League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
	Hamilton County, OH November 3, 2009 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Trustee; Township of Harrison

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 Qualification, Priorities Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. What are your Qualifications for Office? (50 word limit) Answer from Fred A. Dole: I'm Devoted to Harrison Township. A full time trustee. Completed the Ohio Township Leadership Academy and continuing education leadership courses. Built a network of State and County leaders I can rely on. Very knowledgeable on the Joint Economic District and the 2020 Land Use Plan adopted by the township. Answer from Mike Brakers: I am a business owner and volunteer for over 24 years through three economic recessions. I have learned to listen, to be resourceful, to be creative and to work with others to accomplish the goals of my business and volunteer activities. Answer from Tom Losekamp: My 18 years experience in Public Works. I started at the entry level as a Serviceworker in Harrison and have worked my way up to the Director of Public Works in another large city. I have experience with labor negotiations, bidding processes, grants, road programs,and share township administration duties. 2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit) Answer from Fred A. Dole: Economic growth insures the future of the township, I have worked with the economic development director of Harrison and also various developers. Wise usage of TIF funds helps promote this growth without putting the burden on the tax payers. Retaining low taxes goes hand in hand with economic growth. Economic growth means less taxes and better services. Smart growth can be accomplished by following the land use plan as written, retain green space and larger lot sizes when a housing development moves into the township. Stand up and be fight when other entities want to encroach on our rural setting. Answer from Tom Losekamp: I will work with and encourage the developer to make the Commerce Park an attractive and inviting place for businesses to relocate or bring new jobs to the Township. The Trustees will withdraw from WESTJAD by passing a levy that will lower taxes for property owners and provide Advanced Life Support services and faster response time from the Harrison Fire Department. My experience with budgets will help keep the same services we have had in the past and my relationship with various County Departments will help keep the Township safe, clean, rural, and keep property values high. Answer from Mike Brakers: I will work to ensure that all new residential and commercial developments are consistent with pre-existing surrounding neighbors and the land use plan. I will explore restoring a dedicated Hamilton County Sheriff Patrol to Harrison Township. I will pursue a diversified mix of businesses both in size and industry classification to locate in the joint economic district. I will work with the Hamilton County Engineers Office to improve the safety of our roads. I will continue to support the Southwest School District and local civic organizations. I want to make Harrison Township and even more desirable place to live. 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. The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.