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 Jim O'Reilly:

In my four years on Council I have helped lead the Galbraith exit/I-75 project, championed greater recycling and helped improve police and fire services. As a teacher and author I have taught and written about how government functions can be improved, and applied those skills to helping Wyoming.

Answer from Kevin J. Cooper:

I have 32 years of sales and marketing experience, I own Cooper Electrical Sales. I have a degree in Management from the University of Cincinnati and I have great communication skills. I will listen to and represent the community of Wyoming as a councilman

Answer from Tom Gardner, Jr.:

As a lifelong resident and volunteer firefighter I am in a unique position as someone who has both received and provided city services. I have served on Wyoming Fire-EMS for 8 years and sat on the Fire-EMS Consolidation Committee.

Answer from William C. "Will" Papa:

Wyoming has a long and proud history and is a fantastic place to live and raise a family. Wyoming needs a robust and actionable master plan to keep this city great for decades to come. I believe I am very well qualified to help City Council with this task. As a...(Over word count)

Answer from Walter W. Cordes, II:

I have 28 years of municipal experience (Ranger, Police Officer, Police Sergeant, Police Lieutenant and 19 years as Village Administrator. I actively interact with governmental operations, including; budgeting, operations, historic preservation, police, economic development, planning, master plan goals, parks, recreation, enterprise, water, sewage, and all other aspects of local government.

Answer from Jenni (Ruehl) McCauley:

Resident 31 years, 5th generation Cincinnatian Professional: Sibcy Cline VP, City Cincinnati Development Department Mger, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program Director. Awards: Wyoming Citizen of Year, Wyoming Colonel Reily Award, State Ohio Historic Preservation Award, Cincinnati Bicentennial Medal Community Service. May Fete Co-Chair, Junior League Brd,Drake Volunteer

Answer from Lynn Crider:

As a current Council member, I have practical experience in the position which I am seeking. I have a blend of education & practical experience from the business world and public sector. I'm an active member of the Wyoming community, allowng me to represent a broad cross section of constituents.

Answer from Vicky "Zwissler" Zwissler:

A positive, forward thinking syle of leadership. Over the last six years, I have carefully researched facts, gathered community input and made decisions in the best interest of Wyoming residents. My business experience establishing a successful company over 18 years is a perspective I am proud to bring to Council.

Answer from Debbie Bellman:

Leader of Concerned Wyoming Citizens in 2006 + promoted the rights of citizens to be heard through a forum or a vote. Systems Engineer at IBM for 15 years. Computer Consultant/Instructor for 14 years.

Answer from Michael O'Neill:

Longtime Wyoming resident with a passion for keeping our community a highly desirable place to live. Recent Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor with working relationships with law enforcement and elected officials throughout the County. I have been listening to members of our community and am prepared to act in their interests.

Answer from Pamela Kamm:

Sixteen-year Wyoming resident. Active, supportive, committed community volunteer in schools, church, civic organizations so I bring a new perspective to issues addressed in city government. I am open-minded, organized, honest and professional. I have worked diligently for Wyoming and will do the same as a member of city council.

Answer from Barry S. Porter:

23 years as a Council member Mayor, Vice Mayor, Chairman of Finance Committee Member of Economic Development Commission & Joint City School Committee 38 years of experience in various corporate financial management positions Controller, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer

Answer from Pamela Kamm:

I dislike taxes, but they fund our excellent community services. I will keep close tabs on how our tax dollars are spent and aggressively seek other funding sources, such as grants and matching funds. Wyoming can be made safer and stronger by working on common issues with neighboring communities. I support existing relationships and would work to build new ones. A perception exists among some citizens that council doesn't listen to their viewpoints. I propose biannual, "Ask Your Council" forums. This would allow citizens to ask questions, express opinions, voice concerns and give council another venue to hear from constituents.

Answer from Jenni (Ruehl) McCauley:

I will begin consideration of the top priorities in the new master plan thru coffees and discussions with residents. Then continue searching for additional ideas to accomplish residents' priorities while stretching our dollars as far as possible. Fiscal responsibility and fair taxes are critical. I would reinstitute a thorough goal oriented budgeting process that is ever watchful of how and where we spend our money. I want to ensure that Wyoming receives the best possible services/maintenance for our tax dollars. I will concentrate on private market & dollars to help improve and fill Wyoming's business areas utilizing creative incentives to accomplish that.

