Kathleen Zech Answers Questions

Candidate for
Council Member; City of Cheviot

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Hamilton County and asked of all candidates for this office.

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

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

Cheviot is one mile square and easily accessible. Public transportation throughout the area is adequate, but as is the case in many older cities, Cheviot suffers from a lack of parking for residents, workers and customers. Solutions to this problem are always being sought.

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.

Campaign contributions should be a personal choice. I would strongly oppose a plan that would require public funds (taxpayer money) to fund any political campaign.

Although I understand the reasoning behind limiting campaign contributions, particularly in the larger cities, state and national races, I don't feel it is much of an issue in our smaller local races. Campaign costs in Cheviot are minimal and are funded by neighbors, family, and friends.

As for further disclosure, the same applies. Local level, part time, politicians in small cities like Cheviot usually run thei own campaigns and are deluged with time consuming paperwork. I feel it would be yet another deterrent to getting qualified candidates to commit to serving their communities.

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

Cheviot is an old community, with little or no land suitable for further development. Zoning has been in place for decades. In other communities with undeveloped areas, planning would be beneficial, but should be flexible.