League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund
Hamilton County, OH November 8, 2005 Election
	Michael H. Bolte Answers Questions Candidate for Trustee; Township of Harrison

Questions & Answers

1. What are your Qualifications for Office? (50 word limit)

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.

2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit)

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.

3. What steps would you take to ensure that all public facilities are accessible to people with disabilities? (100 words limit)

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.

4. What specific steps will you take to expand recycling services in your community? (100 words limit)

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.

5. What steps would you take to provide affordable housing for all residents of your community? (100 words limit)

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.