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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
Pressing Issues,
Implementation,
Infrastucture,
Health Care
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. What are the two most pressing issues you will face if you are elected? (50 word limit)
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Answer from Virgil G. Lovitt, II:
Ohio's economy and good, high-paying jobs are among the top issues that face our state. Another pressing issue is the state budget and funding our priorities while avoiding deficits like we are seeing today.
Answer from Connie Pillich:
Budget: 2009 will be Ohio's most challenging budget in many years. Our reduced revenues create intense competition for limited dollars.
Veterans Issues: Our veterans return from war to a state so paralyzed by partisan gridlock that all we offer them is a special license plate. It is shameful.
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2. How will you address each of those issues? (100 word limit)
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Answer from Virgil G. Lovitt, II:
I will work to make sure Ohio's recent tax reforms are allowed to perform to their full potential, and partner with our local leaders on incentive programs for business and job creation which will spur economic development and growth.
The state budget needs to be managed in a way that ensures that we are funding our priorities while reducing overall spending.
Answer from Connie Pillich:
Budget: My spending priorities begin with keeping children safe. Then, focus spending to create jobs, reduce college tuition costs, maintain our infrastructure, keep Ohio beautiful, develop green technology, and manufacture alternative energy equipment. Conduct a performance audit of all state agencies to learn where to cut expenditures and increase efficiency.
Veterans: We can help veterans to transition back into civilian life. For example, penalize employers who refuse to hold a job for a deployed veteran, terminate a lease when a soldier receives orders to deploy, and enact a veterans hiring preference for government jobs.
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3. What role should the state play in updating Ohio's aging infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and transit services and equipment, in order to promote economic revitalization? (100 word limit)
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Answer from Connie Pillich:
After more than a decade of economic downturn, we must put Ohio back on track to create jobs. A business must get its people to work, move its product to market, and communicate in a global economy. To do these things, a business needs reliable and accessible roads, bridges, and rail, as well as phone lines, cell phone towers, and internet. The legislature should take the lead to update and improve our infrastructure by combining state funds with federal funds. This is how we will show Ohio is open for business in the 21st Century.
Answer from Virgil G. Lovitt, II:
As Mayor of Sharonville, we have utilized state grants that provide 50% funding while requiring local matching dollars for infrastructure projects. State dollars for infrastructure go farther when counties and local government are invested in the project and are active participants. The state needs to collaborate with counties and local government in order to address infrastructure issues and revitalize our economy.
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4. What role do state legislators have in reforming health care in the U.S.? (100 word limit)
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Answer from Virgil G. Lovitt, II:
Health care is a complex problem that does not have a simple solution. Real reform cannot happen without all stakeholders at the table. It will require the involvement of the state, industry leaders, health care providers, insurance companies, and representatives of the general public to achieve a comprehensive solution.
Answer from Connie Pillich:
Our state legislature can implement health care reforms immediately to ease the financial burden of health care in our state. Preventive care, healthier lifestyles, and a cleaner environment are some of the keys. But we can do more: allow small businesses and individuals to use group health insurance rates, include adult children still living at home on their parents' health insurance, mandate diagnostic testing of many treatable diseases, and allow health insurance to follow the worker who changes jobs. We also need to address catastrophic illness coverage because too many families face financial ruin when coping with a devastating illness.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. The answer must not exceed 100 words. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
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League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund
