League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
	Hamilton County, OH November 8, 2011 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Fiscal Officer; Township of Colerain

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 Basic Services, Budget, Clean Air Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. What services do you believe should be considered basic and essential for the township? Answer from Thomas J. "Tom" Hart: I am very pleased that in Colerain Township we have the safety services (Fire and Police)with separate voted levies that protect the operations of these two departments. However, the General Fund is subject to a reduction of 50% of the State of Ohio Local Government Fund. The Ohio Estate Tax proceeds disappear in a year. Therefore, the Parks & Recreation, Public Works, Zoning, Senior & Community Center, and Administration are subject to reduction of budgets by the Township Trustees. Answer from Heather E. Harlow: Police and Fire Road repair Care of historical cemeteries, as mandated in the Ohio Revised Code 2. How would you balance the Township Budget? Answer from Heather E. Harlow: While the Township Board of Trustees sets the budget, I have provided them with the financial reports, to allow them to make the best decisions. Answer from Thomas J. "Tom" Hart: The Fiscal Officer has no authority other than performing accounting services and maintaining township records. The Township Trustees make all budgetary decisions. 3. What actions will you take to support clean air? Answer from Heather E. Harlow: In my quarterly columns in the Northwest Press, I have promoted recycling. Also, my office pays bills on-line and fulfills public records requests electronically to save paper. Answer from Thomas J. "Tom" Hart: If the price of natural gas vehicles and the cost of natural gas is reasonable, I think it is an area worth pursuing. There are facilities in the township that are currently being transformed going to green (with energy efficient lighting). 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.