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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,
Economic,
Rental property,
Recycling
Click on a name for 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 George J. Zamary:
I believe Cincinnati is at a crossroad where new leadership must achieve fiscal responsibility and promote economic growth in this region. As a lawyer, small business owner, husband, and father, I have a vested interest in improving Cincinnati and hope to do so as a member of City Council.
Answer from Charlie Winburn:
I bring seven years of City Council experience coupled with over 25 years of exemplary public service. In addition, I have the ability to build partnerships and coalitions with a view towards getting things done for our city. This has been demonstrated through my past experiences.
Answer from LaMarque Ward, Sr:
I was born and raised in Cincinnai and graduated from Aiken High School and I earned my B.A.I.S from Fairleigh Dickinson University. I have lived in several countries and across the U.S. I bring a international perspective to City Council. These life experiences allows me to bring a fresh perspective ...
Answer from Amy Murray:
Procter & Gamble - 14-year business experience in Global Business Development.
Small Business Owner - As owner of my own small company I understand the obstacles that businesses face in Cincinnati.
Hyde Park Neighborhood Council - As past president I understand the challenges and opportunities that our neighborhoods face.
Answer from Greg P Harris:
I have a successful career working in education and public policy, including managing community and youth development organizations. My voting record affirms my commitment to the environment, educational and economic opportunity, improved healthcare access and attacking poverty.
Answer from Tony Fischer:
My experience as a combat infantryman in Iraq has given me several insights as to what it means to be a leader. Leadership sets the tone of every organization. First, a leader needs to understand that he or she maintains their position to serve the common good. Second, leadership requires ...(over word limit)
Answer from Chris R. Monzel:
As an engineer, a father, and a neighborhood leader, I have the experience and skills necessary to help lead our city. As a councilmember with real world experience, I bring energy and commitment to a system that needs to be fixed.
Answer from Kevin Flynn:
My love of Cincinnati; my desire to serve Cincinnati and give something back to our city; and my ability to use my unique blend of Knowledge, Experience, Innovative Solutions, and Perseverance to bring Fresh Ideas to turn the extreme challenges facing Cincinnati into opportunities to move Cincinnati forward.
Answer from Cecil Thomas:
My experience in law enforcement and in the field of human relations has afforded me unlimited opportunities to work with a diverse group of citizens, particularly those with divergent social and economic backgrounds. More than 36 years of public service have prepared me for my transition to elected office.
Answer from Anitra Brockman:
As a business professional and Educator in Cincinnati, I have the necessary background to understand and address the issues in the City. Having an MBA has prepared me to handle the various areas of local government. I have no personal agendas, just a desire and obligation to serve the community.
Answer from Jeff Berding:
I am a lifelong Cincinnatian with a firm grasp of the main issues facing the City. I have a steadfast commitment to making Cincinnati a place where I can raise my children and where they can raise theirs, and I am willing to make tough choices to make Cincinnati better.
Answer from Roxanne Qualls:
I bring experience as a community organizer, three-term Mayor, and student and teacher of public policy. I bring a balanced, fair approach to enhancing the quality of life in neighborhoods, building a globally competitive local economy, and responsibly managing public resources.
Answer from Leslie Ghiz:
During my four years on Council, I have established a reputation for being a straight-talk, common sense leader who is fighting to make Cincinnati a better place to live, work and play. I will continue to work tirelessly to increase public safety and reduce spending and taxes.
Answer from Bernadette "Bunny" (Buckner) Watson:
Experience, Wisdom, Character, Lifetime of Public Service. Know my city,worked with the majority of neighborhoods while serving as President Avondale Community Council, Community Liaison for former Vice Mayor Minette Cooper,Chief of Staff for former Mayor Charlie Luken. Shovel Ready, begin work first day on the job. (over word limit)
Answer from Nicholas Hollan:
As a development professional for United Way and as the current Community Outreach/Disaster Services Coordinator for the American Red Cross, I have had the opportunity to serve our city from a unique perspective. Additionally I serve on the board of my community council and formerly of United Cerebral Palsy.
Answer from Laure Quinlivan:
13 years of investigative I-Team reporting in Cincinnati well qualifies me to research complex topics, obtain documents, interview people and make decisions in the best interest of taxpayers.
