League of Women Voters of Ohio
Hamilton County, OH November 4, 2003 Election
	Gwen McFarlin Answers Questions Candidate for Trustee; Township of Springfield

The questions were prepared by the LWV Cincinnati Area and asked of all candidates for this office.

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. How would you implement your top priority?

Aggressively market key high level businesses and light industry into the township, at the same time supporting and promoting current business districts. Monitor capital improvments fiscally to insure we remain within budget. Continue researching a property maintenance code, keeping the residents informed and involved in the process.

2. Numerous important issues including transportation, land use planning, housing and economic development for the Greater Hamilton County regions are being deliberated by OKI's Land Use Commission and Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission and Planning Partnership COMPASS; how engaged should local government be in these planning activities? If elected, how would you participate in these planning activities?

Comprehensive economic development, land use planning and improving housing stock are my priorties. Recently I served as Chair of COMPASS and now am Vice-chair, I am most aware of county challenges. Local government must continue to stay involved,sitting at the table with county planning activities to insure their voices are heard regarding any initiatives and strategies that occur locally and regionally. Township involvement allows us to be a better community and neighbor.

3. Ohio Department of Natural Resources in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Recycling Coalition conducted a state-specific study and found recycling businesses in Ohio generated $650.6 million dollars in state government revenue. If elected how would you promote recycling and support recycling programs currently in place in your community to reduce solid waste generation?

I have been a long time supporter of recycling programs and establishing policies that will protect the environment. At this point, the township has secured grants to protect our environment since 1996. Recently the township participated in a township wide recycling day for residents which was highly successful. We are planning recycling programs for 2004.I remain proactive in moving the township forward in reducing solid waste generation.