The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area and asked of all candidates for this office.

See below for questions on Top Priority, Planning, Recycling

Click on a name for other candidate information.   See also more information about this contest.

Answer from Chris R. Monzel:

We must continue to make our streets safe. We must increase the number of police walking the beat in our communities and continue to support the Citizens on Patrol program. We must improve the quality of life in all Cincinnati neighborhoods by fixing our crumbling sidewalks, removing blight and improving our housing stock.

Answer from Glenn O. Givens, Sr.:

I believe that we can enhance the economic prosperity and the growth in businesses, by the City joining with the Hamilton County Planning Commission, and partnership with the Community Compass Group. Cincinnati is the largest City in the County and it should be working toward the 12 goals that the Community Compass is seeking for the region. As part of the City Council I will pursue our city being partnership with the Community Compass Group.

Answer from John F. Schlagetter:

By phasing out the unvoted Property Tax; rationalizing the SORTA subsidy; not taxing 401(k) contributions; leveraging our Foreign Trade Zone; targeting investment in Neighborhood Business Districts; create BRIDGE accounts to facilitate new business creation; facilitate cooperative distribution for small urban stores.

Answer from David Pepper:

First and foremost, we will accomplish these goals by empowering our citizens to take back dangerous, blighted neighborhoods. This is why I have established the Safe and Clean Neighborhood Fund, which provides grants for community-initiated improvement projects. The Fund is particularly useful because it empowers citizens to implement individually tailored improvements for their neighborhood. So far, neighborhoods have received grants for projects such as hiring more police, installing streetlights, and enforcing Drug Free School zones.

Answer from John Cranley:

Having gotten 75 new cops on the street and increased street cleaning, I am now focused on enforcement of quality-of-life laws and targeting blight. I am working to get our prosecutors, building inspe3ctors, health officials, and police to work together to target slum landlords and aggressively combat open-air drug dealing. If the city is clean and safe, it will grow and lead to grater prosperity for all # even bringing hope back to the urban core.

Answer from David C. Crowley:

The Facilities Master Plan will replace or renovate every school in our district and will invest almost 1 Billion dollars into our neighborhoods. I created a Council Subcommittee on education designed to assist the implementation of this plan and to promote the development of Community Learning Centers. These centers will provide adult education, recreation and after school programming and more. This City/CPS cooperation is essential to our children and the future vitality of our neighborhoods.

Answer from Christopher Smitherman:

The remedy for Cincinnati's downward spiral is to establish, develop, and maintain healthy, respectful relationships between the City, its residents, its workers, its customers, and the region. I will implement my top priority by bringing Americans together to directly discuss their perspectives with one another. Honest yet considerate dialogue breeds clarity, dignity, and cooperation among individuals, neighborhoods, etc. for identifying and promoting mutually agreeable results. Active cooperation/collaboration is essential for producing long-term resolutions in Cincinnati.

Answer from Leslie Ghiz:

I will make sure that services that are currently provided to the CPS are not cut through the 2004 budgeting process. Health and recreation services provided to the CPS must be enhanced through budget shifting, and I will begin working with the business community to develop a tutoring and mentoring program for CPS students. Corporations and small businesses can release employees, with pay, to do volunteer work in the CPS on a weekly basis, the city simply needs to manage the program.

Answer from Barbara W. Trauth:

Safety is the top priority because the prosperity of the city depends on it. We must change the perception that our city isn't safe in order to experience more economic development. I will support our police economically and through sound policy. By supporting the implementation of a COMPSTHT program. Encourage private citizen involvement through Citizens on Patrol and Block Watch programs.

Answer from Larry J. Frazier:

There needs to be avenue large enough to generate diverse entertainment on a large scale in our downtown area & riverfront. I would give equal access to both stadiums. I also would put a dome on both stadiums to hold concert every weekend. I also would allow gambling boats to dock on our riverfront. I would also find jobs for those boycotting during the times in which they choose to boycott.

