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

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

Answer from Tom Losekamp:

I have lived for 31 years in Harrison Township. I have 14 years of government service, 10 years with the City of Harrison and 4 years with the City of Sharonville. I had management duties with the City of Harrison and have management duties in Sharonville.

Answer from Carol A. (Barth) Anthony:

Lifelong resident of the community; served in leadership positions in my church, school, and community. As President of a local grassroots organization, was successful in fighting a major conglomerate over a landfill expansion, and made many contacts with local officials such as the Health District, which would be an asset as trustee.

Answer from Fred A. Dole:

Township resident for 52 years, Very knowledgeable of township government, A sincere interest, in the future of this community.

Have worked with zoning, annexations and large budgets. I understand the unique taxing and territorial boundaries of Harrison Township having an unincorporated area surrounding an incorporated urban center.

Answer from Michael H. Bolte:

I was in government service for thirty years as a member of the Cincinnati Police Department, (retiring a Captain; supervisor for 21 years, and Night Chief for three years, including the 2001 riots). My police experiences in critical incident management, extensive planning, research and development, and contract negotiations, are all assets.

Answer from Alan R. Trenz:

I am an attorney with 22 years experience. I have been a resident of Harrison Township for 13 years and I look forward to living the rest of my life in Harrison Township so it is important to me to maintain the quality of life we currently enjoy and to preserve it for our children.

Answer from Michael H. Bolte:

Unlike several, if not most of my opponents, I will be a "full-time" Trustee. This will not be my part-time job. Continuous review of all responsibilities is needed, with input from the community. The failed operating levies for police and fire services placed a mandate on Trustees to live within established funding. Current safety services, therefore, must continue to address the needs of the community. The Special Public Interest Strategy to guide developers in the design of buildings, landscaping and roads in portions of the township is very important, and must continue to be utilized to maintain aesthetically pleasing settings.

Answer from Carol A. (Barth) Anthony:

I feel that diversity within a group is a very strong point. A woman's prospective on many issues can open the lines of communication and broaden the scope of many important topics in a community.

Communication with our community should be as personal as possible. I will be available by phone or email anytime. Citizens need to know who is representing them, when and where meetings are held, and know that they are welcome to come and speak at these meetings at any time.

The safety of our citizens is paramount! I will listen to our citizens and act upon their needs. Small issues can become major problems. I will also be there when zoning issues come up and major conglomerates try to run us over! I will stand behind our citizens!

Answer from Fred A. Dole:

Get facts to the residents providing police and fire reports in the township. As the township grows so does the need for additional Safety Services.

This is a very desirable area and it should not be compromised. We need to grow but still maintain the rural small town setting.

Improve communications with surrounding communities. Work cooperatively to solve many of the same problems facing us, combine resources when possible. Inform the citizens by developing a web site highlighting the township and providing important information. This is an invaluable tool for families and businesses currently here and those looking to relocate.

Answer from Tom Losekamp:

Generating income will be a lengthy, slow, and difficult task. The business park is a good start. We must attract quality businesses that will generate money for township needs and yet be amenable to the people in the neighboring residential area.

Also we must be practical with the funds we have because people don't want to pay more taxes.

Because Harrison and Crosby Township have limited funds, are growing, and have a need for police presence, I propose contracting with Hamilton County for a car and officer to patrol both townships and sharing the cost.

People moved to this area because of its friendly, attractive, rural quality. Green space is an investment that encourages people to live here for generations.

Answer from Alan R. Trenz:

To preserve the quality of life we must maintain the basic services township residents expect. Budget must reflect these priorities. Close study of future proposed development is necessary to ensure compatibility with land use plan.

Answer from Michael H. Bolte:

One of the key goals is to remove the barriers faced by many Americans with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities must have access to the same social, cultural and recreational facilities and activities enjoyed by all citizens. It is important to ensure the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for State & Local Government Facilities is followed. July 23, 2004, the U.S. Access Board, an independent Federal agency, issued updated accessibility guidelines for new/altered facilities covered by Americans with Disabilities Act and the Architectural Barriers Act. These guidelines address a wide range of facilities in the private/public sectors, and also must be reviewed.

Answer from Fred A. Dole:

I would make sure all federal guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act are adhered to. Building plans must be approved by the county and are subject to county inspections, however, the township government should also be involved with the development to be sure guidelines are being followed, not only for persons with disabilities but for safety.

Answer from Tom Losekamp:

When I worked for the City of Harrison, I was appointed to a committee by Mayor Rolfes to help bring the public facilities up to the American Disabilities Act standards. ADA standards are continually reviewed as new construction or remodeling is done.

Answer from Carol A. (Barth) Anthony:

First of all, I would try to reinstate the ADA Committee, of which I was a former member. My goal would be to put safety before the aesthetics of a building. I would look into any grant monies that might be available so that all public buildings, including schools and churches, would be equipped with any special equipment needed. I would also work on transportation for those with special needs.

Answer from Fred A. Dole:

Money permitting, I would like to promote the recycling program currently in place with the waste collection in the township. I would like to reinstate the bi yearly township trash collection and work with the City of Harrison, the Hamilton County Park district and other surrounding communities to develop a site where yard waste could be recycled, basically returning nature to nature. Distribute information through electronic and print media promoting recycling and informing citizens of ways and times to rid of toxic waste and large objects. Promote township road cleanup working with community and neighborhood groups to "adopt a road."

Answer from Tom Losekamp:

Recycling services are provided by Rumpke Recycling Division. The residents are able to recycle paper, plastic, and metal through their regular garbage collection.

I would try to bring back, at least once a year, the "Township Clean-up Weekend" to help maintain the cleanliness of the township area.

However, that is a perk governed by a limited budget. We must take care of the necessary, practical needs first.

Answer from Carol A. (Barth) Anthony:

I would work very closely with our local waste hauler to try to increase the number of citizens that do recycle. Perhaps there could be some tax incentives for those who do participate fully in this program. At some point, I feel it may be taken a step further to the state level and be made mandatory.

Answer from Michael H. Bolte:

The promotion and support of recycling programs are important due to the overall and long-term impact upon a community. Rumpke Waste Collection Services is the main provider of waste collection for the township. Continued interaction with Rumpke to provide recycling programs is necessary. Also, exploring grant opportunities and working with the Hamilton County Solid Waste Management District to educate the residents and business owners within the township to reuse, reduce, and recycle is important.

Answer from Carol A. (Barth) Anthony:

First of all, I would look into the number of families in need of housing. I would get together with the local Homeowner's Association and other business owners and renters to see what was available, or what could be made available. If possible, I would talk with "Habitat for Humanity" about their program, and possible assistance.

Answer from Tom Losekamp:

Housing is affordable in the township. From starter homes, apartments, condos, patio homes, an attractive mobile home park, to retirement homes the low millage in the township encourages people to look to this area for housing. My aim is to keep that millage as low as possible.

Answer from Michael H. Bolte:

Request a speaker from the County (at no cost) to meet to discuss affordable housing needs and how to organize support in our community. If necessary, request technical assistance from the county in setting up an organizational meeting. Included in the meeting would be local businesses, community leaders, community groups and religious organizations to help establish the need for and a constituency for affordable housing.

Answer from Fred A. Dole:

I think this community does provide a wide range of housing cost. As in most communities new developments seem to be bigger and better than the previous one which creates a varied price range. I would like to see housing for the elderly and disabled addressed. There is a need in this community for assisted living for the elderly and disabled. I would promote this idea to developers and look for creative funding and incentives through local banks or federal funding programs.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.