LWV LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS

Smart Voter
Hamilton County, OH November 2, 1999 Election
Member Council; Village of Greenhills

Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues

See below for questions on transportation, campaign finance, planning

Click on a name for other candidate information.


1. What are your views regarding the need for public transportation in your community to promote access to employment throughout the region?

Answer from George W. Fecher:

I strongly support public transportation. The Village of Greenhills is presently on a major city/suburb bus route that provides our citizens access to downtown Cincinnati as well as to a major area shopping center.

Answer from Kenny R. Burck:

I support and ride the metro busses and support Maple Knoll transportation for senior citizens. Greenhills is on a Metro Bus Line and many citizens use these services.

Answer from Michael Johnson:

I feel the time has came to build a light, rail system for the whole region, not just the I-71 corridor, but a system that will serve all of the regions citizens. I understand that this would be an expensive proposition, but in a county that can find nearly $500 million dollars to build a home for an athletic team to play 10 times a year. Then certainly we can find the necessary resources to build a light rail system to system to ease the traffic burden in our region, decrease automotive pollutants and promote corporate and industrial growth along the transit lines.

Answer from L. Christine Visnich:

I believe that public transportation for our community is of vital importance not only to provide transportation to other major areas of the city for employment, but to encourage citizens to use public transportation to reduce air pollution. Air pollution is becoming an increasingly alarming environmental problem in the Greater Cincinnati area and across the nation.


2. Would you be in favor of county-wide campaign finance regulations that would provide for public matching funds, limit campaign contributions and provide for more disclosure? State your opinions on these ideas; whether you would support or oppose them.

Answer from Michael Johnson:

I do not agree with any county funding of political campaigns. This money would invariable come from the taxes that people are paying or from a source the county could use in lieu of tax receipts. I would agree to limits on campaign funding and restrictions on the use of the "soft money" or issue oriented spending that is simply being used to promote a particular candidates position or to refute their opponents position. With regards to disclosure, I feel that every candidate should make an accounting of every dime that is received, and from whom. Further, I feel that honesty and integrity must return to the political process, and I would support legislation that would prohibit and punish campaign advertising that is knowingly false, or deliberately misleading.

Answer from L. Christine Visnich:

I would support county-wide campaign finance regulations which would provide for making it possible for any qualified citizen to run far public office, regardless of their personal economic situation. If pubic matching finds and limiting campaign contributions would enable those who are highly qualified, but cannot afford the high costs of running a campaign, to pursue public service, I would be for it.

Answer from Kenny R. Burck:

I would support the proposal for Countywide or Statewide campaign finance regulations as stated above. I believe we spend too much money on political campaigns but would set a somewhat high, but attainable, limit on the amount you could raise.

Answer from George W. Fecher:

Since the county is made up of many political subdivisions, I would be opposed to any finance regulations that would affect all of them equally. For example, in Greenhills campaign expenses are nominal due to the small size of the village. What might fit our community might be a burden in others. I feel each community should individually consider these items and the effect it would have on their interests.


3. What are the benefits/detriments to land use planning prior to zoning decisions?

Answer from Michael Johnson:

I think that land use planning before a zoning decision is made is a good concept. If we have an idea of what the planned use for the land was before the request for zoning change comes through, that would help our representatives, and the community make an informed decision. The most important part of any zoning change is that is be openly debated, that all sides get a fair and equitable hearing and that if necessary we allow the people to decide in the form of a referendum or charter vote.

Answer from Kenny R. Burck:

I believe zoning decisions should be made prior to land use to better coordinate long range community planning and needs. Most of Greenhills is already developed and zoned so this has not been much of an issue in the village.

Answer from George W. Fecher:

Living in a community which was one of the first to be based on an overall plan and seeing the results fully favor this concept. With very little undeveloped land available this is not an issue within Greenhills.

Answer from L. Christine Visnich:

I believe that good careful planning of Iand use needs to be completed prior to putting zoning regulations in place. By doing so, a community is able to provide the best quality of conditions of living for its citizens - both residential and business.


Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League, but formatted for Web display.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.


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Created: November 18, 1999 14:52
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