League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund
Hamilton County, OH November 8, 2005 Election
	Kevin D. Hardwick Answers Questions Candidate for Trustee; Township of Springfield

Questions & Answers

1. What are your Qualifications for Office? (50 word limit)

My experience in emergency services has given me the knowledge of operating and managing those services in the community. I was born, raised and continue to live in this community and seen it change over the years. Springfield Township matters to me and my family.

2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit)

My plans are to better prepare Springfield Township in domestic preparedness by getting our emergency services personnel better trained and provide equipment to do those jobs more efficiently and safely. We need to be ready for natural disasters as well as any other threat to our community. Developing strategies for economic development that support the services of the Township and not put the burden on the residents is key for me. We need to look to attracting prosperous business ventures as well as keeping those we currently have to have a solid foundation to work from.

3. What steps would you take to ensure that all public facilities are accessible to people with disabilities? (100 words limit)

Both of my parents have disabilities that restrict their access in some way or another. I have experienced limitations first hand. This experience has shown the need to have more and better access in public facilities that are currently in place. All people have the right and the need to have that access. These people have a voice that needs to be heard as they too are an important part of the community. People must have good access so they feel a part of the decision making process.

4. What specific steps will you take to expand recycling services in your community? (100 words limit)

I will work within the Township and jointly with neighboring communities to develop a recycling plan to better enable residents and businesses in the communities to participate in a recycling program. These programs are more successful when they are convenient for the users. We must look at ways to reduce the quantities that are put in the landfills every year. Any reduction is an improvement is helpful. The Township leaders need to have some plan in place and to educate the community to the benefits of this type of program.

5. What steps would you take to provide affordable housing for all residents of your community? (100 words limit)

I will work with County, State And Federal agencies to work within their guideline to access grants and support to have affordable housing in the Township. This needs to be for all types of residents of the community especially the elderly. When looking for care for family members it is painfully obvious that quality care facilities are hard to come by. As this population group continues to grow we need to better prepare the community to have facilities operating to offer safe, dignified and caring care.