Answer from Barry S. Porter:

I have met with the leadership of surrounding communities to determine areas of common interest. I would continue these meetings, attempting to find ways to benefit each of our communities. Council prioritized infrastructure improvements and replacements each year. Paying for these projects withtin the City's financial resources requires experienced financial leadership. This is where my past education and experience brings value. In addition, when upgrading roadways, the City will continue to consider swers and water lines and finance their replacement where required. Working through the Economic Development Commission setting proprities for upgrading of the residental, business and park areas.

Answer from Jim O'Reilly:

Wyoming has a bright future. Our image in this region can be restored with pride, and our access to OKI funding and county funds can be enhanced. I will continue to support Wyoming's stellar record for fiscal prudence, as we provide a community with lifestyle services that really benefit our families. As law committee chair, I will help keep our safety services up to date and capably funded. I will help guard against fraud in the coming ash tree problems. And I will work to create a senior services advisory commission to help retain our most experienced community members.

Answer from Tom Gardner, Jr.:

First, our city must maintain fiscal responsibility. The city must run efficiently and effectively. We must find alternative sources of income for the city to operate. Whether this from State or Federal sources. Secondly in order to maintain the high quality of life we have all come to appreciate and expect in Wyoming public safety must be a priority. Finally, no governemnt body can function properly unless it is responsive to its citizens. I will listen to the concerns of residents and be held accountable.

Answer from Debbie Bellman:

I will work to set up a committee to study methods of communicating with citizens and then implement a system of effective 2-way communication that will foster a spirit of cooperation and exchange of ideas among our citizens. I will work to set up a committee to study Wyoming's Charter and then update it with appropriate changes, such as the right to a referendum, in order to protect citizens' rights and provide a voice for citizens on major financial decisions. I will make every attempt to minimize expenses and maximize the City's revenue without raising taxes or curtailing services.

Answer from William C. "Will" Papa:

Master Plan-I will make sure that the citizens understand and support Wyoming's master plan. Wyoming has many diverse and talented residents that can contribute to and strengthen the City's plans. My experience at P&G has taught me the critical importance of reaching out to the talented thought leaders in any given field of endeavor in order to develop a strong business plan. Financial Plan-The economy is heading for some very uncertain times over the next decade with the retirement of the baby boomers. I will work with the City's finance committee to make sure that we have a strong financial...(Over word count)

Answer from Kevin J. Cooper:

Concerning dialogue, I will listen to what the community has to say. This is a key element in gaining the support of the community. The Code Red phone system, the internet, improved newsletters are just three examples. As to accountability, my loyalty is to the residents; many of which I personally know, making accountability an easy task. Finances start with minimizing expenses and as a business owner I will apply proven methods to our Wyoming operations and budgets.

Answer from Michael O'Neill:

Given the opportunity to serve, my top priority will be to improve fiscal responsibility. Council has recently increased the City Income Tax by 60%. I will work aggressively to reduce the tax burden on our citizens.

As a former Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor, I will use my experience and connections to ensure our Officers are equipped to fight crime and receive maximum cooperation from neighboring departments and the Prosecutor's Office.

Finally, I will work to ensure all citizen input is welcome and that citizens are treated with respect.

Answer from Lynn Crider:

Our community expects and enjoys a level of excellence in the area of city services. These priority services include fiscal responsibility, safety services and public works. Council must remain committed to providing saftey and public services in a fiscally responsible manner. Additionally, Council must continue to explore creative methods to encourage appropriate businesses to invest in our community. We must research this concept with the expectation of improving our tax base and quality of life for our residents. These priorities work in concert with the feedback received from the 2007 Master Plan.

Answer from Vicky "Zwissler" Zwissler:

I will continue, along with the rest of Council, the careful evaluation of Wyoming's finances as we develop each year's operating and capital budgets with absolute commitment to our fiscal well-being. The budget process also allows for maintenance of quality services and facilities by prioritizing these expenses with consideration of the needs expressed by residents. The 2007 Master Plan is a document of the people, as leaders, we will make sure the implementation of this work continues to include public workshops alongside committee and consultant contributions so that we may continue to secure our future while preserving our rich heritage.