Answer from Tom Jones:

The witness protection plan is currently being implemented by a motion that I submitted to city council and introduced by Councilman Chris Monzel. The program asked the city to partner with the county lead by Commissioner Phil Heimlich, who will solicit funds to match monies hopefully matched by the city. The program will be administered by the prosecutor's office. This will assure the protection of persons who have witnessed murder or violent crime. This could lead to the closure of at least 60 of the 94 unsolved homicides on the books of Cincinnati.

Answer from Laketa Cole:

The city does not have a coherent, long-term neighborhood development plan in terms of geography, or need. The city should group the 52 neighborhoods into development districts. The city can then form a comprehensive development vision for each district so we can build on previous success rather than having scattered and ineffective development projects that seem to occur randomly. All resources expended within a district would have to be compatible with the district's overall vision.

Answer from Jim Tarbell:

Establishment of ground-based public/private partnership for development, economic development. This is now undergoing (I recommended it 5 years ago). Strong emphasis on market housing, middle and upper income, and improvements to low-income housing. Amenities (greenspance, etc) for residents.

Answer from Terry Deters:

There is no substitute for a high visibility police presence. Cincinnati City Council must once again give full support to its Police Dept. As a council member, I would insist on the expulsion of sub-standard police officers and work toward adding increased numbers of qualified recruits.

Answer from Nick Spencer:

I'll work to renew and reinvigorate our local economy. I will end corporate welfare by creating a set of rules and guidelines for city negotiations with large employers. I will diversify our employment base through new grant and loan programs for small and minority-owned businesses. I will help attract young talented people through support for mass transit, urban redevelopment projects, and the Arts. I will empower neighborhoods by creating Neighborhood-specific Economic Growth Teams.

Answer from Howard H. Bond:

I would immediately call together the business community and employers to meet with citizens to identify barriers to employment and economic opportunities, and subsequently direct the institution of programs to resolve these problems.

Answer from Marilyn Hyland:

Too often, council makes decisions without adequate public input. A recent example was the $52 million Convergys deal. Council scheduled a public hearing at 8:30 a.m., just a half-hour after the plan was made available, not to mention a time when few citizens would be able to attend the meeting. I will insist on real public input. I will make house calls when necessary, and insist that citizens' comments in council meetings be televised.

Answer from Brian Crum Garry:

We need O.N.E., united Cincinnati, not two Cincinnatis - a black Cincinnati and a white Cincinnati or a rich Cincinnati and a poor Cincinnati. That is why my slogan is O.N.E. Cincinnati, which stands for Opportunity - Neighborhoods and Equality. An explanation of my slogan can be found at http://www.briangarry.com. No one moves forward unless we all move forward together as O.N.E.. What we cannot do separately - we can do United. O.N.E. Cincinnati!

Answer from Damon Lynch, III:

By funding implementation of community approved and updated neighborhood development plans starting with the nine empowerment zone communities by leveraging the Anthem fund windfall with private investments. Increasing neighborhood safety by emphasizing successful implementation of the Collaborative Agreement. Increasing small businesses and home and property ownership using creative lending programs, tax-abatements, lease-to-purchase programs, subsidy programs and sweat equity programs. Increasing knowledge of residents and the development community about these products/programs.

Answer from Eric Wilson:

I would use my office to push for more resources, funding, and manpower to be allocated to neighborhood development. I would try to set up a timeline and strategic planning for our neighborhood in order to ensure some type of structured progress.

Answer from John C. Connelly:

Remove implementation of economic development issues out of City Hall in order to cut red tape and bureaucracy. Right now, it is too difficult and frustrating for homeowners, developers, and business owners to get anything accomplished in the city. We need a separate department to deal with economic development issues to ensure the continued growth of our city and to create more jobs.

Answer from Alicia Reece:

I will continue to fight to implement the various comprehensive neighborhood plans approved by Council. We have identified and earmarked $30 million from the Anthem windfall in the budget for neighborhood development. The second step is now implementation. The DeSales neighborhood development in Walnut Hills is one example. Neighborhood Development spurs growth.

