See below for questions on housing, regionalism, Convention Center

Click on a name for other candidate information.

Answer from Minette Cooper:

As Vice-Mayor of the City of Cincinnati, providing leadership in home ownership initiatives has been one of my priorities. For example, I recently sponsored a motion to allocate $350,000 to fund startup and operating expenses of the virtual home ownership resource center. Developing incentives to purchase homes, including those with low to moderate incomes, is critical to increasing our home ownership rate. If re-elected to council I will work to increase opportunities for home ownership.

Answer from Jeanette Cissell:

I support the City's policies which include the Home Ownership Partnership Program, The Freddie Mac Alliance which will open-up additional mortgage money for the city. Incentives to invest and build new housing. Tax rollback. New Construction and Revitalization.

Answer from Pat Dewine:

The best thing Council can do is provide good basic services and lower property taxes. I favor gradually abolishing the city portion of the property tax by holding increases in spending to the rate of inflation. I support programs that create a critical mass of homeownership to spur private investment. I am a director of the Over-the-Rhine Foundation and a member of the Community Land Cooperative, two organizations that foster homeownership.

Answer from Charlie Lee Gardner:

Renovating of all abandoned buildings; housing for low income, and those who want ownership. In the city of Cincinnati, I would build Cincinnati's housing stock to accommodate all housing.

Answer from Chris Monzel:

The rate of homeownership in the city of Cincinnati is thirty-eight percent (38%), well below the national average of sixty-six percent (66%). City Council needs to address this issue through enterprise zones and home ownership incentives such as the homesteading projects and Citirama to lure people back to the city. Programs to provide residents with low or no interest loans for their down payment and tax breaks to encourage residents to live in the city need to be pursued.

Answer from Todd Portune:

I propose a 10-20 year plan to construct new housing in each neighborhood in the city. We should formalize a long-term relationship with homebuilders to construct new and to convert existing rental into home-ownership opportunities. The city can use its financial strength to encourage greater loan opportunities to new home purchases and we should modify our tax policies to encourage home ownership. Concentrating on improving our streets and highways will help encourage investment in ownership.

Answer from Kaye M. Britton:

My twenty-three(23) years of experience as Realtor lends itself to advancing the increase and improvement of our City's housing stock, an issue I will give special attention. The City must continue its relationship with area homebuilders, lending institutions and real-estate professionals to meet the unique needs of Cincinnati citizens. Certainly the expansion and replication of City-Rama programs must be undertaken throughout our entire city with an emphasis on expanding the availability of quality, affordable housing.

Answer from James R. Tarbell:

Starts with inner city. Over two hundred (200) vacant buildings, twice as many half-vacant, a bunch of vacant, trash-laden lots as well as many surface parking lots. Tons of opportunities (and needs). Year 2000 plan (conceived in 1980) calls for 6000 additional (new and rehabbed) units of housing by year 2000. We now have barely ten percent (10%) of the goal. Solutions include grants, low interest loans, permit and planning assistance from city officials.

Answer from Jane Anderson:

I have proposed a series of housing initiatives: a housing plan and Housing Coordinator to facilitate the plan and housing projects; promotion of the city's homeownership tax exemption program; support for the Home Ownership Center and Ambassador Program; emphasis on home ownership retention programs for low income home owners; a Housing Court to focus on housing code violations; stricter code enforcement, increased utilization of receivership for abandoned and deteriorated buildings; lead hazard control programs.

Answer from Diane Goldsmith:

Provide and work with banks to provide low-interest loans and low or no down payment opportunities. Continue housing lottery. Educate potential homeowners and assist them in home ownership process. Designate capital dollars on creative projects such as CiTiRAMA, housing renovation and combined economic development and housing proposals. Improve planning and permit process for developers. Continue infrastructure support for efforts to convert public housing sites from rental status to ownership property for low-income families.