I've demonstrated courage, commitment and vision. My work has inspired government and civic action, stopped waste of taxpayer money and sparked revitalization.
Answer from Wendell Young:
I have a life-time of service to Cincinnati. Life-long Cincinnati resident with 38 years of public service to Cincinnati including 25 years as a Cincinnati Police Officer and 13 years in city administration and supervision. Taught high school for 2 years. Very active in community organizations and politics.
Answer from Chris Bortz:
I have served two terms on City Council. I am general counsel for a real estate development and property management company.
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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 Anitra Brockman:
I support the police and fire departments and will work hard to ensure that their jobs are safe. "IF WE CAN'T BE SAFE, WE CAN'T BE ANYTHING IN CINCINNATI!"
I will work to ensure that the youth in Cincinnati have an active VOICE. I would like to implement a Cincinnati Youth Council. We need to start developing strong minds for Cincinnati's future" NOW...
I will support small businesses because they help create and sustain quality local jobs and they are the businesses and the people that assist with keeping our communities and City operating.
Answer from Amy Murray:
Jobs - I will proactively work to attract and retain business and jobs in Cincinnati.
Taxpayer advocate - We must keep taxes in line. Many local families have to cut back and make tough choices for their households. We cannot add a new tax burden to an already stressed situation. The city must live within its means.
Public Safety - Layoffs and furloughs of Police and Fire Fighters are not a responsible solution and will adversely impact public safety. I will support our Police and Firefighters.
Answer from Greg P Harris:
Blight
There are over 1700 blighted buildings in Cincinnati. I spearheaded a comprehensive plan to increase funding for their demolition or rehab.
Streamline Government
Cincinnati and Hamilton County are mired in a 19th century form of government. With 49 different political jurisdictions, we are a highly bureaucratic region that is ill-equipped to compete in a 21st century economy. I'm developing legislation to consolidate several city-county services and agencies.
Environment
My record includes expanding bike trails and initiatives to clean Cincinnati's polluted air. I also voted for the passage of the Environmental Justice Ordinance that will protect low-income neighborhoods from pollutants.
Answer from Cecil Thomas:
I strongly support Agenda 360, specifically because it focuses on addressing issues regionally. Cincinnati is at a crossroads; geographcially we are in a prime location and have access to many critical resources, but we must think and look outside the box. An example is the Cincinnati Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV). I actively sought out what other cities were doing and looked at a Boston crime initiative, which we revamped to fit our needs. The result was that CIRV was created and is still generating results in reducing crime.
Answer from George J. Zamary:
Safe and Clean Neighborhoods must be a priority. City Council must work with law enforcement and community leaders to make Cincinnati safer for residents, workers, and visitors alike.
Revitalization of Cincinnati's tax base also needs to take precedence. Since the 1970s, Cincinnati's population has declined by one-third and nearly 8,000 jobs left city limits from 2000-2005. We must reverse this trend.
Instead of just seeking additional taxes from the people of Cincinnati, fiscal responsibility must start at City Hall. When elected to City Council, I promise to oppose any proposed budget that relies on surplus funding to balance the budget.
Answer from Laure Quinlivan:
I will review the city budget and talk to city employees at every level to determine what we may need to cut, streamline, and/or reorganize. I will implement an incentive program to inspire employees' good ideas.
As a professional, award-winning storyteller I will use my expertise in collaboration with others to better tell Cincinnati's story -- to attract new residents, businesses and jobs.
I'm creating a video report to educate and convince the public that Streetcars will spur economic development and repopulate downtown. Watch it at http://www.LQReportingtoYou.com by 9-30/09.
Answer from LaMarque Ward, Sr:
I want to facilitate the conversation between CPS City Council and CRC with other organizations so we can produce a plan with a vision to engage our youth. I also would be willing to be on the ground level to work with the police and community councils to bridge the gap with community and police relations. Finally I will be a good listener to the tax payers.
Answer from Wendell Young:
I will work to balance the budget without taking money from school children, taxing the homeless, or breaking promises to retirees. I believe in fiscal responsibility that preserves services Cincinnatians expect their dollars to provide.
I will work to keep thriving neighborhoods viable and use incentives to spur development in underserved neighborhoods, thereby creating businesses and jobs, and curbing the environment for crime and blight.