Answer from Walter W. Cordes, II:

I will apply an efficient management to budget and operational processes to improve services while reducing expenses; reducing income taxes when possible. I will work to improve communications by airing meetings on cable, almost immediately posting minutes on the web, enhancing our Wyoming web content and making it interactive. Services will be expanded, such as an environmentally friendly curbside stick chipper program and possibly improving the weekly garbage can mess on our streets. Your opinions are much more valuable than mine and I will support and build ways for you to get information to a receptive and open Council.

Answer from Pamela Kamm:

Wyoming doesn't exist, nor can it survive as an isolated entity. The economic strength and viability of our community depends upon the success and appeal of our neighboring communities. City council currently cooperates with other cities in various ways. A joint city council meeting with Woodlawn was beneficial in understanding the needs and processes of both communities. We should continue this and expand it to our other neighboring governments. I propose the development of a "Mill Creek Valley Communities Task Force". Citizens and elected officials could meet and define regional issues and recommendations for joint action. Wyoming council initiated the framework of this by successfully building a strong community coalition to stop the proposed closing of the I-75 Galbraith Road exit. This coalition should continue to work to ensure the redesign of the I-75 corridor does not adversely impact Wyoming or neighboring communities, and expand to include other regional concerns.

Answer from Barry S. Porter:

1. Improve the channels of communication between the neighboring community Councils of Boards. Establish a series of joint meetings where face-to-face discussions can occur and issues of common interest determined.
2. Share planning process and ideas with neighboring communities. Meet jointly with the various community planning groups and review strategic plans for areas of possible joint development. Share research and demographic information. Work together to attract private invenstors and development to the region.
3. Explore ways of reducing expeneses and increasing revenues in the region. Open communications between the community administrative staffs. Where practical, apply regional pressure to secure better pricing for services and goods for each of the communities. Seek a regional voice in applying for Federal & State funding.

Answer from Debbie Bellman:

In order to promote regional cooperation, I would start by arranging a meeting of our regional neighbors, especially bordering ones, to find out what their priorities are. Then we would come up with ways that we can work together to help each other out. I would also encourage citizen input in this process to see what ideas they have in fostering cooperation with our neighbors. Furthermore, I would encourage Council members to participate in the Ohio Municipal League and the Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission as well as attend appropriate regional conferences.

Answer from Jenni (Ruehl) McCauley:

The City of Wyoming has a history of working cooperatively with other communities. It is important to continue that work, One issue now is the recommended I-75 Widening/ Exit Changes. The work to date has been good and will need to continue with neighboring communities, legislators, and ODOT in order to maintain the concessions already promised. These efforts help not only Wyoming but smaller municipalities and City of Cincinnati's neighborhoods will be critically impacted by proposed changes.

Increase leadership in the First Suburbs Coalition at county and state levels. This group addresses the needs of older suburbs surrounding large Ohio cities. Additionally, utilize the skill & contacts of Wyoming residents to provide leadership and inform legislators.

Help nearby businesses beautify their surroundings with a coordinated volunteer clean-up, paint, and plant weekend. City,Council, and volunteers could organize, and finish off with a potluck party & concert on the Village Green.

Answer from Tom Gardner, Jr.:

Regional cooperation and planning is very important, especially among the older inner-ring suburbs that find their populations stagnating or declining. The key to such relationships is communication. First, partner with neighboring communities on areas or projects of mutual interst. An example would be the City of Cincinnati and the the south end of Springfield Pike. Second, The Southwest Ohio First Suburbs Consortium (SOFSC) seeks to promote public policies that maintain the vitality of the communities and advocates balanced investments in new and existing infrastructure and the maintenance and enhancement of the tax base. We must use this framework to lobby on behalf of our city for better sources of income to maintain our infrastructure. Third, join with other communities and agencies to develop and implement mutual plans.

Answer from Vicky "Zwissler" Zwissler:

Regional cooperation starts with strong participation in existing regional organizations like the First Suburbs and the Hamilton County Municipal League. I attend these meetings regularly and serve on the executive committee of the Municipal League. Our ability to engage neighboring communities to establish common goals before approaching ODOT achieved the preservation of I75 access at Galbraith Road.

We held surrounding community meetings during our own Master Plan process to help understand how we can work with our neighbors. Wyoming and Woodlawn are both completing Master Plans which include a common goal to develop nothern Springfield Pike between our communities.