Answer from Scott V. Seidewitz:

he first cause of Cincinnati's low homeownership is that twenty-four percent (24%) of our citizens live below the poverty line and cannot afford a home. To address this, we must invest in giving people skills to lift themselves out of poverty. The second cause of low homeownership is families with children moving to suburban school districts. Thus, a second priority should be to work with business and government to find funding to rebuild our crumbling school buildings

Answer from Charles Winburn:

1. Pending proposals to increase home ownership in Over-the-Rhine. 2. Supported over 330 new housing initiatives for home ownership during this term in council

Answer from Theo Barnes:

I would facilitate a wide range of home ownership opportunities throughout the city by networking with realtors, landlords, banks, mortgage company, churches, and community councils to develop a community program for citizens to own and repair dilapidated building in their neighborhoods. I also would work with city officials to establish a low income budget plan for affordable home ownership opportunities.

Answer from Alicia Reece:

I have been involved with two projects designed to impact the increase of homeownership by accessing capital and fighting discrimination of homeowners' insurance. 1. Access to capital- Designed a neighborhood-based partnership with Firstar accessing $10 million I loans in an effort to increase homeownership in Cincinnati. 2. Homeowner's insurance- Hosted a seminar with Housing Opportunity Made Equal, and several major insurance companies around discrimination in various neighborhoods and having adequate replacement insurance.

Answer from Charlie Luken:

The city needs help when it comes to improving existing housing and creating new housing stock. We need housing of all kinds, especially single family housing. We need money. I have proposed several ways to reduce operating costs (including a limited firing freeze) to free-up money to do housing projects. The city also needs a new attitude about housing, and needs to work with people who think "outside the box" to get the job done.

Answer from Forrest L. Buckley:

My campaign is advocating a 5 point Housing Plan that would give a tax credit for a one time major home improvement of owner occupied homes, would provide compensation for first time home buyers for student loans, establish a Housing Court, provide for "family-friendly" R-2 zoning to prevent overcrowded apartment complexes, and a neighborhood gateways program with annual housing inspections, police on foot or bike patrol, and regularly scheduled weekly street-sweeping and litter pickup.

Answer from Paul M. Booth:

I believe the city has put forth a real commitment to home ownership. The city offers a lot of opportunities to assist people in obtaining a home. The problem is getting the information out to the citizens.

We should continue to look at new and creative opportunities for increasing home ownership. I am open to any program that will assist in accomplishing this goal. I am also a huge supporter of the Habitat for Humanity.

Answer from Ken Anderson:

I propose contracting building renovations with companies that agree to hire and train apprenticeship laborers. This will not only increase our housing stock, but people will be trained in the trades as well. We will focus on vacant multi-family dwellings. This will help the purchaser qualify for the mortgage and provide rental income.

Answer from Charlie Lee Gardner:

No, I would not. I would support all area wide issues that affect the citizens of Cincinnati to be efficient towards advancement of area wide issues.

Answer from Diane Goldsmith:

Not only would I advance these efforts but I support the inclusion of workforce development, Brownfields redevelopment(clean up of contaminated properties to provide for further development sites for business), water services, land use, education, etc. as part of the discussions of regional projects. I support the creation of a Regional Commission to oversee all regional efforts in an organized, productive manner. This includes developing a vision, a master plan and strategies for the region's future.

Answer from Kaye M. Britton:

I would advance regional solutions to area-wide issues case by case. Public transportation and air quality require a regional approach. While the elimination of duplicative services that would result in improvement at substantial savings should always be considered, the city should not jeopardize its autonomy for marginal, unprovable or risky projected savings. Cincinnati growth and development must be considered foremost to achieve the goal of being an economically balanced, culturally attractive and safe city.

Answer from Jane Anderson:

I would advance such efforts. Regional concerns require regional solutions. As the center of the region, the City must take leadership here. We must encourage interstate and interlocal agreements similar to the recent TANK and SORTA agreement allowing for joint development of a light rail transit system on both sides of the Ohio River. Regional approaches need to be more sensitive to citizen participation in the process.