I will work to preserve and improve the quality of our air, soil, and water, by supporting Green Technology and Initiatives.
Answer from Charlie Winburn:
The city of Cincinnati needs a long-term endowment fund so we will not have future budget problems.. The possible selling of the Southern Railway is a proposal that has become more intriguing to me when viewing the budgetary planning and long-term benefits for Cincinnati. In addition, I strongly support neighborhood community councils. Each community council should be fully funded because they can assist their neighborhood with creation of jobs, attracting business and encouraging greater citizen participation in public safety. For more information please access http://www.charliewinburn.com for pertinent issues facing Cincinnati.
Answer from Leslie Ghiz:
- Public Safety: I plan to ensure our police department has the resources (including street strength) necessary to reduce crime in our City. This means not laying off any police officers in 2010.
- Create/Retain Jobs: I will continue to support policies and programs that empower businesses in our City. Since 2007, we have created and/or retained over 1,800 in Cincinnati through such policies.
- Fiscal Watchdog: To balance the City's $40 million, we have to prioritize how tax dollars are spent. I will push for cuts to non-basic services and will work to find efficiencies to save money.
Answer from Chris Bortz:
I plan to advance the goals laid out in the GO Cincinnati economic development strategy. I also plan to continue advancing the Government Cooperation and Efficiency Project to enhance regional cooperation and shared services between and among jurisidictions in Hamilton County. I support advancing passenger rail, including streetcars. And I believe strongly that we should not reduce the capacity of our public saftey services. Budget cuts should first come from duplicative and unnecessary services provided at the municipal level.
Answer from Nicholas Hollan:
1) Renewed investment in Cincinnati's children- We must promote pre-natal care in order to reduce our infant mortality rate which stands at twice the national average. I also intend to focus on assisting more daycare providers to become state certified to ensure a minimum quality of care.
2) Ensure public safety- Support the police on the street to the best of our ability while simultaneously implementing job training and educational programs to decrease the number of offenders.
3) Revitalize neighborhoods-Collaborate with each Cincinnati neighborhood to create specific, long term strategic visions for the future of each community.
Answer from Kevin Flynn:
Public Safety - Job #1. Our citizens, workforce, and visitors must be safe. Support the police and fire fighters who place their lives on the line for us every day. Build trust and a dialogue within our community.
Budget - The `crisis' Cincinnati is facing was a decade in the making. Look at entire budget. Immediately we must eliminate all expenditures that are not moving Cincinnati forward and eliminate all unnecessary and/or unfilled positions. Grow revenue through development. Reduce expenses through sharing services, both internally and externally.
Economic Development + Partner with the private sector, not dictate to the private sector.
Answer from Bernadette "Bunny" (Buckner) Watson:
Employment Opportunities; Environmental/Health/Safety; Project Development - I believe these three priorities are important as we move Cincinnati forward in a progressive manner. Looking at these priorities the implementation of a Comprehensive Plan and Vision for our city. This can be done by developing and maintaining relationships and collaborations with city, state and federal officials. I want to act, not react as we grow and have plans to attract people to work, live and build Cincinnati. We must look ahead for our future generations and doing so we begin to see the progress.
Answer from Jeff Berding:
I plan to continue defending the jobs of police officers and firefighters, and working to make public safety the top priority in the City's budget.
I have a series of reforms that I will release soon that will provide a local economic stimulus through tax reform, workforce development and business recruitment.
I remain committed to preventing foreclosures and turning around abandoned properties, and I constantly look for new methods of code enforcement, homeowner assistance funding and continue the challenging process of forming a special housing court to service Hamilton County and Cincinnati.
Answer from Tony Fischer:
I plan to address the issue of public safety by pledging to ensure that no police and fire personnel are laid off for 2010. Public safety is the primary concern of Cincinnati residents, and it is essential to maintaining economic vitality and promoting investment in our City. In addition, we should focus our attention on key neighborhood business districts and work to increase the vitality of those districts. It's no secret that the more desirable neighborhoods in the City also have the most vibrant business district. The revitalization of Main Street in Mansfield, Ohio, is a model we should consider following ...(over word limit)
Answer from Chris R. Monzel:
First, we must make our streets safe, by continuing to support our police and community crime fighting programs such as Citizens on Patrol and by not laying off police officers. Second, we need to focus on the core basic city services that are needed and budget accordingly and transparently (i.e. by putting the entire city's budget on the internet). And finally, we must provide the best city services to our citizens by improving our customer service, so that when a citizen calls City Hall they get action and not a voicemail.