Answer from Pat DeWine:

We must not tolerate disorder of any type. That is why I have passed new legislation to crack down on absentee landlords, to deal with litter and high weeds, to curb aggressive panhandling, to close problem bars, to get rid of graffiti and to put more police officers on our streets. I will continue to push for aggressive and fair law enforcement, and for zero tolerance of disorder in our neighborhoods.

Answer from Sam Malone:

Our public safety forces can be enhanced through collaborative ventures with high-profile departments in our region. I will support ongoing efforts to upgrade equipment and facilities with advanced technology to improve overall effectiveness. Assessment, Education, Training, and Reassessment are the keys to maintaining a strong public safety force. Those things we do well, we will continue to do well, and where we can improve, we will do so through Assessment, Education, Training, and Reassessment.

Answer from Pete G. Witte:

Reprioritize the Cincinnati Police Department. We need to create an atmosphere in our city which police deter crime, not react to it. We need the police to know our neighborhoods and be ever present. People want clean safe neighborhoods, let's give it to them.

Answer from Laketa Cole:

Local government should be very engaged in OKI's regional planning efforts. Local government should also be prepared to accept the recommendations of OKI's independently conducted studies even if they are not popular with local voters. Specifically, OKI studies have repeatedly found that a combination of light rail and additional interstate lanes provides more economic benefit to the region than simply adding lanes on its own. Locally, I would like a reasonable light rail option back on the table for economic and environmental reasons.

Answer from Larry J. Frazier:

I would seek funds to bring I-71 & I-75 light rail at the same time until track is completed on both sides. Do eminent domain on all the land down both sides. City & County funds could pay for inner city light rail in our downtown area.

Answer from Tom Jones:

Local Government should monitor closely any activity that affects the neighborhoods. If elected I would want to attend and make should I'm in a position that is always aware of the affects and concerns of the community. This has concerned so many residence and businesses in past and the overall concerned was the community was not well informed as to what was occurring.

Answer from Pete G. Witte:

Local governments should be very involved in these "regional" issues. As a former Chair-Elect of Hamilton County's Planning Partnership, I saw first hand what a lack of understanding and cooperation can do to individual jurisdictions and then ultimately this county. Our elected officials need to be engaged in this process they need to attend meetings and at the very least send representatives to learn what's being discussed.

Answer from Howard H. Bond:

I have always been a proponent of taking proactive stands. It is imperative that local government participate in land use planning, housing, transportation, and economic development OKI's Land Use Commission and Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission and Planning Partnership COMPASS. I would serve as a member representing the city of Cincinnati and would probably wind up in leadership positions.

Answer from Terry Deters:

The various local governments in Hamilton County and surrounding counties must work together to develop a plan to show or prevent urban sprawl. Only when government restrictions are in place will existing neighborhoods become attractive again to developers.

Answer from Damon Lynch, III:

The entities currently deliberating on these most important issues must be transparent and inclusive. All of our citizens must have the same opportunity not only to give their input, i.e., COMPASS, city and county meetings, but also to have access to decent housing, economic development and all the benefits that accrue to the more affluent among us. I will work with the various boards and commissions, starting with Sustainable Cincinnati, to effect positive change.

Answer from David Pepper:

Cincinnati is at a critical point in terms of city planning, particularly in spurring economic development. As an elected official, I believe it is very important to be proactively planning for Cincinnati's future, as well as working with officials in other municipalities to promote comprehensive regional planning. As a proponent of citizen participation I also actively support programs such as COMPASS because they give citizens an opportunity to take part in the planning process.

Answer from Jim Tarbell:

I am a member (by choice) of the city and county Planning Commissions and the executive committee of the Planning Partnership (charter member) and the Board of the OKI Regional Planning Authority. I am active and play a leadership role.

Answer from John C. Connelly:

The future of Cincinnati is directly tied to the growth of our region. Local government needs to be directly involved in planning activities. I will serve as a voice for the people of Cincinnati in these planning activities to make sure that we are not left behind by the rest of the region.

Answer from Nick Spencer:

I believe City Leaders should be more involved in regional planning issues. If we're going to grow as a city, we must cooperate with the entire region. I will be an active participant in all region-wide planning discussions, and I will ensure that the City Administration is represented as well.

