a void. A daughter of immigrants and a champion for those often unheard, she brought compassion and tenacity to every meeting. Her colleagues quickly recognized her dedication, naming her Vice Mayor in 2021. Despite managing the demands of her veterinary hospital alongside her husband, Chris Reagh, she has consistently been the most engaged and responsive member of the council.
Her journey now takes a broader path. With deep respect for public service and a heartfelt drive to uplift entire communities, she is now running to replace long-standing Commissioner Donald Dixon—a man who’s held office almost continuously since 1982.
While Dixon leans on decades-old connections and a traditional approach, Raghu offers something different: a new generation of leadership rooted in transparency, energy, and empathy.
Why She’s Running: “We Need Better Adults”
In Chantel Raghu’s own words, “We need better adults.” This statement isn’t a jab—it’s a challenge. It’s a call for leadership that’s not just present, but engaged. Not just reactive, but proactive. Not just authoritative, but approachable.
Her campaign is built around three cornerstone priorities:
1. Accessible and Affordable Childcare
Raghu knows that families across Butler County are struggling with the rising cost of childcare. By reimagining how the county allocates funding, especially once-in-a-lifetime resources like ARPA funds, she aims to invest in infrastructure and services that directly support working parents.
2. Local Economic Development
Small businesses are the heartbeat of communities, and Raghu has lived that reality. As a small business owner herself, she understands the challenges entrepreneurs face. Her vision includes county-level support for business incubation, access to capital, and collaboration with local governments to streamline processes and reduce red tape.
3. Housing Options for Hardworking Families
Raghu sees housing not as a commodity but as a right. She believes the county should work in tandem with municipalities to ensure families have access to affordable and dignified housing, especially those who contribute to the community but struggle to find a place to live within it.
Chantel Raghu: Rising Above Partisan Politics
Butler County is known for its conservative leanings, with over 60% of the vote going to Donald Trump in the 2020 election. But Raghu isn’t daunted by party lines. “A good candidate is someone who listens, who has energy, and who speaks truth to power.” For her, integrity and vision matter more than party affiliation.
Mayor Bill Snavely of Oxford, who plans to attend Raghu’s campaign launch, perhaps put it best:
“Chantel is a genuine person… She really cares about people who may not have the power and resources that others have. She looks after the people who need help the most.”
A Bold Strategy for County Collaboration
One of Raghu’s most pressing concerns is the lack of communication and collaboration between the county government and its municipalities. In seven years on the Oxford City Council, she recalls only one instance where a county commissioner attended a city meeting.
To her, this is unacceptable.
“There’s an enormous opportunity for Butler County to reduce duplication of services,” she explains. By aligning resources and solving problems together—whether it’s fire and EMS services, infrastructure, or education funding—Raghu believes the county can significantly cut costs and improve outcomes for every resident.
Her approach isn’t just theoretical; it’s born of experience. She has lived through Oxford’s day-to-day challenges. She’s heard the frustrations. And now, she’s prepared to bring every voice to the table.
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