Answer from Roxanne Qualls:
Quality of Life: Will continue to focus on implementing my Great Neighborhoods Initiative that includes Form-Based Codes and a Complete Streets policy, and the Homeless to Homes Initiative.
Building a Competitive Local Economy: Will continue to oversee the city's policy regarding the rebuild of the I-75 Corridor and the Brent Spence Bridge.
Responsibly Managing Resources: Will continue to press for reform of the Cincinnati Retirement System to insure its solvency and stability.
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3. What two actions would you promote to enhance city revenue or decrease city expenditures in order to balance the city budget, given the current economic conditions? (100 word limit)
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Answer from Charlie Winburn:
I feel that we are able to increase city revenue by placing a priority on attracting business which will ultimately create jobs. By giving businesses a tax incentive we will spur job growth. This will enable each neighborhood to fund a development initiative for their community. The biggest city expenditure that should be reduced to balance the city budget is to cut City Council salary, health, and pension benefits. In addition to cutting these benefits we should move to explore a new proposal in regards to the downtown street car system in which Cincinnati residents would be taxed $200 million.
Answer from Tony Fischer:
Cincinnati and Hamilton County should begin to implement the recommendations to combine services called upon in the Government Cooperation & Efficiency Project. While I recognize that some of these tasks will take longer to realize cost-savings than others, movement on this front should begin immediately, and the scope of the project should be expanded. These combinations should work to decrease expenditure for both Cincinnati and Hamilton County while striving to maintain the same level of service.
My second suggestion is one designed to increase revenue. Cincinnati could offer a tax rebate amounting to half of the earnings tax rate for any new job created in the ...(over word limit)
Answer from Bernadette "Bunny" (Buckner) Watson:
To enhance city revenue we must increase our employment opportunities which will bring tax revenue, including small business development,a viable workforce and business development, not only in downtown, but neighborhood business districts throughtout the city. Looking at available development projects, such as the Banks, Housing Opportunities, with extension of transportation across the region. Economic conditions can change with a plan to ensure your citizens have a viable workforce including the public services the city officials have been elected to maintain and provide.
Answer from Leslie Ghiz:
1. Cut unnecessary, non-basic programs. The City delivers several programs that are duplicative and that Cincinnatians do not directly benefit from. We need to get back to a "bare bones" budget that focuses on the delivery of basic services.
2. Find efficiencies to reduce the cost of how we as City government do business. This means implementing programs like managed competition, where our departments compete against the private sector to deliver services.
Answer from George J. Zamary:
City Council must get back to basics. Both tax cuts and economic incentives are needed to solve the city's current economic crisis. By cutting taxes in conjunction with all departments and agency directors identifying 5% to 10% in cuts within their budgets each year for the next council term, City Council can stimulate economic growth while reducing expenditures.
Business investment and new jobs coming back to Cincinnati will increase revenue from sales, property, and income taxes. Further incentives bringing new residents back to Cincinnati will add to the improvement of our neighborhoods through an increased tax base.
Answer from LaMarque Ward, Sr:
I would propose a area wide transportation plan that would stimulate the economy in serveral parts of the city at once. I also would invite local business leaders to come in and help trim the fat with the best practices in corporate procedures and other local governments.
Answer from Chris Bortz:
Pursue County funding of our regional bus service and healthcare system, streamline government to prioritize necessary services.
Additional fees and taxes are not advisable in the current economic climate and will stymie efforts to attract jobs and residents.
As chairman of the city's economic development committee, I have worked hard to develop GO Cincinnati, a targeted and aggressive economic development strategy. Despite the difficult economic environment, the strategy has had successes--companies such as Medpace, US Bank, Humana, First Group, Kendle International, Dunnhumby USA and Graeters, have either expanded or relocated to Cincinnati, bringing over 2,500 jobs to our city.
Answer from Amy Murray:
1. Jobs - The only way to broaden the tax base without increasing the burden to taxpayers is to increase the number of jobs in the city. We must support and keep our current businesses. Cincinnati must be viewed as business-friendly and remove obstacles to growth so that we can attract new companies.
