See below for questions on transportation, campaign finance, planning

Click on a name for other candidate information.

Answer from Kathy Grote:

Views on public transportation in Green Township: Since it is an atypical "bedroom community", there is a need to better coordinate resources to promote efficient utilization of the existing road infrastructure. While we currently have a modicum of service from METRO, it could be argued that some of our residents might consider participation in a wide area park and ride program. Many of our working residents have to travel to downtown or beyond in order to get to their places of employment. Further study might result in better defined goals and objectives.

Answer from Tony Upton:

There is a need for public transportation.

Answer from Michael J. "Mike" Burba, Sr.:

Public transportation in Green Township would be useful; however, because of few concentrated population centers it is difficult to make it profitable at this time. In the big picture it would be a good idea to run the light rail system up the center of I-74 with a stop at the I-74 & I-275 interchange. Many people who work in the city and especially students at UC and Xavier could use this. The price of parking alone could cover the ticket prices. Of course you still have the problem of getting to the station from their widely scattered homes.

Answer from Michael J. "Mike" Burba, Sr.:

I will address each one separately:

Public matching funds - No. Limit campaign contributions - Yes. Government at all levels is being corrupted by the money influence and we need to start locally. But it will be difficult to restrict what people contribute. The courts have ruled that restricting the amount of money someone can give to influence politics is restricting that person's "free speech". This tells me that rich people can speak much more freely than poor people. Provide for more disclosure - No and Yes. If we limit contributions there would be no reason to disclose large donators. If we can't limit contributions then certainly this information must be made public.

Answer from Tony Upton:

I would not support any of these as presented.

Answer from Kathy Grote:

Campaign finance regulations: I am not currently in favor of public matching funds for county wide offices. I do believe there should be reasonable, common sense limits on total campaign contributions by individuals. I do not follow the "general" public wisdom that equates campaign contributions with freedom of speech. Yes, it is freedom of expression; however, I think most reasonable people are appalled at the cost of Cincinnati City Council campaigns as well as the races for the United States Congress and Senate. I also believe that if people are "free" to express themselves via campaign contributions, total disclosure of contributors names is absolutely essential so that the public will know who is supporting whom . Term limits, which I support, are the expression of a frustrated electorate with "business as usual." I will only serve two terms as Trustee.

Answer from Tony Upton:

Land use plans provide guidelines for public and developer review prior to zoning. Plans also can help local issues if issues wind up in court.

Answer from Kathy Grote:

Land use planning/zoning decisions: Noted columnist George Will once surmised: "planning by government is often the rubric under which it operates when making its preferences and prophecies: meaning its arrogance and its mistakes, mandatory on the public at large". Because the members of many local planning and zoning boards have vested interests in the outcomes of their decisions, is it any surprise that we get haphazard and unwanted developments ? Greater citizen participation in these meetings, which unfortunately are often held at the convenience of the local boards and not for the convenience of the public at large, could provide a much needed balance. Look at the recent Western Hills Collaborative Plan as a perfect example. Land use plans and updates to same are made by people on the boards who have an interest in the outcome: one proscription might be to have all members disclose any financial interests prior to their "appointment" to these boards just like elected officials are generally required to do.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.