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 Qualifications, Addressing priorities, Regionalism

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

Answer from Inell Bolls, Ed.D:

• Occupation: Publisher/Project Manager
• Appointed recently to City Counil to fill seat vacated by Mayor Jim Lawler
• Homeowner and resident of Forest Park for 19 years
• Currently, serves as Vice Chair of the Planning Commission (2 yrs.), City of Forest Park
• Dedicated volunteer for the past six (6) years (Beautification/Conservation and Planning Commissions)
• Educator (postsecondary teaching experience)
• Notary Signing Agent

Answer from David R. Lives:

I am a 31 year resident of Forest Park, and during that time have served as a volunteer on City boards and commissions. These have included Economic Development and Civil Service Commission.

Currently serving on City Council and have been a member of City Council since 1999. At the present time I am the chair of...(Over word limit)

Answer from Denise "Holt" Jarnigan-Holt:

I have been a resident of FP for approximately 15 years and I want to serve our community. Have over 12 years of purchasing with skills in negotiating contracts/prices. I hold a BA degree in Liberal Studies which have exposed me to a wide area of studies. Having served as president of a Homeowners Association for 2 years and VP for 1 year, I am accustomed to listining to residents's issues and taking actions to solve them and will be able to use that experience with the entire community of FP.

Answer from Clara R. Pugh:

20 year resident of Forest Park. Currently serving 2nd 4 year term on City Council. Vice Mayor since 2000; Chair, Public Safety Committee; Member of Ways and Means and Law Committee; Member of Quality of Lfe Task Force, former Member of City Civil Service Commission (Vice Chairperson) City Liaison to Winton Woods City School District Member of Forest Park Blockwatch

Answer from Inell Bolls, Ed.D:

1. Work to organize active neighborhood watch programs throughout Forest Park.
2. Stress the importance of business recruitment, expansion, and retention.
3. Listen actively and work to address individual needs within various neighborhoods.

Answer from Clara R. Pugh:

Already involved in leadership initiatives with current council, city staff, business and residents in implementing a modified tax plan, recently passed in February 2007, that creates revenue for community development and hiring additional police officers. Included in those plans are to provide continuous guidance and support to staff on developing and expanding partnerships locally and regionally to enhance and increase resources needed for our city, i.e. jobs, and improved quality of life for residents.

Answer from David R. Lives:

Safe and secure community - Plans are now in place and are being completed to add 5 additional police officers to the City staff. Continue to support police out reach programs and strengthen the new Citizens on Patrol program. Encourage resident membership in the Block Watch program.

Redevelopment of target areas and building in the City - After a great deal of work by Council, the City Manager, and the City staff. A redevelopment plan has been writen that is now in the process of being implemented. I will continue to support and work towards completion of the plan within our available funding.

Economic...(Over word limit)

Answer from Denise "Holt" Jarnigan-Holt:

I want to make sure all citizens of FP are made aware of all services that are available to help them maintain their property so that they are in compliance with the city's codes. And for those citizens that are failing to maintain their property, property maintenance should be mor diligent in enforcing the codes. I want to work to find recreations for our children by soliciting sponsers. I want to make sure the redevelopment plans stay on tract and that we are aggressive with business recruitment to fill vacancies in our community.

Answer from Inell Bolls, Ed.D:

1. Public Safety--Continue to support and promote countywide public safety in regards to drug enforcement, SWAT team, honor guard, and the fire department.

2. Diversity--Reach out to neighboring communities to promote and celebrate various unique cultures.

3. Economic Development--Support continued participation with the Regional Council of Governments via the Chamber of Commerce for neighboring communities.

Answer from David R. Lives:

Economic development of the region - This would be done through our work and contacts with Hamilton County. Our Ecoonomic Development Director is active on several regional ecomomic development groups and I would support and encourage this activity.

Safe and secure region - We have had several presentations by officials from the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County on various programs and activities that could be accomplished in Forest Park. This activities would effect the safety and security of the region,by making Forest Park a safer area.

Promote visitor activity in the region - Through our economic development efforts, several hotels have been build in our area. Also, a mall was build with the cooperation of several communities and school boards in our region. These and several new eating establishments, have attracted visitors to our region.

Answer from Denise "Holt" Jarnigan-Holt:

Getting the entire community involved by staying visibable to all residents and listening to what they have to say.

Making sure that all residents' properties are and stays up to code by citing those that are not in compliance.

Keeping our children off the streets by soliciting sponsers to help provide the necessary recreations.

Answer from Clara R. Pugh:

See above.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.