See below for questions on transportation, campaign finance, planning

Click on a name for other candidate information.

Answer from Clara R. Pugh:

I would support expanded public transportation throughout the region. I believe in order to improve the quality of life of metropolitan areas we must embrace the regionalism concept.

Answer from Harvey Sweetland Lewis:

Perhaps I may be more cognizant of this issue than any other candidate because of the fact that I do not own a vehicle and choose to run, cycle or use public transportation to travel within the greater Cincinnati area. I believe it is quintessential to have a strong transportation infrastructure in order to attract future businesses to our community, have a more efficient workforce, and a cleaner environment. The Metro bus line within Forest Park enables people to commute easily to and from downtown, however it is inadequate in many respects when traveling to neighboring communities.

Answer from James P. Lawler:

Council is currently working with Metro to extend bus service beyond the Park and Ride to have it serve Forest Fair Mall, This would be good because it could provide both customers and employees to the mall.

Answer from David Lives:

Strongly support this concept for both employees and employers.

Answer from Leigh E. Larter, Jr.:

For the City of Forest Park, the bus service is adequate. We had conducted a survey to extend a bus route, but with low or negative response, the concept was cancelled. We have a "park and ride" one block from the Winton Rd./Kemper Rd. intersection which is easily accessible to all.

Light rail, to me, is a viable option. However, ensuring the public understands what infrastructure is required and the true cost, is very difficult. The cost of the right of way, building of the terminals and parking areas and the operational costs, both equipment and competitive rider fees, is not normally fully stated up front. This leads to apathy. The second hardest task is to get the riders.

Answer from James P. Lawler:

I think the public has the right to know who significant contributors to candidates are. There seems to be a good system in place for this now. Since Forest Park is a small city and races are non-partisan matching funds and/or contribution limits are not really an issue in our city. I would personally hesitate to try to control what other cities do.

Answer from Clara R. Pugh:

I would support campaign finance regulations that would provide better access and opportunity for more diversity in political races.

Answer from David Lives:

I would want to know more details, especially where the matching funds are coming from. There already are statewide regulations now in place for campaign finances.

Answer from Harvey Sweetland Lewis:

I would support a county-wide campaign finance regulation that would provide for public matching funds, limit campaign contributions and provide for more disclosure. The legitimacy of campaigns is crucial to the foundation of our system of democracy. Campaign finance regulation would heighten the legitimacy of the election process and decrease voter apathy.

Answer from James P. Lawler:

Since Forest Park has been a planned a community from its inception in the 1950's the advantages of our master plan are obvious everywhere you look in the city.

Answer from David Lives:

I fully support the Forest Park Master Plan concept for a planned community.

Answer from Clara R. Pugh:

Currently not well-read enough on land use planning & zoning to comment.

Answer from Harvey Sweetland Lewis:

Although city officials need to allow for some flexibility in land use planning it is important that any land use planning prior to zoning decisions take into consideration all the consequences that could result from such decisions.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.