2. The city and county must investigate the ability to share services to decrease the city expenditures, while still offering quality services.
Answer from Wendell Young:
One method I want to explore for increasing city revenue is the feasibility of bottling and selling Cincinnati water. This would also create jobs in marketing, sales, distribution, and more.
I also want to explore possible savings on our safety budget by dismissing old misdemeanor cases that cannot be effectively prosecuted, repealing unnecessary/ineffective ordinances, and looking into more ways to free police officers from duties that prevent them from fighting crime, thereby putting more police officers on the streets without increasing the burden on taxpayers.
Answer from Jeff Berding:
I would recommend an expansion of the tax incentives we offer to businesses that would like to relocate or expand in Cincinnati, so that we can benefit from increased income and corporate withholding tax revenues. The best way to increase city revenues, in the short and long term, is to draw more businesses and more residents into the city.
The best way for Cincinnati to reduce its expenditures is to aggressively pursue shared service agreements with Hamilton County and surrounding jurisdictions for bus service, emergency communications and health care services.
Answer from Chris R. Monzel:
One action I have proposed to enhance city revenues is to use a collection agency, or some other third party, to collect the $6M in overdue traffic/parking fines that are owed to the city. A second action that I initiated in order to decrease city expenditures was the freezing of council members' salaries and stopping the automatic pay increases. I led the effort (ultimately resulting in a voter-passed charter amendment) to require a majority vote of the city council before any member could receive a pay raise. And if a council voted for a pay increase they would not receive ... (over word limit)
Answer from Cecil Thomas:
Support more collaboration with current businesses located in the city to promote ways to grow their business thereby increasing employment, neighborhood revitalization, and generate more revenue for our tax base. Two examples are the collaboration between the City of Cincinnati and Graeter's and Western-Southern's Tower at Queen City Square. Expand our technology to focus on shrinking city government without sacrificing the delivery of quality services to the citizenry.
Answer from Kevin Flynn:
Work together; Exchange ideas; Listen; Work with the City Manager. Look at entire Budget, not just a part of it.
1. Put a moratorium on all expenditures unless the necessity is demonstrated (eliminate the 'use it or lose it' mentality.) Verify successes and failures of each department. Any expenditures, any inefficiencies, any personnel, that are not essential to moving the city forward must be cut. Expand the sharing of services, personnel, and functions between departments and between jurisdictions.
2. Invest city resources in projects that will provide direct economic benefit to the city through enhanced tax revenue.
Answer from Anitra Brockman:
First, I would like to reduce unnecessary spending by reviewing City Tax Credits. There must be greater accountability. I propose a review of existing tax credits to ensure that we are meeting the City's priorities.
Second, I would like to find savings within the City's budget by cutting overtime, eliminating redundancies, look for opportunities to merge City agencies with similar functions and make do with less. Cut 10% of administrative costs such as printing and postage which could save enough money to keep 138 police officer jobs. This should be done without eliminating a plethora of City jobs.
Answer from Laure Quinlivan:
I would encourage participation in more shared services and bulk purchasing arrangments with the County and surrounding governments to save money.
I will work with department heads and regular city employees to identify budget items to streamline, reorganize and/or cut.
Answer from Nicholas Hollan:
First and foremost, I do not believe we are going to cut our way out of this problem. We must increase the quality of life to attract more residents and businesses thereby growing our tax base.
1) Support the streetcar to encourage both short and long term economic development. The revenue generated from contractors buying blighted properties currently sitting idle should be reinvested back into all 52 communities.
2) Make appropriate cuts in the operating budget while ensuring basic city services are meted out as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Answer from Greg P Harris:
Cincinnati and Hamilton County are mired in a 19th century form of government. With 49 different political jurisdictions (Cincinnati is just one of these 49), we are a highly bureaucratic region that is ill-equipped to compete in a 21st century economy. There is no excuse for so much waste and duplication in government services at the city and county levels. The only way we can generate resources to make this city thrive is through (1) cost savings achieved by government efficiencies and (2) long term economic development strategies as defined by GO Cincinnati and our Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan process.
Answer from Roxanne Qualls:
The city should 1. Invest in technology to enhance productivity and reduce costs; 2. Redesign work assignments to reduce redundancy; 3. Convert to lower cost recreational facilities, such as splash playgrounds; 4 Identify areas for shared services with other local governments; 5. Look for personnel savings in overtime; and 6. Consolidate programs to reduce overhead.
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4. What steps should the local government take to ensure that the quality of rental property meets minimum legal standards? (100 word limit)
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Answer from Leslie Ghiz:
I think City Hall can work with the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority and apartment-related trade associations to accomplish this.
Answer from Nicholas Hollan:
To help ensure the quality of rental properties, local government must work closely with: landlords, tenants, neighborhood community councils and building inspectors to provide adequate oversight. Documented cases of homes with high lead levels must be remedied to guarantee public health. An efficient and effective housing court will also help resolve disputes between landlords and tenants.
Regardless of age or income, I believe that renters have the right to live in a quality environment.
Answer from LaMarque Ward, Sr:
Hold landlords accountable but at the same time we should offer some incentives to ecourage businesses to provide safe,clean properties.
Answer from Kevin Flynn:
Streamline the inspection process. Centralize inspections in one department, instead of the five current city departments. Allow code violations to be cited by police when observed in the performance of their other duties. Automate the complaint process so that available technology can assist communication between city and citizen.
Simplify the process of moving from complaint to prosecution. Promptly enforce the existing laws. City ordinances and state statutes exist to protect the public (both tenants and neighbors) from substandard rental housing. Utilize the available legal tools to stop the problem early, before it gets out of hand.
Answer from Jeff Berding:
Strict enforcement of the City's health and zoning codes will help ensure a baseline quality of rental properties. The City's lead abatement efforts and code enforcement have had mixed results in the past and I will support any efforts to increase the effectiveness of those endeavors.
Additionally, City Council can be selective, through formal legislative action or through expressed policy priorities, in the criteria used to allocate federal and state assistance for rental housing development. If the City is more discriminate in funding only reliable, high-quality developers, we will have fewer issues to deal with in the long term.
Answer from Chris Bortz:
The City of Cincinnati and CMHA have procedures and laws for ensuring rental property meets minimum standards. Rental registration laws help to identify responsible parties.
Aggressive enforcement of the Chronic Nuisance ordinance is a logical step to hold absentee landlords accountable.
Reductions in the size of the police force will hamper those efforts.
Answer from Laure Quinlivan:
Enforce local laws and increase operation of the Housing & Environmental Court from one day a week to 5 days a week. Direct the City Health Department to continue inspecting for bedbugs, and/or allow County health inspectors to do the job.
Answer from Tony Fischer:
Local government official should be working together with our statehouse delegation to have them pass a law allowing for a dedicated housing court to be established in Hamilton County, similar to the housing courts currently active in Franklin and Cuyahoga Counties. A full time housing court will allow for better and more accurate enforcement of legal standards for rental properties. It would also allow for better enforcement of owners who neglect their blighted properties. This new dedicated housing court is an essential tool for keeping properties up to standard.
Answer from Greg P Harris:
The city must enforce chonic nuisance ordinance laws that hold landlords accountable to community standards. We must ensure that CMHA is issuing all its vouchers (demand currently exceeds supply) to reputable and accountable landlords. I voted for the redevelopment of Fay Apartments, which will be upgraded in terms of the size of its units, the safety of its grounds, and the services offered its 3000 tenants. I supported new funds for permanently supportive housing for those transitioning out of homelessness.
Answer from George J. Zamary:
Quality rental property should be a priority for City Council. To this end, it must proactive to make certain current building and zoning codes are enforced for rental properties. It must also work with Hamilton County to expand the parameters of the current housing court to ensure that property owners maintain their properties. Code violations and dangers such as lead paint must be prosecuted to the fullest extent available under the law. In this fashion through a merging of services between City and County government, the two may collectively improve the overall housing and rental properties available throughout the region.
Answer from Wendell Young:
Continue and improve the partnership between city council and the realtor associations to find agreed upon methods for meeting the standards. This partnership needs to include representation from renters as well and neighborhoods. The city should monitor the quality and safety of rental housing through inspections and complaint monitoring.
I do not see a need for more ordinances. Enforcing the ordinances already on the books is sufficient. I would work with the owners of problem properties and prosecute those who will not keep their properties up.
