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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
Top Priority,
Planning,
Recycling
Click on a name for other candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. How would you implement your top priority?
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Answer from Mary E. Speidel:
My previous experience will be useful in improving the Village's financial planning and contract administration. I will ensure that Council makes sound, effective financial decisions, not only on routine personnel and budgetary issues, but also on long-range capital projects. I propose establishing a sinking fund (a pay as you go savings plan) so that major projects are scheduled and paid for without incurring debt.
Answer from Barbara Duncan Fillion:
I would research successful community engagement processes which could be reapplied with Evendale residents & businesses (e.g., that used in the recent Princeton building levy campaign). Based on understanding "what worked" in other communities/organizations, I would gather input from residents and business owners/leaders to formulate a proposal for Council & the Mayor to discuss -- and hopefully fund/implement.
Answer from Christian J. Schaefer:
While no council can force those dealing with it to be more civil, it can take some steps to achieve that end. These include reestablishing a functioning committee system, altering the experiment of televising council meetings, and working with businesses affected by council actions in small groups. These steps and several others outlined below can return a community spirit to our Village.
Answer from Judi King:
Evendale is literally at a crossroads. We are a small village with so many benefits. But we can do better. It is time we COME TOGETHER. We need a more professionally run, open government whose officials respond to its citizens in a respectful manner. I believe more open communication, small issue-related group meetings, more effective use of the monthly newsletter, a limit to the use of emergency ordinances so that citizens have a chance to respond to issues,and monthly financial statements available for review all would contribute to a positive environment in which to live and work.
Answer from Carolyn Smiley-Robertson:
The first step is listening to residents and the business community to hear what's important. This step must be followed by sharing information and making it readily accessible via web sites, televised Council Meetings, and the newsletter. Council must translate concerns into action plans where merited by designating a specific person, e.g. Councilmember, Mayor, or Department Head such as the Police Chief or Fire Chief responsible for finding a resolution to each issue.
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2. Numerous important issues including transportation, land use planning, housing and economic development for the Greater Hamilton County regions are being deliberated by OKI's Land Use Commission and Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission and Planning Partnership COMPASS; how engaged should local government be in these planning activities? If elected, how would you participate in these planning activities?
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Answer from Barbara Duncan Fillion:
I believe local governments should be actively involved in decisions being recommended and made for Hamilton County as a whole. If elected, I would first learn what Greater Hamilton County projects could impact Evendale (and other municipalities in the County). I would then work with the Mayor, Council and the Planning Commission to determine the most appropriate way for Evendale to participate in and influence important decisions impacting our Village. If appropriate I would participate personally in committees addressing these issues at the County level.
Answer from Christian J. Schaefer:
Evendale's experience with this type of planning has not been good. There are only 1000 or so families in Evendale. On a County wide scale that gives Evendale little weight. This was no more apparent when in the early 1990,s the Millcreek flood control project in Evendale was cancelled by the Mayor of Cincinnati without consulting Evendale. As a result, Evendale should be wary of such efforts and be hesitant to surrender its authority.
Answer from Mary E. Speidel:
Evendale should have a representative attend OKI and Regional Planning meetings to keep abreast of the issues, particularly about mass transportation through Evendale, and those involving the Mill Creek.
Answer from Carolyn Smiley-Robertson:
Evendale should take an active role in the Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission and Planning Partnership. The challenges facing the county in transportation (e.g. I-75 widening), land use and economic development involve many communities working together to find solutions. Evendale must not be left behind in this effort. I would gladly serve as Evendale's representative to the commission if elected.
Answer from Judi King:
I have attended meetings of the Planning Partnership of the Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission and seminars presented by the commission. At these meetings, communities of all sizes, including most of our direct-neighbor communities, participate in discussions of issues common to all of Hamilton County neighborhoods. Some of these issues include the negative growth rate in Hamilton County,population trends,and the potential for sharing of some services, etc. Evendale would benefit from this exchange of ideas and suggestions.
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3. Ohio Department of Natural Resources in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Recycling Coalition conducted a state-specific study and found recycling businesses in Ohio generated $650.6 million dollars in state government revenue. If elected how would you promote recycling and support recycling programs currently in place in your community to reduce solid waste generation?
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Answer from Christian J. Schaefer:
Evendale currently pays for curbside collection of recyclable materials. Evendale should continue with this effort.
Answer from Barbara Duncan Fillion:
Evendale currently provides non-segregated curbside recycling as part of garbage pick-up service. I would first understand how residents & businesses participate in this service as compared to other communities' recycling efforts. I would want to understand the benefits of "optimum" use of recycling, and then work with interested residents &/or businesses to determine if & how the community could improve its participation.
Answer from Mary E. Speidel:
Evendale was one of the first communities in Hamilton County to provide curbside pickup of recyclable materials at no cost to residents. Evendale should continue to provide this service and to encourage recycling.
Answer from Carolyn Smiley-Robertson:
Evendale currently has a recycling program, which I would continue to support and promote to our residents.
Answer from Judi King:
I support the continuation of the current program in which Evendale pays for curbside collection of recyclable materials.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. The answers will not exceed 75 words. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.
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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