The city must take a leadership role on issues like mass transit and housing. We have not been a strong enough voice for progress.

Answer from John Cranley:

As the City's representative to OKI, I believe that for the City to survive it needs to work in concert with the region. Currently, I am working to improve access for goods, services and jobs in our existing urban infrastructure by attempting to get an interchange at I-71 & Martin Luther King. I believe this action will curb sprawl, create jobs and opportunities in the urban core, and help shore up our hospitals and universities.

Answer from Barbara W. Trauth:

I would examine and consider any plan that will streamline transportation and make the Metro system more user friendly. Improvements to the Metro transportation website allowing easier access to route information, improved telephone service regarding inquiries and complains, reducing weekend rate for events are considerations that should be made. City Council should be involved as much as possible. Being aware and being involved in decisions on regional issues help the prosperity of the City, the core of the region.

Answer from Marilyn Hyland:

As the political and economic center of the region, Cincinnati should take the lead in planning decisions that will benefit our collection community. I would work to expand bus service, and disruptions to a minimum. We need to revitalize downtown and strengthen our neighborhoods. I will personally participate in planning activities, and improve cooperation among Cincinnati and surrounding communities.

Answer from Leslie Ghiz:

As the central business core of the surrounding areas, Cincinnati should and must be involved in planning activities. However, under no circumstances should the city interfere with development outside its four walls. Doing so can be detrimental to the entire business community. Participation in these activities is currently done through the appointment of a council member to the OKI board. I will participate through that council member.

Answer from Alicia Reece:

Local government should and must have a voice in the region as it relates to transportation, land use planning, housing, and economic development.

Answer from John F. Schlagetter:

Cincinnati needs to assume a leadership position in these organizations as we are and must remain the region's social, cultural and economic engine. As Councilor, I will ensure Cincinnati does its part for the region by engaging in healthy competition for jobs, residents and tourists that strengthens our area.

Answer from David C. Crowley:

There is an important role for local government to play in regional planning. Controlling a sprawling region is in fact crucial to our future viability. I am leading the development of a Housing Advisory Council along with CMHA and the County to find solutions to low-income housing issues in this region. The brownsfields remediation and economically viable improvements in regional transportation are concrete actions that come from good regional planning.

Answer from Christopher Smitherman:

Local government must absolutely engage in Greater Hamilton County regional planning activities. Cincinnati government is obligated to envision the "big picture" which includes transportation, land use, and economic development. Clean air, green space, and job creation directly correspond to these issues. The availability of clean air in our valley impacts citizen health. Green space contributes to the City's presentation to its residents and its visitors. Job creation is a key provision for raising families

Answer from Pat DeWine:

I support increased regional efforts to deal with our regional problems. I have worked to consolidate government resources, so that we can more efficiently deliver services on a regional basis. I have also recognized the low home ownership rate in the City and have twice set up funds to address this problem. In December, I created legislation establishing the Housing Development Fund, a public-private partnership that leveraged $100 million for new market rate housing. The fund will rehabilitate abandoned buildings, create new housing across the City and strengthen the City's tax base. Recently, I created legislation that would establish the Cincinnati Arts and Homeownership Fund. With 500 vacant buildings in Over-the-Rhine, this program will provide 100% financing for individuals, including artists, to purchase owner-occupied homes

Answer from Chris R. Monzel:

Currently the city has representation in these planning activities and we need to continue to stay involved with the planning processes so that the city, county, and greater Cincinnati region will continue to grow and prosper in the future.

Answer from Brian Crum Garry:

We are the social and economic center of this region. As such we should be at the fore front of any regional planning and development. I will stand up for the rights of the working class and poor in any decision making at the regional level.

Answer from Eric Wilson:

I think local government should be involved in the long-term strategic planning for our region but the day-to-day activities should be left for the county to implement. If elected, I would try to implement a format so that local projects and regional ones could work more cohesively so that we could have a more unified plan for our region.

