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The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
Qualification,
Priorities,
Accessiblity,
Recycling,
Housing
Click on a name for other candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. What are your Qualifications for Office? (50 word limit)
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Answer from Jodie Leis:
I have serviced the community of Symmes Township for the past 4years. I believe that since I have been in office that I have strengthen the Township through fiscal responsibility, quality of services, and improvements in Parks, Roads, Sidewalks and Community
Answer from Jackie Klofta:
Jackie has proven planning, organizational and leadership skills, a self-starter and an ardent problem solver.
Symmes Township Resident 10 years.
Procter and Gamble Employee 1987-1992, 1997-2000.
Sycamore Schools Planning Commission 2001-2005, Chair 2003-2005.
Point Pleasant VIII Condo Association (Fairfield, OH) President 1987-1991
Founder and President of Tucson Women's Soccer League 1977-1981
Answer from Kathy Wagner:
I have a B.A. Degree in Political Science
I taught government (American Government and Comparative Government) to Seniors in High School
Answer from Ken Bryant:
I have over 35 years of industrial experience including both Personnel and Project Management in Advanced Engineering Design and Development at GE. I have sucessfully managed several multi-million dollar contracts and technical programs.
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2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit)
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Answer from Jodie Leis:
The past 4 years I have worked with our clerk, John Borchers to keep a balances budge in our community. I keep in close contact with our department heads to insure the best quality services for our residents which are provided by the Township all with no earnings tax. I will continue to maintain a good relationship with ODOT and the County Engineer as we work to improve Montgomery Road with minimal inconvenience to our community
Answer from Kathy Wagner:
1. Montgomery Road Widening Project: Presently we have funding from the ODOT and Transportation Review Advisory Council for 3 of the 4 phases
2. Polk Run flooding + purchase property to build retention/detention ponds to slow the amount and velocity of the creek water flowing downstream as recommended by the Core of Engineers
3. Small increase of the levy + 1.3 mills levy + repair streets and curbs and price of blacktop due to increase of the cost of all.
Answer from Jackie Klofta:
I plan to study the budget closely and identify areas for tax improvement, such as surplus spending. Secondly, I plan to install a budget tracking device to monitor Township spending and to see that the money goes to where it was intended by the voters.
I plan to use Eminent Domain as a last resort in re-planning public areas. Eminent Domain's intent is for the greater good of the people not for private development. I would use Eminent Domain only in cases involving public safety.
I plan to increase resident involvement by targeting Residents, Businesses and Schools to incorporate feedback into the township planning process. This user friendly system will allow us to become more aware of Symmes Township assets. Then, we can expand and be proud of our assets.
Answer from Ken Bryant:
I plan to provide township residents the opportunity for full oversight of any proposed tax levies including plans and schedules prior to recommending any new or increased taxes.
I want to add small neighborhood parks to our current park system and restore the Park Levy funds used for other purposes.
I have plans to ease traffic flow on Montgomery Road prior to the completion of the ODOT road widening. I will work to decrease speeding in Camp Dennison, install sidewalks where needed for safety, and study good National models for application to the Polk Run Watershed.
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3. What steps would you take to ensure that all public facilities are accessible to people with disabilities? (100 words limit)
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Answer from Jackie Klofta:
I would use the following steps within budget limits:
1. Inspect existing public facilities
2. Define improvement areas
3. Assess costs for improvements
4. Balance the Budget to accommodate the improvements
5. Recommend improvements to the community
6. Get resident/owner feedback
7. Review proposal
8. Vote
Answer from Jodie Leis:
We support the American Disability Act. We try to make Township facilities as convent as possible
Answer from Ken Bryant:
Our Township adheres to the National Disabilities Act and I would press for all non-conformances (if any) to be brought into line with those regulations.
Answer from Kathy Wagner:
The Symmes Twp, all public facilities have ramps and handicap parking places for those with disabilities. State and Federal Laws require accessibility for handicap or disabilities individuals
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4. What specific steps will you take to expand recycling services in your community? (100 words limit)
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Answer from Kathy Wagner:
Recycle computers, printers, monitors, and cell phones. Reusing good parts and melting down non-useable parts. We have Clean Up Days and recycling will be part of the Clean Up Days. Cell phones are useable after all information is erased. These cell phones could be given to those in need/ Women Helping Women
Answer from Ken Bryant:
A Township has limited power to levy taxes and raise funds to provide services. Therefore, our Township does not provide trash collection for the residents because it is not cost effective. The independent trash collectors serving our township residents do provide recycling but at an extra cost. The Township currently provides several clean up days each year and residents are encouraged to take advantage of those opportunities to dispose of brush, christmas trees, furniture, appliances, car batteries and motor oil. In addition, we publish Hamilton County collection days in our newsleter.
Answer from Jodie Leis:
We offer 3 clean up days a year. Products we accept are trash, furniture, car batteries, motor oil and appliances. We also have brush drop of program April + November and Christmas Tree recycling
Answer from Jackie Klofta:
I would use the following steps within budget limits:
1. Study the existing process for paper, cardboard, plastics and organics.
2. Identify improvement areas
3. Get resident feedback, particularly if system is user friendly
4. Propose/recommend improvements to community/recycle business
5. Consider adding collection points to the "Symmes CleanUp Days".
6. Get more feedback
7. Recommend improvements into the Township Plan as long as the budget is balanced
8. Vote
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5. What steps would you take to provide affordable housing for all residents of your community? (100 words limit)
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Answer from Kathy Wagner:
The Government (Federal and State) provide affordable housing.
Answer from Jackie Klofta:
I would use the following steps within budget limits:
1. Define what affordable housing is now in Symmes Township.
2. Define the demographics of Symmes Township.
3. Decide what areas need attention in the township.
4. Collect resident, business, and school feedback.
5. Analyze the data.
6. Make proposal/recommendations
7. Vote
Answer from Ken Bryant:
Symmes Township currently has all types of housing available from Section 8 housing at Mason Way to the upper end of the spectrum.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits apply for each question. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.
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League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund
