League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
Hamilton County, OH November 8, 2011 Election
	Lee E. Czerwonka Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of Blue Ash

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

Questions & Answers

1. What are your qualifications for office?

It has been my privilege and honor to serve the residents of Blue Ash as Council Representative at Large for the last 7 years. Vice Mayor for the last 2 years. 2 years as Vice Chairman Blue Ash Planning Commission. Member State Auditors Regional Advisory Board. Legislative Liaison Hamilton County Municipal League, Trustee Blue Ash Civic League.

2. What services do you believe should be considered basic and essential for the City?

I believe basic municipal services start with the Police and Fire Departments followed by the Public Works Department. These 3 departments are the foundation for all well run communities. Beyond these three is an Administrative Department which collects taxes and oversees economic development. Without the administrative side the three basics above don't exist. These services are very basic and flow in a circle serving both the residents and businesses alike. Blue Ash is fortunate to be a well balanced community. 1/3 Residential, 1/3 Businesses, and 1/3 Recreational. This balance has kept Blue Ash in a positive sustainable financial position.

3. How would you balance the City Budget?

Blue Ash administration and city council continue a conservative long range approach to budgeting. Our budget is balanced because we have planned for economic downturns where other communities are struggling. We continue to focus on keeping operating costs down at all times, even when income rises. We were able to add $2 million to the city's reserves in 2010. Thus we continue to maintain Moody's "High Quality" Aa1 bond rating.

4. What actions will you take to support clean air?

In 2008 I was City Council's representative to the Hamilton County Climate Initative. The City of Blue Ash leads the way in Green Initiatives in Hamilton County. When budget allows we look at and implement new technologies that help both the environment and save the taxpayers money. Items such as newer mechanicals for our buildings or when we update our transportation needs in various departments with more efficient vehicles and machinery.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 21, 2011 16:39
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