League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund
	Hamilton County, OH November 2, 2010 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues State Representative; District 31

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Ohio and asked of all candidates for this office.     See below for questions on Qualification, Priorities, Budget deficient, School finance, Tax structure 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 Denise Driehaus: As a small business owner, I am uniquely qualified to represent the 31st House District. I understand the challenges that businesses are facing in this difficult economy and what it takes to create jobs. I have also been active in my community for over 20 years. 2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit) Answer from Denise Driehaus: To address the issue of jobs in our state, I plan to listen to business owners and invest in the things that influence their decision to stay and expand in our state. I plan to continue to support investments in education. I plan to push House Bill 3, Foreclosure Prevention Legislation, which I co-sponsored in the House. I also plan to advocate for the quality of life issues that are important to my district. 3. Ohio is facing a huge budget deficit for the FYs ending in 2012 and 2013. What specific revenue increases would you support and what cuts would you make to balance the budget? (150 word limit) Answer from Denise Driehaus: I believe that we must look at every option as we work to address the impending budget deficit. I am hopeful that the bi-partisan task force, made up of members of the House and Senate, will come forward with recommendations as we proceed. They have been privy to testimony from many experts regarding the budget. It will then be incumbent upon every member of the legislature to study the options and think about how we invest in the future with reduced revenues. 4. What should be done to ensure that all community schools and nonpublic schools that accept state financial support (including vouchers) are accountable to the public? (150 word limit) Answer from Denise Driehaus: I believe that schools should be held accountable to the public and am supportive of a fair and efficient system of evaluation for those schools. 5. What would you propose, if anything, to change Ohio’s tax structure? (150 word limit) Answer from Denise Driehaus: I think the discussion of Ohio's tax structure should be a conversation had in relation to the budget. I look forward to looking at our current tax structure and the revenues generated to determine how we should proceed. 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.