Answer from Pat Dewine:

Regional problems obviously require regional cooperation. On council I will work to increase cooperation on regional issues

Answer from Jeanette Cissell:

Public Transportation- Advance; Air Quality- Advance; Art Council(s)- Advance; Management of snow removal- Advance; Air Quality- Advance; Water Quality- Advance

Answer from Ken Anderson:

I support a regional approach to public transportation. I am a supporter of light rail and I see this as instrumental in increasing public transportation usage. Resulting in fewer cars on the road and cleaner air.

Answer from Minette Cooper:

No Response

Answer from Paul M. Booth:

Yes, I would support the advancement of regional approaches to these key area wide issues. I would also support the establishment of a board based forum comprised of city and county government and citizens whose mission would be to work together in identifying and resolving regional issues.

Answer from Chris Monzel:

I would move to advance regional approaches to area wide issues. Cincinnati is the largest municipality in the region and should be the leader in this process. City Council should be aware of its perceived inability to lead and reach consensus on regional leadership issues rather than stay on the sidelines. We should capitalize on that leadership to develop sme framework for dialogue, cooperation, and exchange of ideas in regional approaches for these issues.

Answer from Charles Winburn:

We need to develop a comprehensive plan that coordinates public transportation, air quality, etc., on a regional basis with view toward consolidating resources.

Answer from Scott V. Seidewitz:

I strongly support regional cooperation on area wide issues. A good place to start would be to eliminate redundancy and save costs by combining county and city departments where possible. The administrative savings could be used to invest in regional priorities such as public transportation, promoting the region as a cultural center, or rebuilding the public schools.

Answer from James R. Tarbell:

Advance. City and surrounding area (including Northern Kentucky and Indiana) are conspicuously linked increasingly every day. Mutual dependency is irreversible. All of the above should be aggressively pursued in our mutual interests.

Answer from Charlie Luken:

The Riverfront will involve the creation of an important new space for all kinds of activities, including housing and public spaces. The City needs to partner with public and private entities to get the job done. Improvements to public transportation will require an are-wide commitment unlike anything we have seen. Air quality and water quality are traditional regional issues that require regional cooperation.

Answer from Theo Barnes:

I believe regional cooperation is essential to the prosperity of the region. It is very important that city and county officials work cooperatively to implement a regional transportation system. I would support the establishment of a broad base forum for both city and county officials to work to identify regional issues.

Answer from Todd Portune:

I support regional approached to multiple issues which know no political boundaries but done in a way to enhance and support the policies of the city. Transportation, for example, should move toward a regional multi-model system that is regionally funded. Environmental issues such as Mill Creek restoration and water quality deserve a regional approach based upon the water table. Issues of stormwater management should be broadened to identify regional solutions

Answer from Forrest L. Buckley:

I would support a regional approach to public transportation, currently the city supplies the lions share of local funding for SORTA, and I also support a regional approach to the issues of air quality. Snow removal is a local jurisdiction in my view. The Cincinnati Water Works supplies water to most jurisdictions in this region, including, in the near future, Northern Kentucky, so we have taken a regional approach to the quality of our water.

Answer from Alicia Reece:

I am totally committed to having a first class public transportation, air quality, art council(s), management of snow removal, and air quality. In doing so I am concerned that Cincinnati citizens will benefit and Cincinnati workers will participate and that the quality of services will remain. Regionalism is worth exploring if the quality of these services are maintained.

Answer from James R. Tarbell:

Yes. City manager's proposal is best so far. County and state must be major contributors. Kentucky and Indiana should also contribute. Serious thought should be given to metropolitan area programs such as Portland, Oregon and others have done very successfully. Port authority could be such a vehicle. We should take great care that we not compromise the integrity of the inner-cities and neighborhood civic centers.

Answer from Scott V. Seidewitz:

I support the expansion of the Convention Center. The economic benefit will pay for the expansion in just a few years. However, the economic benefits of additional tax revenues produced by the expansion will not be limited to the city. Hamilton County, the State of Ohio, even Northern Kentucky will experience significant benefits from the expansion. Thus it is absolutely essential that the expansion be funded on a regional basis, with contributions from all beneficiaries.

