League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
	Hamilton County, OH November 3, 2009 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Council Member; City of Norwood; Ward 1

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 Qualification, Priorities, Economic, Rental property Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. What are your Qualifications for Office? (50 word limit) Answer from Keith D. Moore: My main qualification is my experience on Council, where my first few years were spent working to solve the fiscal crisis. My years on Community Development cover Cornerstone, Linden Pointe, Kroger, and many others. I have written or guided the Disorderly House Ordinance, the CRA, and others. 2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit) Answer from Keith D. Moore: Full implementation of the CRA is the carrot, offering incentives for rehabbers and for new housing in Norwood. The Vacant Building Ordinance and demolition program work as the sticks, giving the City more leverage against junk property. As the credit market improves, expect to see more at Linden Pointe, Rookwood Exchance, and progress on Xavier Square and the Plaza. I have fought to make streets as much of a priority as other expenses, not just an afterthought with any money left over. I will work to put a Sidewalk and Curb Assistance Program in place. 3. What two actions would you promote to enhance city revenue or decrease city expenditures in order to balance the city budget, given the current economic conditions? (100 word limit) Answer from Keith D. Moore: We've done the hard work that other governments are just starting. We changed the way the city does business, and we continue to review departments and expenses to get the most for your money. We have worked hard to attract the right kinds of business, and to get the best possible designs. The great things going on all over the city are proof that our efforts are paying off. The CRA and the streamlined Building Department will serve to attract new business investment, and new jobs, to Norwood. 4. What steps should the local government take to ensure that the quality of rental property meets minimum legal standards? (100 word limit) Answer from Keith D. Moore: Norwood requires all rental property to maintain a valid Rental Certificate. We revamped the Rental Certificate process a few years ago to offer incentives to landlords to keep their certificates in good standing and their properties in good repair. Minimum legal standards, however, is not good enough - whether we're talking about the condition of the property or the behavior of tenants. When problems arise, we have a number of different approaches to resolve the problem, through the Disorderly House Ordinance, Health and Building Codes, friendly persuasion, and others. Property standards are improving, and things like the streets program, the new Kroger, and a Sidewalk and Curb Assistance Program help to make Norwood more attractive. Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits apply for each question. 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.