League of Women Voters of Ohio
Hamilton County, OH November 4, 2003 Election
	Jim Sumner Answers Questions Candidate for Member Council; City of Blue Ash; Ward 1

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?

To ensure balanced development and economic growth, Blue Ash needs to adhere to its Master Plan. This plan, which was recently updated, outlines our objectives for growth but also stresses the importance of maintaining a balance between our residential and business communities. It is this balance that allows our community to preserve and enhance our residential neighborhoods while providing economic growth which creates jobs for our residents and the region.

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?

It is essential that local communities actively participate in the various regional forums. Economic development and job creation are essential for our community and the region as a whole to prosper. Blue Ash council members and professional staff have a long history of active participation. Upon re-election I will continue to promote Blue Ash involvement through my personal participation and our professional staff.

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?

Blue Ash currently provides curbside recycling and regularly promotes the program to residents. We have also recently implemented a refrigerant recovery program for old refrigerators and air conditioners. This program received an award for new innovative service to residents. As a councilman and an environmental professional I will continue to be an advocate for these programs as well as new programs that promote convenient and cost effective recycling.