League of Women Voters of Ohio
Hamilton County, OH November 7, 2006 Election
	Thomas G. Brown Answers Questions Candidate for State Senator; District 9

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area and LWV Ohio and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

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

Growing up on the west side, later moving to the east side, then becoming a homeowner in the middle of the district, and working in government has provided me with the insight to understand the district's needs from multiple angles.

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

Increasing the State's Business Development in the 9th District is my top priority. The 9th District needs more and better paying job opportunities. Businesses in the 9th District need help to grow and provide better jobs. Violent Crime has been a major issue in the 9th District for years. The State needs to provide assistance to the County and the various local cities and townships to address this issue. Our method of school funding was ruled unconstitutional years ago. The Senate has ignored the issue. Fair and adequate funding of all Ohio Schools is urgently needed, now.

4. What changes would you recommend for improving public oversight of charter schools? (150 word limit)

The voucher program as it exists today is a step in the right direction. It is far from perfect. The program needs to be reviewed and updated. Since being ruled unconstitutional years ago, the funding of our schools needs to be addressed. The State Legislature cannot continue to ignore the issue. Fair and adequate funding of all Ohio schools is urgently needed. With all Ohio schools properly funded, the voucher program can then be updated further.

5. Ohio has the highest foreclosure rate in the nation. What actions would you support at the state level to address this crisis? (150 word limit)

Homeownership is the single largest investment the typical American family will make in their lifetime. It is the single largest investment that the typical American family will use for their retirement. However, with high interest rates and increasing home prices have caused homeowners to take on more debt than they can afford. Thus, forcing more families into foreclosure. The State, along with the County and municipalities in the district needs to provide affordable housing. We need to look at incentives and projects that will rebuild and renew both our inner city neighborhoods and our older suburbs.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits apply for each question. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 3, 2006 08:07
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