Answer from Chris Monzel:

Cincinnati needs an expanded convention center. Cincinnati needs to be a regional destination that combines its cultural and athletic facilities with a first class convention center. Private funds should be the major starting point for the expanded convention center. With business leading the way and a combination of local bonds and a hotel tax, the Convention Center will make Cincinnati the destination for both individual tourists and a variety of businesses and social events.

Answer from Theo Barnes:

No response

Answer from Charles Winburn:

We must expand the convention center without raising the earnings or property taxes on the backs of the citizens of Cincinnati. We must find the capital dollars within the budget to support this project.

Answer from Diane Goldsmith:

If the city is to remain competitive, it must expand the convention center. It could raise visitor spending from $76 million to $189 million a year. Cincinnati has lost the conventions to Indianapolis, Columbus and other cities who have expanded their centers. Funding options need to be considered and discussed fully including private dollars, naming rights, Cincinnati Equity Fund, General Obligation and Revenue Bonds, revenues generated by the convention center, restaurant tax, and state capital dollars.

Answer from Kaye M. Britton:

It is our goal to compete with other cities our size for convention business that will bring significant income into the City, then we need an expanded convention center. If we compare the hotel-room taxes levied by other cities in our region with whom we would be competing for convention business, there is room to increase our hotel-room tax to back the revenue bonds which would be fair, sensible way to partly fund the expansion.

Answer from Jane Anderson:

Despite the controversy about economic impact, the greater weight of evidence justifies expansion. It is important for job growth and maintenance of economic leadership for the Cincinnati Region. Without expansion, we are losing ground to competitor cities. Since the impact is regional, funding should be a regional effort- a combination of city, county, and state funding, plus private sector contributions and user taxes. Some funding should also come from Kentucky and Indiana.

Answer from Minette Cooper:

No Response

Answer from Pat Dewine:

Yes, an expanded convention center would be a useful asset to our city. We need to proceed carefully to make sure the interests of the taxpayers are protected.

Answer from Todd Portune:

I support expanding the Sabin Convention Center as one of several components necessary to rebuild the city. The city should expand the center because of its positive impact on business and job creation. We should insist, however, that all building be done with responsible contractor language and develop the project parameters that link the contracts to poverty, joblessness and unemployment eradication. Funding will come from bonds issues as a part of the rebuild Cincinnati plan- a 10 year investment in infrastructure, housing, industrial site development, transportation and economic empowerment fund.

Answer from Ken Anderson:

Yes. I put forth the idea of American Comedy Hall of Fame. By building and including this tourist attraction as an anchor to the convention center, we will be able to partner with private sector entertainment dollars.

Answer from Paul M. Booth:

I support the proposed expansion of the convention center. I voted for the first component of the financing package, the increase in the hotel/motel tax. The funding of this project is very complex. State funding is an important component as are the other proposed funding components. If any of the funding components are not provided, we will have to return to the drawing board to find other creative alternatives. The city cannot pick up the cost of the entire project.

Answer from Forrest L. Buckley:

The Cincinnati Convention Center should be expanded. It is my opinion that funding of the expanded center should be on a regional basis. Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana will enjoy the benefits of an expanded convention center in Cincinnati and should provide their fair-share of the funding necessary to expand the center.

Answer from Charlie Luken:

Yes. The expansion of the Convention Center is a priority, but it must be done in such a way as not to rob important neighborhood projects. We need partners, including the County and State. We also need a significant commitment from those who will benefit the most, the hotels and restaurants.

Answer from Alicia Reece:

Yes, I am in favor of expansion of the convention center with diversity in services as well as contracts. I would like to see a public and private partnership in financing this project involving the city, state, and corporations. I am currently working on the particulars of my plan to be submitted in the next month.

Answer from Jeanette Cissell:

Yes. It should be funded by a regional pool of resources.

Answer from Charlie Lee Gardner:

No, the convention center should not be expanded. First, the need and funding should be the development of small businesses. We need to grow within and not outside in. Once the city has developed small business, housing, a health care system, then the convention center can be expanded.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.