League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
	Hamilton County, OH November 8, 2011 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Council Member; City 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 Qualifications, Basic Services, Budget, Clean Air Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. What are your qualifications for office? Answer from Mark A. Louis: As a business owner for the past 13 years, I have experience in leadership, communication, negotiation, and have demonstrated fiscal responsibility. I have a strong Christian faith which will keep me from being corrupted by the system as well as corrupting the system. Also, I do not have any underlying agenda; my motives are purely to do what is best for the city of Harrison and its residents. I am a man of integrity and will be a councilman of integrity. Answer from Henry E. Menninger, Jr.: As an experienced Attorney, with my prior service on the Harrison Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Juvenile Referee, and with service as a Board Member of the Harrison Main Street Organization (a non-profit whose role was the preservation and revitalization of Historic Downtown Harrison), I am uniquely qualified to help see our Community through the inevitable growth and economic development heading our way. 2. What services do you believe should be considered basic and essential for the City? Answer from Henry E. Menninger, Jr.: High quality police, fire and EMT Services, staffed with personnel who are compensated commensurate with the high level of responsibility they undertake; high quality infrastructure, including streets, sewer and water; along with appropriate aesthetic and recreational amenities that make Harrison a Community we can be proud of, and which are designed to make Harrison an attractive place for businesses to relocate, and for residents to live, work and play. Answer from Mark A. Louis: I believe that government has certain core responsibilities to its citizens, such as police and fire protection by properly trained and well-equipped personnel, quality infrastructure + including well maintained streets and sidewalks, as well as efficient and affordable water and sewage. 3. How would you balance the City Budget? Answer from Henry E. Menninger, Jr.: Based upon my review of the last two annual Financial Reports, Harrison is currently operating with a balanced budget. Part of that has been due to a successful effort by the existing administration in eliminating waste, and closely monitoring expenses. I believe in continuing along that path, along with making certain that we maintain proper reserves for repair and replacement of capital items. We also need to look for increased revenue through strategic planning for future growth and development. Raising taxes is not an option. Answer from Mark A. Louis: I have reviewed the 2010 and 2011 budgets and find that Harrison is currently operating with a balanced budget. I would work to continue to eliminating waste, and make sure that funds are spent appropriately. I also believe in maintaining reserves for operating the city during times like we have seen for the last couple of years. We also need to increase revenue by managing our future growth. Raising taxes is not the answer to every problem. 4. What actions will you take to support clean air? Answer from Mark A. Louis: I support common sense approaches to clean air. I support green technology as long as it is cost saving and it truly improves air quality. I am opposed to any regulation or restriction that does not produce a cost effective improvement in air quality. Answer from Henry E. Menninger, Jr.: We do not really have an air quality problem in Harrison. While supporting green technologies that can save our citizens money, I am generally opposed to undue regulation and restrictions on businesses that are not cost-justfied by a significant, meaningful, and documentable improvement in air quality. Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits may apply. See individual questions for specific word limits. Direct references to opponents are not permitted. Please edit your work before submitting. We are unable to provide spell-check at this time. The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.