Ben Nguyen for Lakota

11/09/2026

Earlier this year, I visited the George W. Bush Presidential Library at SMU. Among the exhibitions, are a few mangled beams of the World Trade Center.

The weight of the room cannot be described with words. The emotion that immediately sweeps over oneself is intense. Even 25 years later, there is a profound sadness and shock that this moment in history occurred.

Though I was not born to witness 9/11, I live in a world shaped by this terrible tragedy. There are defining moments of every generation, and while the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, Shanksville PA, and the Pentagon still rock the national conscience, what defined us as a nation on that September day was our unwavering spirit of resolve and compassion.

What Americans saw that day were strangers helping strangers, people taking care of each other, and an immeasurable display of kindness and heroism. That quiet unyielding anger turned into action and together, we persevere.

“America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.”

Never Forget 9.11.2001

10/09/2026

To live free is the greatest gift, but to die free is the greatest victory.

We miss you, Charlie. 🇺🇸

10/09/2026

213 years ago today, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry won the Battle of Lake Erie. Perry’s victory was monumental in defending the Ohio Valley and opening Canada up for further American action in the War of 1812, as well as establishing maritime dominance of the young, but powerful US Navy.

One of the most notable aspects of the Battle of Lake Erie, was Perry’s personal pennant, bearing the words “DONT GIVE UP THE SHIP”. In an act of courage, before rowing to the USS Niagara after the USS Lawrence was disabled, Commodore Perry personally fired the parting cannon shot reaffirming that nothing would be taken without a fight.

I can’t help but be inspired to apply a similar attitude in all that I do with my public service. One of the reasons I ran for a public school board was because I refuse to walk away and surrender public schools in my community to a victimhood mentality.

The truth is, I believe every student in Lakota is capable of the same greatness, patriotism, and courage that won the Battle of Lake Erie. Integral to that is an education system that instills those values and celebrates American greatness, urging the younger generations to continue championing the values that have kept us going 250 years strong.

06/09/2026

02/09/2026

WCPO9’s Stephen Knobel:

“Nguyen said he opposed the timing of the original decision because families were given only about two weeks before the start of the school year to figure out how they would get their children to and from school.

“You gave these parents two weeks before the start of the school year to upend their schedules, to figure out how they were going to get their kids to school,” Nguyen said.”

Lakota Local Schools has reinstated transportation for students attending four private schools after initially voting to end bus service to non-public schools for the 2026-27 school year. The change comes after several parents challenged Lakota's original plan and entered mediation with the district.

01/09/2026

01/09/2026

Last Monday, I was honored to vote on a resolution, the first of its kind, Declaring Transportation Practical for bus routes that were revoked in July.

Parents of nonpublic school students still pay property taxes to Lakota and many happily support the district. The one service they asked for was transportation - which Lakota has provided for years.

When those routes were cancelled, families were notified with less than two weeks before the first day of school, forcing parents to upend their work schedules with little notice. That wasn’t fair and I was proud to fight for them.

Because of the resilience and courage of those parents, Lakota is bringing these routes back for the school year.

29/08/2026

Awesome game tonight at Lakota West!

Proud of both our Thunderhawks and our Firebirds but a special congratulations to West on a big 48-18 win 🔥🔥🔥.

29/08/2026

It was great seeing everyone at the Lakota West vs Lakota East football game! Congratulations on a great game.