Answer from Glenn O. Givens, Sr.:

This is an extremely important issue, especially as it relates to "land use", and very careful deliberation must be employed, however, I would be a strong advocate for a partnership with the Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission and Community Compass Planning Partnership. The City must always be a major part of the development in the County and Region.

Answer from Sam Malone:

I will be a strong proponent of city council collaboration with regional organizations within Cincinnati's 13 county CMSA. This means that I will brainstorm with representatives from the Mill Creek Watershed Council, Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services Air Quality Division, OKI, COMPASS and the Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission to develop local solutions that empower the entire region. Particularly, I will ensure the city's involvement with The Ohio River Corridor Initiative.

Answer from David Pepper:

Keeping Cincinnati clean and environmentally conscious is very important to me both as a Councilman and as a private citizen. Many voters may not be aware that our recycling program was recently almost cut from the city's budget. Fortunately, we were able to prevent this from happening, and, as Chairman of the Neighborhoods Committee, I am working hard to ensure that the program is preserved in the next budget cycle.

Answer from Howard H. Bond:

For the past eleven years, I have served as a Cincinnati Park Board Commissioner and during that time, our parks have become the number one urban park system in the nation. I would work with recycling in the same way, by motivating and inspiring our employees to support and promote recycling programs to reduce solid waste generation.

Answer from Brian Crum Garry:

Create multi-use small street corner recycling stations in areas with high foot traffic. These would also serve as a beautification project wherein inner-city children would decorate the containers. Increased opportunity for recycling of batteries, tires, oil, as well as alternate plastics such as grocery bags and number 3-7 plastics. Create a system so that the public can be aware of who the "good guys" are. Create tax incentives for "green" businesses and people who recycle.

Answer from John Cranley:

I strongly support the recycling program and will make sure it is not cut as part of the next budget process. Recently, New York Mayor Bloomberg eliminated recycling but then had to reinstate it because it cost more to throw recyclables away. In addition to the economic savings, it is only responsible citizenship not to waste materials that can be used again. We owe that much to our children.

Answer from Damon Lynch, III:

I will promote recycling education in schools, homes and businesses, understanding that natural resources are limited and we must be good stewards of those resources. I will support efforts to educate the public on the advantages of recycling and the ominous future we build for ourselves if we fail to recycle. I have authored a recycling project for glass and beverage containers that I will work to implement. Recycling is profitable and saves lives.

Answer from John C. Connelly:

Recycling is obviously important and I would encourage Cincinnatians to participate in recycling programs. It is important to note that even if our local government cannot afford to continue curbside recycling, people on their own can continue to recycle. If our city program is losing money, I don't want to waste taxpayer money. If the program can be run effectively at a good price, I'm all for continuing the program.

Answer from Eric Wilson:

I would try to maximize the impact of our current program then look at other programs throughout the state that might be more successful than ours and see if we can implement some of their practices that have proven successful.

Answer from John F. Schlagetter:

My platform, The Schlagetter Plan for Cincinnati 2020: The Queen City Reinvented, includes a robust plan for reducing, re-using and recycling waste. Tax Credits for recycled and green building products; localizing the recycling of scrap tires, and exploring a local bottle deposit are some ideas I describe.

Answer from David C. Crowley:

My first priority is preserving Cincinnati's Recycling Program. During the 2003 budget process the City Manager proposed a budget that preserved the 2003 Recycling funding and stated that in 2004 the program would be discontinued without a new funding source. A majority of Council members proposed using savings generated from Managed Competition to fund recycling in 2004. I believe we should find another more secure source of funding to fund recycling in 2004 and beyond.

Answer from Marilyn Hyland:

I would reinstate the city's Department of Environmental Management. This would include the retention of curbside recycling, which the city currently plans to eliminate. I would expand recycling pickup to apartment buildings and businesses. I would create a recycling education program in schools, neighborhoods and in the business community. I would also create incentives for individuals, groups and businesses to achieve measurable recycling goals.