Answer from Cecil Thomas:
City Council has been working to enact a viable solution to this ongoing issue. The Chronic Nuisance Ordinance is an attempt to hold irresponsible property owners accountable. However, there must be a balance so that responsible landlords are not penalized for the actions of a few.
Answer from Bernadette "Bunny" (Buckner) Watson:
Enforcement of policies that are in place to ensure that violations are addressed; work with communities to assist in informing city officials of areas of concern in their neighborhoods. Accountablity from the City Building and Inspections,and Housing Court to ensure we are addressing violence and nuisance issues in a timely manner; and demand landlords, property owners, and public housing authorities are maintaining the properties in our communities.
Answer from Anitra Brockman:
I believe that landlords and tenants must be held accountable and responsible for their properties. We must set the precedence now and hold these individuals to a higher standard to ensure that we keep Cincinnati beautiful. We have an obligation as elected officials to take immediate action on run down properties and to encourage residents to speak out about damaged and run down properties in their respective neighborhoods.
Answer from Roxanne Qualls:
The City of Cincinnati has sufficient regulations and codes that require maintenance or property. Due to cuts to General Fund supported positions and departments, there is insufficient personnel to enforce. In addition, multiple departments have responsibility to enforce different codes. We could improve enforcement by cross-training inspectors.
Answer from Chris R. Monzel:
The city should be vigorous in building code enforcement showing favors or special treatment to no one - especially those who do their continual best to play by the rules. We need to strengthen mechanisms like the housing court/docket to make sure violators are punished. Furthermore, we also need to be fair and work closely with landlords during the "curing" process to ensure that repairs are being done and to establish working relationships with them. No one wins when we do not work together.
Answer from Charlie Winburn:
The city of Cincinnati does not need to pass any more laws in regards to nuisance properties. However, the Mayor and City Council needs to establish a leadership agenda that makes this issue a top priority for the City. In addition, by tying the City Manager's performance evaluation to the removal of nuisance properties this will ensure the enforcement of these laws.
Answer from Amy Murray:
Reduce the amount of time it takes to identify negligent landowners by streamlining the compliance process through the building department. These landowners will then face real consequences in front of housing court and will be required to bring the substandard properties up to code.
Our neighborhoods are important and landowners must be held accountable.
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5. What actions should Cincinnati take to ensure a range of housing choices for residents, including affordable housing? (100 word limit)
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Answer from Chris Bortz:
Affordable housing is available across the city. To ensure a balance of affordable housing will be available in the future, set aside or "sprinkled" affordable units should be a part of redevelopment efforts, similar to the model used by 3CDC in OTR.
Answer from George J. Zamary:
Cincinnati must recognize the needs of its neighborhoods and residents alike. City Council, along with community leaders, developers, realtors and employers, will address the needs of its residents and the demands of the real estate market. Affordable housing must be available to allow Cincinnati to build up its population to increase tax revenues within the city. Only through the development of human capital will Cincinnati create opportunity to fuel its economy.
In short, Cincinnati must provide a full range of housing options to its citizenry to ensure the full maximization of its assets and development of the local economy.
Answer from Chris R. Monzel:
In a free market, everything is affordable to everyone, depending on his or her socioeconomic level. We need to maintain a diverse mix of rental units at all levels of the income spectrum. That means lower income workers are not priced out of the market because of lack of supply. Likewise, middle and higher income renters also need to have a wide range of rental opportunities that meet their needs as well. Let's not also forget that the goal for everyone should be (if they choose) to move up the economic ladder and fulfill his or her version of ...(over word limit)
Answer from Greg P Harris:
I am currently supporting a new policy direction that includes incentives for market rate rental housing development (in the past, the focus has been on ownership incentives). GO Cincinnati pointed out the the diversity of housing choices in our city is poor.
Answer from Anitra Brockman:
Cincinnati has an obligation to ensure that it offers affordable housing and equal opportunity housing for all residents. While we must continue to progress as a City, we still must take care of our own residents to see that there are sufficient programs available to educate residents on housing such as providing homebuyer information and resources.
