Kathy Grote Answers Questions

Candidate for
Trustee; Township of Green

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Hamilton County and asked of all candidates for this office.

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. What are your views regarding the need for public transportation in your community to promote access to employment throughout the region?

Views on public transportation in Green Township: Since it is an atypical "bedroom community", there is a need to better coordinate resources to promote efficient utilization of the existing road infrastructure. While we currently have a modicum of service from METRO, it could be argued that some of our residents might consider participation in a wide area park and ride program. Many of our working residents have to travel to downtown or beyond in order to get to their places of employment. Further study might result in better defined goals and objectives.

2. Would you be in favor of county-wide campaign finance regulations that would provide for public matching funds, limit campaign contributions and provide for more disclosure? State your opinions on these ideas; whether you would support or oppose them.

Campaign finance regulations: I am not currently in favor of public matching funds for county wide offices. I do believe there should be reasonable, common sense limits on total campaign contributions by individuals. I do not follow the "general" public wisdom that equates campaign contributions with freedom of speech. Yes, it is freedom of expression; however, I think most reasonable people are appalled at the cost of Cincinnati City Council campaigns as well as the races for the United States Congress and Senate. I also believe that if people are "free" to express themselves via campaign contributions, total disclosure of contributors names is absolutely essential so that the public will know who is supporting whom . Term limits, which I support, are the expression of a frustrated electorate with "business as usual." I will only serve two terms as Trustee.

3. What are the benefits/detriments to land use planning prior to zoning decisions?

Land use planning/zoning decisions: Noted columnist George Will once surmised: "planning by government is often the rubric under which it operates when making its preferences and prophecies: meaning its arrogance and its mistakes, mandatory on the public at large". Because the members of many local planning and zoning boards have vested interests in the outcomes of their decisions, is it any surprise that we get haphazard and unwanted developments ? Greater citizen participation in these meetings, which unfortunately are often held at the convenience of the local boards and not for the convenience of the public at large, could provide a much needed balance. Look at the recent Western Hills Collaborative Plan as a perfect example. Land use plans and updates to same are made by people on the boards who have an interest in the outcome: one proscription might be to have all members disclose any financial interests prior to their "appointment" to these boards just like elected officials are generally required to do.