League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
	Hamilton County, OH November 3, 2009 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Auditor; City of Norwood

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 Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. What are your Qualifications for Office? (50 word limit) Answer from Joseph S. Geers: Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration from NKU, minor in Political Science Served on Norwood City Council (2004-2005) Familiar with the city finances, budgeting process, and the proper role of Norwood's Auditor. Extensive background working with spreadsheets, charts, graphs, and numbers 10 years Human Resource Experience 2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit) Answer from Joseph S. Geers: Fiscal Responsibility - As a city, we need to continue to save and spend wisely. By attending Finance Committee and regular City Council meetings, I will ensure that everyone is aware of the current financial status, as well as any concerns I may have regarding the city finances. Experience - I will appoint a Deputy Auditor that has 20+ years experience in the realm of municipal finance and budgeting. Availability - I understand that most people work 8am-5pm. I will be available to citizens and city officials by being in the office several days(nights) a week to address any concerns. 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) Answer from Joseph S. Geers: The short answer is grants and budget analysis. In regards to grants, I will research, investigate, and apply for grants that are available for various items/issues throughout the city(free money). In regards to budget analysis, I will look at some "realistic" budget cost-savings. It is still a buyer's market, so now is the time to negotiate lower prices from competing vendors. With the recent news of several large employers leaving our city, now is the time to start analyzing and saving. We cannot wait until we realize the pot is empty to start making changes. 4. What steps should the local government take to ensure that the quality of rental property meets minimum legal standards? (100 word limit) (No candidates submitted answers to this question) 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.