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LWV League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund

Smart Voter
Hamilton County, OH November 8, 2011 Election
Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues
Council Member; City of Forest Park


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 Qualifications, Basic Services, Budget, Clean Air

Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest.

? 1. What are your qualifications for office?

Answer from David Lives:

Committed to faith, family and community. Served 8 years on Council; currently appointed to fill a vacancy on Council. 35 year resident of Forest Park and have served on the Public Safety Committee, Economic Development Commission, Planning Commission, Human Resources Committee, Community Programming Board. Graduate of Citizens Fire and Police Academies; member of Citizens on Patrol. U.S. Army Veteran.

Answer from Charles Southall:

former mayor lincoln height ohio

Answer from Matthew Robinson:

Citizen of Forest Park all my life: Alumnus of Winton Woods High School; Studied and currently studying Public Safety at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. I've been a proactive citizen by attending City Council/Blockwatch meetings, studied aspects government; I've personally listened/spoken to citizens and will continue to do so.

Answer from Denise (Jarnigan) Holt:

I have served on council for 4 years and have a good understanding of what is needed in our city and how to get some of the needs accomplished.

? 2. What services do you believe should be considered basic and essential for the City?

Answer from Denise (Jarnigan) Holt:

Support/Programs available to help subsidize homeowners with small upkeep projects.

Recerational opportunities for our youth that is enjoyed in similar neighborhoods.

Answer from Matthew Robinson:

I believe public services such as our Police Department, Fire Department, also other emergency services are basic and essential to our community including our positions of city leadership.

Answer from Charles Southall:

police - fire -emt -

Answer from David Lives:

Will continue to support fire, life safety, police and public initiatives in our City.

? 3. How would you balance the City Budget?

Answer from Matthew Robinson:

I would balance the budget by doing an examination of what to reduce spending on and what to spend more on. Staying committed to a budget on every project is a key to success. Working together as a community and getting citizens involved in the process can prove to be beneficial with balancing the city budget. I will consider working with state, federal and other local governments. The budget of Forest Park must not be overspent; instead, it must be used wisely to try it's best to build a surplus. Attracting business to Forest Park to enhance city revenue will help with balancing the budget. Decreasing city expenditures in order to balance the city budget will be considered by examining the input and output of what the city is spending on. I look forward to cooperating with other members of government and citizens by brain storming about subjects. In the economic conditions of today, Forest Park has been affected but has held up strong. Strong leadership is what we'll need and is what I have. There is vacant property that must be addressed. I am an absolute believer in the absolute transparency of what citizens need in decision making.

Answer from Charles Southall:

fiscal responsible practices

Answer from Denise (Jarnigan) Holt:

Find ways to save/cut spending. Combine where possible.

Answer from David Lives:

As in my past service on Council, I will carefully review the City finances to include a examination of all major expense items.

? 4. What actions will you take to support clean air?

Answer from Charles Southall:

research policies and laws of federal epa ,also seek other positive actions necessary .

Answer from Matthew Robinson:

The actions I will take to support clean air are to promote and inform citizens about the city's different environmental programs such as the award winning environmental awareness program. Enforcing our laws against pollution is absolutely necessary to ensure clean air. Illegal activities such as trash burning, unsanitary conditions, including other threats towards clean air must be reported and the necessary measures need to be taken. Citizen's word will be considered into account to support clean air.

Answer from Denise (Jarnigan) Holt:

Promote walking when possible; car pooling or using public transportation.

Answer from David Lives:

Fully support the efforts and activities of the Enviromental Awaress Program, an award winning program.


Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits may apply. See individual questions for specific word limits. Direct references to opponents are not permitted. Please edit your work before submitting. We are unable to provide spell-check at this time.

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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Created: January 20, 2012 12:04 PST
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