Answer from Bernadette "Bunny" (Buckner) Watson:
There must be criteria for developers when looking at neighborhood housing development. Work with Manager and office of Community Development to look at plans established for mixed income housing and ensure affordable housing is included as a housing choice for residents who are interested in living in a variety of areas in Cincinnati. There must be a Housing Plan in place to ensure we maintain the unique character of of city neighborhoods and all residents have the opportunity to be a part of the fabric of our city.
Answer from Nicholas Hollan:
It is imperative that Cincinnati have affordable, clean and safe housing for all residents of all income levels. HUD defines affordable housing as costing no more than 30% of a household income. Using this barometer, many households in every community are not living in affordable homes. Consumer protection and consumer education must be a priority of local government to help recognize and avoid predatory lending practices. While home ownership provides residents with a vested interest in the success of their community, I also recognize the need and importance of rental units and will work to provide options in all communities.
Answer from Laure Quinlivan:
To the extent City money is involved in a development project, the City should push for a portion of the housing created to be affordable housing for working class residents. I believe the City should also encourage scattered site mixed income developments to achieve diverse neighborhoods.
Answer from Jeff Berding:
Cincinnati serves as a conduit for many federal and state grant programs that allow us to offer diverse housing options to our residents. It is our role as a City Council to ensure that those dollars are spent for maximum impact in our neighborhoods.
By carefully allocating dollars to neighborhoods and organizations with the capacity to create quality, low-cost housing options, we can stretch our resources to have an impact beyond the individual units created or rehabilitated by our dollars, and extend to the entire neighborhood to provide quality living spaces for entire communities, rather than individual residents.
Answer from Cecil Thomas:
Cincinnati's focus will be to continue to develop mixed-income neighborhoods, and to address the high concentration of poverty and low-income housing in certain communities. There must be ongong discussion with the local housing authority to ensure that they are meeting the required goals with regard to affordable housing. Accountability at every level; from the city, housing authority, landlord, and tenant, is an absolute to ensure the success of this effort.
Answer from Kevin Flynn:
Cincinnati is making great strides forward in assuring that housing revitalization increases in our city, allowing our city to continue to be reclaimed through redevelopment without displacement. The city is doing a good job when it is working through qualified non profit entities such as 3CDC; Working in Neighborhoods; and Price Hill Will, to partner with the private sector to rebuild viable projects. The city does a poor job when it tries to dictate to the private sector the type of project (beyond basic zoning laws) to be constructed in an area, based on political posturing rather than economic reality.
Answer from Amy Murray:
Having a fair and consistent CMHA would insure quality and affordable housing for everyone.
Answer from Leslie Ghiz:
By continuing to monitor our zoning and land-use regulations, we can ensure single-famil, rental and affordable housing. Again, I believe there are also opportunities to work with agencies like CMHA to make sure this happens.
Answer from LaMarque Ward, Sr:
We have to increase our affordable housing facilities. We have to adjust and meet this need. I would work with HUD,CMHA and local large rental agencies to provide this service.
Answer from Wendell Young:
My definition of affordable housing includes housing for a mix of income levels from young professionals to empty nesters, as well as low income people. I think Cincinnati should work with realtors, community councils, and interested citizens, to decentralize affordable housing and foster opportunities for new and old residents to find ways to live and work together for neighborhood preservation and improvement. No neighborhood should become the repository for all affordable housing. A critical component for success is that properties be maintained as safe, healthy, and neat.
Answer from Roxanne Qualls:
The City of Cincinnati should support mixed-income, mixed use development through its codes and with funding support. In addition, it should adopt a policy that requires 10% of a city-supported housing project be affordable units.
Answer from Charlie Winburn:
The Mayor and City Council needs to establish a leadership agenda that would make promotion of quality housing for all, including affordable housing, one of the priorities. City Council needs to work with the Mayor to address the broad range of housing needs in an effort to solve the issue.
Answer from Tony Fischer:
One of the best ways for City of Cincinnati to encourage affordable housing is to ensure efficient and convenient public transportation. The ability of the City to directly effect the housing market is severely limited. However, if Cincinnati makes the right investments in public transit, and makes it safe, convenient and affordable, it will finally give residents a real opportunity to reduce that portion of their personal expenditure that is devoted to transportation and instead direct those resources to housing. By doing this, and by making building density a priority around major transit nodes, Cincinnati will help create real choice in the ...(over word limit)
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. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
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League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
