League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund
Hamilton County, OH November 8, 2005 Election
	Samantha Herd Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of Cincinnati

Questions & Answers

1. What are your Qualifications for Office? (50 word limit)

Right now, we have a council that spends too much time debating our differences rather than looking for opportunities to work together. With over ten years of experience in state and city politics, I can build the consensus needed to help make council work for all of us.

2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit)

High unemployment in Cincinnati has resulted in crime, drug use/trafficking and the break-up of families. Cincinnati needs progressive initiatives such as a public works program and partnerships with our universities and hospitals to provide more jobs.

To support development, the city needs to re-build its Economic Development department to promote long-term planning for all city neighborhoods. A point position tasked with coordinating city, county and private investment on our riverfront is immediately needed.

To insure tax dollars are not wasted I propose regular performance audits of all city departments and streamlining our social services budget to eliminate duplication and inefficiencies.

3. What steps would you take to ensure that all public facilities are accessible to people with disabilities? (100 words limit)

I will work to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not excluded from any city services, programs, and activities because existing buildings are inaccessible. I will work with our state and federal officials to identify and apply for grants and other programming dollars which may be available to expand the number of public facilities not up to ADA regulations.

4. What specific steps will you take to expand recycling services in your community? (100 words limit)

The City of Cincinnati needs to set the example by establishing a goal of recycling 25 percent of Cincinnati's municipal waste and source separated recyclables. Additionally, the city should work with our neighboring jurisdictions to create cooperative recycling programs which may allow us obtain more competitive prices for materials.

5. What steps would you take to provide affordable housing for all residents of your community? (100 words limit)

Cincinnati needs to invest in programs for new homeowners to insure they are not at risk of losing homeownership through abandonment or foreclosure. Educational and counseling programs for first-time buyers, access to financial assistance, and temporary mortgage assistance to homeowners who are in default through no fault of their own (disability, loss of spouse, etc.) will all help to insure that affordable housing for Cincinnati residents remains possible.