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 Qualification, Priorities, Accessiblity, Recycling, Housing, Income Tax

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

Answer from Vicky Zwissler:

Committees: Promote Wyoming Recreation Commission Public Safety Streets and Roads Buildings and Equipment Ohio Operation Lifesaver White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs

Answer from Tom Kramig:

As a 30+ year resident of Wyoming I feel I have a good understanding of the value of living in our community. I am active in a number of City & recreational programs, that provides me tremendous interaction with fellow Wyoming residents.

Answer from Michael Eyman:

Occupation: Business Management/Development Executive Neighborhood: Wyoming Education: Bachelor's degree University of Cincinnati MBA Xavier University Voice of the Customer Specialist Eight year Board of Directors experience with local Non-for-Profits Chair, Communications Commissions for St James Church Coach Wyoming youth soccer Wife, Nancy (serves on Wyoming Recreation Commission); son Kendall (7)

Answer from David J. Savage:

I have served the city since 1979 as a councilmember, vice-mayor, and mayor. In that time I have learned the importance of leadership, consensus, and consultation.

Answer from Albert Delgado:

Qualifications: Wyoming Committee work + Board of Zoning and Appeals (chairman) + 6 years Wyoming Planning Commission (chairman) +13 years Economic Development + Beautification Committee Master Plan Development Water Plant Committee Urban Forestry

Answer from James T. O'Reilly:

Have served 2 years on Council, and 2 years on OKI working on I-75 upgrades. Longtime volunteer participant in county and region. Formerly headed Wyoming Solid Waste Commission. Taught government law at UC for 25 years. Active member of county boards and participant in task forces like COMPASS.

Answer from Barry S. Porter:

BA degree Major Economics + Denison University MBA + Finance + University of Cincinnati 21 years as a Council member Vice Mayor & Chairman of Finance Committee Member of Economic Development Commission & Joint City School Committee 38 years experience in various corporate financial management positions Controller, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer.

Answer from Barry S. Porter:

Council has commissioned engineering studies to address the upgrading of recreational facilities. The Finance Committee reviews and recommends the means for financing the various projects. Upon Council approval the projects will be budgeted and funded. Each year a portion of the budget is allocated to the repair and upkeep of the City's infrastructure. Projects are selected based on need and funding is approved. When upgrading roadways, we look at the sewer and water lines and replace those in poor or unusable condition. Working through the Economic Development Commission setting priorities for upgrading of the residential, business and park areas.

Answer from Tom Kramig:

First and foremost the city must maintain fiscal responsibility. The city must run efficiently and effectively. Secondly we must maintain, and wherever possible, improve the high quality of life we have all come to appreciate in Wyoming. Safe neighborhoods, community spirit and a willingness to volunteer unlike any I have seen across the country, make Wyoming one of the finest places to live in Greater Cincinnati. Finally we must do everything possible to develop alternative sources of income for the City to operate. From State and Federal grants, to attracting new business, City leaders must do everything in their power to keep taxes down. However, economic development should not be done at the expense of the "neighborhood feel" of Wyoming.

Answer from James T. O'Reilly:

1. Continue to closely examine budgets to prioritize real service needs
2. Examine savings potential of dropping the county stormwater taxing district, saving future Wyoming residents from wasteful county spending and mismanaged county plans since Wyoming will get little benefit for large homeowner taxes imposed in future years
3. Build on statewide "First Suburbs" experiences to preserve funding of local capital needs. Having spent 9 hours at state budget hearings, I am better prepared to advocate for capital cost-sharing needed to bring our streets up to Wyoming levels of quality and appearance.

Answer from David J. Savage:

In Wyoming, the key to addressing the top three priorities is clear policy direction from the Council, and sound administration from the City Manager. The continuing task is for Council to be visionary, and for the Administration to be responsive to the daily needs and concerns of the residents.

Answer from David J. Savage:

Our policy has been and will continue to be to upgrade our public facilities to be accessible at every opportunity. As a result, in recent years ramps have been built; elevators have been installed; sidewalk curb cuts have been made, and recreation facilities have been modified. This policy will continue to be in place for the foreseeable future.

Answer from James T. O'Reilly:

My textbooks on safety in buildings and needs of elders taught me how real improvements can and should be accomplished. I will work to prioritize ADA compliance in our capital budgets.

Answer from Barry S. Porter:

Public facilities have been a number one priority. Each year through the budget process moneys are allocated to make all public areas accessible to the handicapped. The City's Administration has seeked and obtained State and Federal funding for a number of these projects.

Answer from Tom Kramig:

All City buildings MUST be in compliance with the American Disabilities Act. There is currently money set aside to install an elevator in the Recreation Center. The Municipal Building, Civic Center and Safety Services building must also be in compliance with this Federal Law.

Answer from Tom Kramig:

Wyoming has a tremendous record for recycling. Education is the key and I believe the best way to reach families is through their children. The City needs to work cooperatively with the school system to encourage and even create incentives for families to recycle.

Answer from James T. O'Reilly:

I'm proud that under my tenure as solid waste chair and since then, Wyoming recycling has consistently been tops in the county. Education such as our school posters and festival booths help expand participation. The key fiscal decision will be contract language with the 2005-7 recycling contract renewal and I plan to examine that contract carefully to assure that recycling opportunities expand here.

Answer from Barry S. Porter:

Our Community is a leader in recycling. We have set the example in Hamilton County as well as the State of Ohio. As a Council member I will continue to promote and support the efforts of the Solid Waste Commission's efforts to expand our community's recycling efforts.

Answer from David J. Savage:

Wyoming is already a leader in recycling in the State of Ohio. Our solid waste contracts are structured to facilitate recycling by the residents and we use a wide variety of communications media, including school programs, to encourage and proactively promote recycling. These practices will continue.

Answer from Tom Kramig:

Wyoming has a fairly wide range of housing options from Apartments to Single and Multi-family homes. The City is also essentially land-locked and therefore there is very little opportunity for new housing development. I believe Wyoming's housing focus needs to be on enforcement of existing housing standards.

Answer from James T. O'Reilly:

Affordable housing that is safe and well maintained is important to preserving our diversity as an open and receptive community. As the city's representative to OKI, I endorsed the affordable housing component of the land use planning recommendations made for our region by the regional council of governments.

Answer from Barry S. Porter:

Our City is a mature community and there is no real opportunity for new housing stock. The City has limited ability to influence the affordability of housing.

Answer from David J. Savage:

This question does not make sense. By definition, all of the current residents of our city live in affordable housing, or else they would not be residents!

Wyoming has a diverse housing stock, from "starter homes" to substantial estates. We have housing owned and managed by the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority, and we have privately owned "Section 8" housing. I see no need for further action.

Answer from Tom Kramig:

It is up to Council to demand efficiency from the City Manager and all City Departments. New programs & projects should not be initiated without a thorough cost analysis.

Answer from Vicky Zwissler:

By making expenditures in the best interest of the community. Research, public input and careful thought are cornerstones of the process. Local government as responsibility of our everyday needs more than any level of government. Public Safety accounts for the highest percentage of our operating budget and highest priority. Wyoming values the smaller expenditures which make us unique and demonstrate community pride. The annual tree planting, flowerboxes along Springfield Pike and events like Fall Festival are important to community building accomplished by tax dollars. It's tough to balance this gamut of budget items, but I believe that a focus on customer service and best value for taxpayer dollar will continue to garner strong results. It's the Council and Administration's ongoing commitment to fiscal accountability that will keep Wyoming the award winning financially managed city it has been for the last 12 years at state and national levels of recognition

Answer from Michael Eyman:

By adhering to the budge. Our robust financial planning and budgeting process is what has allowed Wyoming to continuously improve our recreation facilities and programs, maintain our sound infrastructure, and provide excellent municipal services. Efficiency is synonymous with effectiveness. Just as every successful business decision starts with an understanding of the customer you serve, I believe that effective use of our tax revenue starts with a focus on the wants and needs of the community we serve. I believe that strong neighborhood feedback is important to prioritizing projects and decisions that affect Wyoming. This, coupled with personal accountability to the community, will insure the most efficient use of our tax income. The subsequent part of this strategy is the search for additional sources of revenue. As traditional State funding continues to shrink, we must continue to develop State and Federal grants as source of funding for our capital improvement projects.

Answer from David J. Savage:

Efficient use of tax income comes from rigorous budgeting, active leveraging of local tax dollars with state and federal grants, and continuous review of controllable costs.

Answer from Albert Delgado:

I believe there are many opportunities to improve community relations with the residents of Wyoming, I have always found the best way to build a relationship is to listen tow heat the person in front of me is attempting to communicate, and attempt to gain a deeper understanding of the individual. One opportunity will be through the development of Mast Plan of Wyoming. As council members we are elected to be representative of the community and the master plan will be a powerful tool to gain input through surveys, letters, public hearings, and as always through conversations with neighbors, friends and family. As I have in the past, I will continue to be involved through volunteer committee work in Wyoming to better understand the issues and how they will effect the palace we live, the Community of Wyoming

Answer from Barry S. Porter:

To insure the efficient use of Wyoming's tax income requires a number of sound financial practices: 1. A very strong budgeting process with a conservative approach to fund allocations. 2. Prioritizing the spending levels to insure that infrastructure, safety services, community activities and public facilities are maintained as required by its citizens. 3. Explore operating efficiencies, cost cutting strategies, while creating new financial disciplines and maintaining the effective ones currently in place. In addition to sound financial practices, Wyoming needs to continue applying for grants and seek other funding sources to provide the extra amenities that Wyoming desires. By taking advantage of State and Federal funding and seeking new revenue sources for infrastructure and capital improvements, the City can maximize its return on its tax base. Finally seeking cost saving alliances with the Wyoming school system and other local governmental bodies will provide additional financial resources.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.