Charlie Luken Answers Questions

Candidate for
Council Member; City of Cincinnati

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Hamilton County and asked of all candidates for this office.

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. Detail policies/proposals you would advance and support to increase and improve the city's housing stock, as well as the rate of home ownership in the city of Cincinnati?

The city needs help when it comes to improving existing housing and creating new housing stock. We need housing of all kinds, especially single family housing. We need money. I have proposed several ways to reduce operating costs (including a limited firing freeze) to free-up money to do housing projects. The city also needs a new attitude about housing, and needs to work with people who think "outside the box" to get the job done.

2. Would you move to advance or halt regional approaches to the following: public transportation, Arts council(s), management of snow removal, air quality, and water quality?

The Riverfront will involve the creation of an important new space for all kinds of activities, including housing and public spaces. The City needs to partner with public and private entities to get the job done. Improvements to public transportation will require an are-wide commitment unlike anything we have seen. Air quality and water quality are traditional regional issues that require regional cooperation.

3. Should the Cincinnati Convention Center be expanded? If so, how should the expansion be funded?

Yes. The expansion of the Convention Center is a priority, but it must be done in such a way as not to rob important neighborhood projects. We need partners, including the County and State. We also need a significant commitment from those who will benefit the most, the hotels and restaurants.