League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
Hamilton County, OH November 3, 2009 Election
	Bernadette "Bunny" (Buckner) Watson Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of Cincinnati

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. What are your Qualifications for Office? (50 word limit)

Experience, Wisdom, Character, Lifetime of Public Service. Know my city,worked with the majority of neighborhoods while serving as President Avondale Community Council, Community Liaison for former Vice Mayor Minette Cooper,Chief of Staff for former Mayor Charlie Luken. Shovel Ready, begin work first day on the job. (over word limit)

2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit)

Employment Opportunities; Environmental/Health/Safety; Project Development - I believe these three priorities are important as we move Cincinnati forward in a progressive manner. Looking at these priorities the implementation of a Comprehensive Plan and Vision for our city. This can be done by developing and maintaining relationships and collaborations with city, state and federal officials. I want to act, not react as we grow and have plans to attract people to work, live and build Cincinnati. We must look ahead for our future generations and doing so we begin to see the progress.

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)

To enhance city revenue we must increase our employment opportunities which will bring tax revenue, including small business development,a viable workforce and business development, not only in downtown, but neighborhood business districts throughtout the city. Looking at available development projects, such as the Banks, Housing Opportunities, with extension of transportation across the region. Economic conditions can change with a plan to ensure your citizens have a viable workforce including the public services the city officials have been elected to maintain and provide.

4. What steps should the local government take to ensure that the quality of rental property meets minimum legal standards? (100 word limit)

Enforcement of policies that are in place to ensure that violations are addressed; work with communities to assist in informing city officials of areas of concern in their neighborhoods. Accountablity from the City Building and Inspections,and Housing Court to ensure we are addressing violence and nuisance issues in a timely manner; and demand landlords, property owners, and public housing authorities are maintaining the properties in our communities.

5. What actions should Cincinnati take to ensure a range of housing choices for residents, including affordable housing? (100 word limit)

There must be criteria for developers when looking at neighborhood housing development. Work with Manager and office of Community Development to look at plans established for mixed income housing and ensure affordable housing is included as a housing choice for residents who are interested in living in a variety of areas in Cincinnati. There must be a Housing Plan in place to ensure we maintain the unique character of of city neighborhoods and all residents have the opportunity to be a part of the fabric of our city.

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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.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 27, 2009 14:53
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