Answer from Terry Deters:

I would propose a deposit fee on all glass, plastic and metal containers

Answer from Laketa Cole:

Cutting the recycling programs in the 2003-2004 biennial budget was a mistake. During next year's budget process, I will push hard to return funding to this program. I also heard complaints that workers were not separating recyclable material during pick-ups, so I would ask that some monitoring system be established to ensure that taxpayer money is not wasted on this program, and that it does actually benefit the environment.

Answer from Pat DeWine:

Cincinnati City Council is facing a very difficult budget year this year. The City's recycling program has been rumored to be a possible area of elimination to help deal with the budget shortfall, as it has in the past. In 2002, I voted not to eliminate this program and do not intend to support an elimination of the recycling program this year. I believe that recycling programs, like the Curbside Recycling Program, do much to reduce solid waste generation in Cincinnati.

Answer from Alicia Reece:

Since being on Council, I have supported recycling. However, with shrinking city resources we must have our administration be more aggressive in applying and competing for federal dollars

Answer from Leslie Ghiz:

I would like to see the city's current recycling program remain in place. During the past few budgeting cycles, recycling is considered for elimination. The program is excellent and is a benefit that not many cities provide to their citizens. Not to mention, it cuts back on solid waste in our community and ultimately saves the taxpayers' money. I will work to cut the city budget without sacrificing such a valuable service to the citizens.

Answer from Sam Malone:

Yes, I will continue to support the curbside recycling program. In addition, I will support programs that utilize post-consumer recycled materials to supply public facilities and parks with benches, picnic tables, and trash receptacles. Supporting similar programs to the latter will allow the city to take advantage of the 50% grant offered through The Ohio Division of Recycling and Litter Prevention on the first-time purchase of goods made from at least 10% recycled material.

Answer from Christopher Smitherman:

I support recycling 100% and am honored to receive an endorsement from the Sierra Club. I will support recycling as a Councilmember by insisting upon its continuation. It is a disgrace that removal of recycling services is even being discussed. I will work with Sierra Club and other stakeholders to investigate feasible options for promoting and/or expanding current recycling services. Any proposal for improved or new services must involve active and tangible implementation.

Answer from Barbara W. Trauth:

One way to promote recycling and support recycling programs is by education the public on the impact these programs have on our environment and the future impact for our children's sake. T he money that is generated can be directed to be used for more education programs. I would promote recycling and support programs by having the most efficient waste removal providers who will encourage recycling by giving back to the communities in beneficial ways.

Answer from Tom Jones:

If elected to city council I would continue as I have involving myself with organizations that are very conscious of the importance and benefits of recycling to continue their efforts. Supporting creating source that will provide information to the communities.

Answer from Chris R. Monzel:

First we need to continue funding our city's curbside recycling program. Then we need to work with such organizations as Keep Cincinnati Beautiful to promote recycling in our community.

Answer from Larry J. Frazier:

I would seek to return vendor & manufacturers back to using returnable containers. Re-open for the public deposits on glass bottle items. I would also seek to re-open paper & plastic facilities to exchange cash for cans & paper items, too. The same concept needs to be brought back locally, City wide.

Answer from Nick Spencer:

On Council, I will be a strong advocate for our recycling program, and will fight any effort to cut curbside recycling.. I will create new public awareness campaigns and internet resources to increase the number of households taking advantage of this important city service. I will also work to reinstate our Department of Environmental Works, and give it real funding and enforcement power.

Answer from Jim Tarbell:

I've been recycling at home and in my business for over 25 years and helped form downtown business recycling initiatives. Will continue to promote curbside recycling program and new and more efficient efforts for commercial recycling. Education, education, education.

Answer from Glenn O. Givens, Sr.:

I would look for ways to provide an incentive to get the entire communities to take part in recycling. I would think that some revenue paid to the recyclers should increase the amount the state generates in dollars.

Answer from Pete G. Witte:

Recycling has become a "way of life" to a new generation. We as a city need to keep promoting this and continue what we have started. Cincinnati cannot give up recycling to save money. Cincinnati, in fact, should aggressively puruse other activites that benefits future generations. A modern energy producing facility utilizing solid waste is something I would research as an elected official. For our children, for the future!

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.