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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.
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1. What are your Qualifications for Office? (50 word limit)
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Answer from Kevin D. Hardwick:
My experience in emergency services has given me the knowledge of operating and managing those services in the community. I was born, raised and continue to live in this community and seen it change over the years. Springfield Township matters to me and my family.
Answer from Tom Bryan:
I have been a resident of the township for 31 years and served as trustee for 13 years. I have a proven record of improving our resident's quality of life and the services provided by our Fire/EMS, Police, and Road departments. I operate my business in the township and am committed to the future of Springfield Township.
Answer from Joe Honerlaw:
It has been an honor and privledge to serve as your Springfield Township trustee for the past 9 years. I have been a resident and business owner in the township for the past 25 years and as a result have the experience and knowledge necessary to be an effective Springfield Township Trustee.
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2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit)
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Answer from Joe Honerlaw:
As your trustees, we have embarked on a comprehensive plan to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods and business districts by the adoption of a property maintenance code, local zoning, renovation of our business districts and other long-range economic development policies. Our Police Department is implementing new ways to reduce crime and keep our community safe. We are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to improve the quality and efficiency of township services. Our goal is to make Springfield Township a great place to live and work.
Answer from Kevin D. Hardwick:
My plans are to better prepare Springfield Township in domestic preparedness by getting our emergency services personnel better trained and provide equipment to do those jobs more efficiently and safely. We need to be ready for natural disasters as well as any other threat to our community. Developing strategies for economic development that support the services of the Township and not put the burden on the residents is key for me. We need to look to attracting prosperous business ventures as well as keeping those we currently have to have a solid foundation to work from.
Answer from Tom Bryan:
First, the Vision Plan will be regularly updated. Additionally, a Neighborhood Action Plan Task Force is being formed to unite Police, Fire, Zoning/Property Maintenance, and other Township departments as a team to address typically non-responsive property owners. Absentee property owners who do not have the same values or respect for nearby owners will become aware of the need to conform or pay fines for non-compliance. Our Development Services department will develop a Strategic Plan for economic development. Lastly, our forward looking 5 year plans will be updated and serve as a map for the Township's future.
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3. What steps would you take to ensure that all public facilities are accessible to people with disabilities? (100 words limit)
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Answer from Tom Bryan:
All township building or infrastructure modifications made since I have been a trustee have met or exceeded the standards established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. That will continue in the future.
Answer from Kevin D. Hardwick:
Both of my parents have disabilities that restrict their access in some way or another. I have experienced limitations first hand. This experience has shown the need to have more and better access in public facilities that are currently in place. All people have the right and the need to have that access. These people have a voice that needs to be heard as they too are an important part of the community. People must have good access so they feel a part of the decision making process.
Answer from Joe Honerlaw:
Over the past several years, we have constructed a new township fire station and service department facility. The police station has been renovated and expanded. These projects were completed on time and under budget. All of these facilities comply with current building codes and are accessible to people with disabilities. A new streetscape project is planned for the Winton Road corridor which will make our community more accessible to the disabled.
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4. What specific steps will you take to expand recycling services in your community? (100 words limit)
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Answer from Kevin D. Hardwick:
I will work within the Township and jointly with neighboring communities to develop a recycling plan to better enable residents and businesses in the communities to participate in a recycling program. These programs are more successful when they are convenient for the users. We must look at ways to reduce the quantities that are put in the landfills every year. Any reduction is an improvement is helpful. The Township leaders need to have some plan in place and to educate the community to the benefits of this type of program.
Answer from Joe Honerlaw:
Approximately two years ago we started an annual Springfield Township Recycle and Cleanup Day. This program has been very successful and is popular with the residents of the township. With this program, residents have cleaned up or recycled hundreds of tons of junk and other materials. If re-elected, I will look for ways to improve and increase recycling opportunities in the township.
Answer from Tom Bryan:
As trustee, I have supported and participated in our Residential Recycle/Cleanup Day for the last 3 years. This year we received 139 lawn mowers, 104 propane tanks, more than 1,000 computer components, 246 lead-acid batteries, 500 gallons of used motor oil, and 322 Freon containing devices. Additionally, 46 tons of refuse/trash and 31 tons of metal, tires, brush and trees were gathered. I will continue my support of and attempt to expand recycling programs. I will continue to support the West College Hill Clean-up Day.
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5. What steps would you take to provide affordable housing for all residents of your community? (100 words limit)
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Answer from Joe Honerlaw:
Springfield Township is a diverse community with many different types of housing available to its residents. As your Trustee I will continue to carefully monitor new housing developments to insure they that they will improve property values and the quality of life in our community.
Answer from Kevin D. Hardwick:
I will work with County, State And Federal agencies to work within their guideline to access grants and support to have affordable housing in the Township. This needs to be for all types of residents of the community especially the elderly. When looking for care for family members it is painfully obvious that quality care facilities are hard to come by. As this population group continues to grow we need to better prepare the community to have facilities operating to offer safe, dignified and caring care.
Answer from Tom Bryan:
I have a record of working with several developers to provide housing for all residents. Importantly they include the Bridge Creek condominiums (west Compton Road) and Stonebridge At Winton Woods (Mill Road) which provides affordable senior housing. We work closely with Habitat for Humanity in West College Hill.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits apply for each question. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.
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League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund
