Candidate for
Council Member; City of Cincinnati

I believe that our city's problems can be solved through increased community participation under good leadership.

Accountability

There exists 100% accountability on both sides for any controversy. Instead of pointing the finger and trying to place blame, we must learn to accept whatever responsibility we play in a conflict -- and both sides always have accountability in this.

Small Business

There are two areas where City Hall can help new small businesses in terms of taxation: income tax and property tax. I think we should offer a solution on both of these fronts. As these businesses work to establish their vision, they should have a period of time -- for example, three years -- where they pay no tax to the city on either their income or property. At the end of three years, they can be graduated back into paying full taxes. In those first years, however, when small businesses really struggle and need all the help they can get, the city would be wise to encourage their development and growth.

More Community Involvement

I have been president of Avondale Community Council for two terms, and Vice President for one. I'd like to see more involvement, which is why I want to open up City Hall to the people -- and one way is to establish a Community Congress that meets every month or two. The Congress will consist of Community Council Presidents or other volunteers. For our city to work together as a whole, we must encourage our communities to do the same thing. This is not additional, or bigger government, but a call for the existing government to collaborate and communicate more effectively.

Safety

My two-pronged approach addresses the needs of holding criminals accountable for their behavior while working to prevent released prisoners from going back to a criminal lifestyle by offering more viable employment opportunities. If we are serious about safety, we do not need to throw more police officers into a system that releases perpetrators before officers can finish filing paperwork. Instead, we need to keep criminals off the street for a just time period without cutting sentences short. At the same time, we must work with motivated and reformed individuals to make sure they obtain the employment for which they are qualified.

Racial Tension

I do not know how to "fix" our city's racial tension, but I do know that racial tensions ease when people are more familiar with one another. I think my platform points demonstrate the potential of bringing people into contact with one another, and I think that type of contact is important. This is what I promise to work for in addressing our city's racial tensions. Please read my full article on this important issue.

Smoking Ban

If elected to City Council this November, I assure you that I will oppose any type of government-sponsored smoking ban. Businesses should be free to make this decision for themselves.

Standing Up For What Is Right, Always

Sometimes what is right is not the same as what is popular. I know that religion and government will never work as a unit, but it is time for someone who knows and believes in The Almighty to bring a sense of ethics and morality to City Council.

Jobs

I know funds are tight, but we have to find money for creating new jobs for our youth. Our current council has funded programs to train workers for jobs that do not exist. These workers have training certificates and no employment options. Instead, we should use some of these funds to collaborate with local and new businesses in the establishment of jobs for our newly trained workforce.