Wyoming and Lockland combined community efforts have resulted in the acquisition of over $600,000 in grant money to fund the demolition of non-vialble homes along Elm Avenue in Lockland resulting in an 82% reduction in crime for that border area of our communities and returning the land to dedicated green-space.

Answer from William C. "Will" Papa:

We must work effectively with the surrounding communities. There is huge opportunity in this area. Some of the neighboring communities are struggling. We need to reach out to these communities with our "know how" but must be measured in terms of how we help them finance their programs. The neighboring communities need self-sufficient economic development plans. Public Safety-We must ensure that the neighboring communities are on the same page with Wyoming regarding public safety. I will work with the leaders of those communities and our public safety officials to ensure that this is a critical priority. We must make sure that Wyoming's economic development plans work for our neighboring communities. We can indirectly help the neighboring communities by improving the shopping, dining and business climate inside of Wyoming. I will make sure that our economic development plans will bring the types of businesses that will attract the interest of folks...(Over word count)

Answer from Michael O'Neill:

As a former Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor, I will bring a unique skill set to Council. I will utilize my experience and connections to promote regional cooperation to benefit Wyoming public safety. In recent years, we have seen an increase in serious crime in the area. Having worked closely with law enforcement in Springfield Township, Woodlawn, Cincinnati, and Lockland, I will work to promote regional cooperation among the departments. First, I will improve information sharing among police agencies. I will also ensure that our officers have full access to the resources of the Prosecutor's Office. Finally, as we hire new officers, I will advocate for the consideration of officers with proven track records investigating serious crime in the area, as appropriate. Most serious crime in Wyoming is perpetrated by criminals from outside of Wyoming. We must cooperate with our regional law enforcement partners to maintain and improve safety in Wyoming.

Answer from Walter W. Cordes, II:

Regional cooperation is essential to strengthening and uniting fragmented older suburbs, such as Wyoming and its neighbors. We need to embrace our interdependence through intergovernmental cooperation and become stronger along with our neighbors. Three areas, to name but a few, come to mind;

(Services) Certain services can be shared with communities, thus increasing effectiveness, lessening equipment needs and reducing overall costs. The sharing of services, while retaining autonomy, must be explored by joint meetings with managements and Councils.

(Economic Development) We have economic development issues that require continued regional cooperation between adjacent community officials, residents, commissions and business leaders. Councils and Committees from neighboring communities should meet in joint public sessions and include civic/business leaders.

(Purchasing) While the state has programs, local neighboring communities will benefit from purchasing jointly and our management teams should share upcoming local purchases; savings are realized with a joint purchase in larger quantities. Example; Salt.

Answer from Lynn Crider:

1. The City of Wyoming must continue to foster positive relationships with our neighboring communities. Joint Council meetings with neighboring jurisdictions can be held in order to identify mutual goals that benefit the region.

2. Continue our participation in groups such as First Suburbs of Cincinnati. This organization, which includes cities such as Lockland, Reading and Fairfax, meets regularly with Hamilton County leaders to voice regional concerns and develop cooperative strategies to common problems. Wyoming must remain active in this and other regional organizations to ensure our longer term prosperity.

3. Continue to seek successful joint-neighborhood projects such as the removal of dilapidated homes along Elm Street in Lockland. This course of action will encourage further cooperation and communication within our region.

Answer from Kevin J. Cooper:

We need to create cooperation with our adjacent communities in the area of economic development; we are all interdependent. This can be accomplished with group interaction with all concerned and from business leaders, to property owners, to public officials of all communities adjacent to us. Public safety can be regionally shared in areas of equipment and manpower; particularly in time of disaster. Preplanning with each community how this cooperation can effectively take place would enhance regional cooperation in the time of need. Thirdly, I believe a pool of volunteers can be established among neighboring communities and shared between all, thus lower costs of professional services.

Answer from Jim O'Reilly:

Regional cooperation is working well for Wyoming, as illustrated by the wide-ranging effort to keep Galbraith exit open, and I will continue to be a leader with OKI and county contacts to make it happen. "Good neighbor" cooperation with Lockland improves both communities' safety, and I support shared efforts on grant applications for improving our gateway. As member of a regional gang task force and former police officer, I will continue to work on shared intelligence, sound resources for effective policing, and support for our successful youth alternative programs.

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