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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
Qualifications,
Basic Services,
Budget,
Clean Air
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. What are your qualifications for office?
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Answer from Lee E. Czerwonka:
It has been my privilege and honor to serve the residents of Blue Ash as Council Representative at Large for the last 7 years. Vice Mayor for the last 2 years. 2 years as Vice Chairman Blue Ash Planning Commission. Member State Auditors Regional Advisory Board. Legislative Liaison Hamilton County Municipal League, Trustee Blue Ash Civic League.
Answer from Tom Adamec:
I have 3 years experience as Blue Ash City Council Representative-at-Large and eight years on local government commissions including the Blue Ash Planning, Zoning and Civil Service commissions. As a P&G manager for 26 years, I successfully led others to develop and achieve strategic goals, eliminate waste and cost, and improve operations in multimillion dollar manufacturing plants. I have served my community both as a leader and member through the local Rotary Club, church outreach activities on Lincoln Heights and other volunteer activities within the community.
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2. What services do you believe should be considered basic and essential for the City?
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Answer from Tom Adamec:
Public Safety (both police and fire), Public Works, Economic & Community Development, Parks and Recreation, and Finance/Tax.
Answer from Lee E. Czerwonka:
I believe basic municipal services start with the Police and Fire Departments followed by the Public Works Department. These 3 departments are the foundation for all well run communities. Beyond these three is an Administrative Department which collects taxes and oversees economic development. Without the administrative side the three basics above don't exist. These services are very basic and flow in a circle serving both the residents and businesses alike. Blue Ash is fortunate to be a well balanced community. 1/3 Residential, 1/3 Businesses, and 1/3 Recreational. This balance has kept Blue Ash in a positive sustainable financial position.
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3. How would you balance the City Budget?
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Answer from Tom Adamec:
The City of Blue Ash has balanced it's budget and built reserves while maintaining a very high level of service to our community. Through continuous improvement and doing the right things effectively our operational costs have been reduced in many areas. We have also grown revenue through economic development and by attracting new businesses to Blue Ash. Our city has been able to earn and maintain for years an envious Aa1 municipal bond rating, even during the current difficult economic period affecting our country!
Answer from Lee E. Czerwonka:
Blue Ash administration and city council continue a conservative long range approach to budgeting. Our budget is balanced because we have planned for economic downturns where other communities are struggling. We continue to focus on keeping operating costs down at all times, even when income rises. We were able to add $2 million to the city's reserves in 2010. Thus we continue to maintain Moody's "High Quality" Aa1 bond rating.
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4. What actions will you take to support clean air?
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Answer from Lee E. Czerwonka:
In 2008 I was City Council's representative to the Hamilton County Climate Initative. The City of Blue Ash leads the way in Green Initiatives in Hamilton County. When budget allows we look at and implement new technologies that help both the environment and save the taxpayers money. Items such as newer mechanicals for our buildings or when we update our transportation needs in various departments with more efficient vehicles and machinery.
Answer from Tom Adamec:
Preserving natural landscaping, trees and vegetation is good for the environment and air quality. Our city incorporates a land use plan that encourages a healthy one-third of land to parks, one-third to residential and one third to business development. To support this plan we recently acquired and began plans towards development of a 130 acre park which will include natural vegetation and landscaping as well as walking paths and other nature based activities for the community to enjoy. In addition, the City of Blue Ash encourages property owners to plant trees by supplementing the cost of the tree.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits may apply. See individual questions for specific word limits. Direct references to opponents are not permitted. Please edit your work before submitting. We are unable to provide spell-check at this time.
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 the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
