League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund
Hamilton County, OH November 8, 2005 Election
	Barry S. Porter Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of Wyoming

Questions & Answers

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

BA degree Major Economics + Denison University MBA + Finance + University of Cincinnati 21 years as a Council member Vice Mayor & Chairman of Finance Committee Member of Economic Development Commission & Joint City School Committee 38 years experience in various corporate financial management positions Controller, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer.

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

Council has commissioned engineering studies to address the upgrading of recreational facilities. The Finance Committee reviews and recommends the means for financing the various projects. Upon Council approval the projects will be budgeted and funded. Each year a portion of the budget is allocated to the repair and upkeep of the City's infrastructure. Projects are selected based on need and funding is approved. When upgrading roadways, we look at the sewer and water lines and replace those in poor or unusable condition. Working through the Economic Development Commission setting priorities for upgrading of the residential, business and park areas.

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

Public facilities have been a number one priority. Each year through the budget process moneys are allocated to make all public areas accessible to the handicapped. The City's Administration has seeked and obtained State and Federal funding for a number of these projects.

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

Our Community is a leader in recycling. We have set the example in Hamilton County as well as the State of Ohio. As a Council member I will continue to promote and support the efforts of the Solid Waste Commission's efforts to expand our community's recycling efforts.

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

Our City is a mature community and there is no real opportunity for new housing stock. The City has limited ability to influence the affordability of housing.

6. How will the Council make more efficient use of their tax income?

To insure the efficient use of Wyoming's tax income requires a number of sound financial practices: 1. A very strong budgeting process with a conservative approach to fund allocations. 2. Prioritizing the spending levels to insure that infrastructure, safety services, community activities and public facilities are maintained as required by its citizens. 3. Explore operating efficiencies, cost cutting strategies, while creating new financial disciplines and maintaining the effective ones currently in place. In addition to sound financial practices, Wyoming needs to continue applying for grants and seek other funding sources to provide the extra amenities that Wyoming desires. By taking advantage of State and Federal funding and seeking new revenue sources for infrastructure and capital improvements, the City can maximize its return on its tax base. Finally seeking cost saving alliances with the Wyoming school system and other local governmental bodies will provide additional financial resources.