League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund
Hamilton County, OH November 8, 2005 Election
	Cassandra N. Brown Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of Norwood; Ward 2

Questions & Answers

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

I have served as the Ward 5 councilperson for Norwood for four years. My experience in banking and business development uniquely qualifies me to assist in the development of small businesses in Norwood. I have been able to work with other council members for the betterment of the city, even as I have been a minority member.

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

We need to better manage our city finances. Our city leaders have not been open to the opinion of the State Auditor, and so no major changes have been made to relieve the city from the deficit we are experiencing. More openness of this process is needed. Our business development priorities need to also focus on Montgomery Road. Small businesses are struggling in Norwood. We can see that by the empty storefronts on Montgomery Road. We need to offer business incentives and improve the Pike to encourage business development.Finally, we need to solve the "quality-of-life" issues that plague our neighborhoods. These issues decrease our property values. We need to offer incentives for home improvement and keep crime out of our neighborhoods.

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

Our public facilities in Norwood have meet most of their goals for accessibility. However, we need to encourage everyone to be involved in this process. Our faciliies need constant maintenance. Access to our police and fire departments are not appropriate for the disabled. We need to realize these problems and work as a team to make the changes happen.

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

Many more people in Norwood now recycle. However, that may be because there is a mandatory charge for it. However, it is beneficial to the environment to practice recycling. I would, with our next Rumpke contract negotiations, look for us to pay less for recycling and to incentivize our residents to reduce their garbage output so we pay less tonage fees. It will reduce our fees all around.

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

Norwood is proud for all residents to call Norwood home. We want to make sure the affordable housing offered in Norwood is safe for those living there. Our building department and health department work diligently to ensure this quality of housing. Through better code inforcement, we can improve this safety even more.