League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund
Hamilton County, OH November 2, 2004 Election
	Tyrone K. Yates Answers Questions Candidate for State Representative; District 33

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

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. What are your qualifications for office?

I have served one term in the Ohio House of Representatives representing the constituents of a very diverse and dynamic legislative district. As a new member I have found it to be a great advantage to have had prior public service experience in elective office. From 1990 to 1999, I was a Member of Cincinnati City Council and was selected twice to serve as Vice-Mayor of Cincinnati (1993-95 and 1995-97). From 2000 to 2002 I continued public service as a Trial Counsel in the Hamilton County Public Defenders Office, Juvenile Division. I am a former Board Chairman of the Citizens Committee on Youth.

2. How would you implement your top priority?

As a Member of the Ohio House's tax writing committee, The Committee on Ways and Means, I have an opportunity to work closely with fiscal and tax experts as we grapple with the unexpected massive shortfalls in state revenues following the September 11 tragedy and the general national economic recession. I constantly make suggestions and prepare legislation to make more equitable our tax structure for all Ohio citizens with an eye on what will help the citizens of the 33rd legislative district and Hamilton County. The last legislative cycle, the legislature faced a $3.1 billion deficit. In 2005, the structural deficit is expected to loom to $4-$5 billion dollars. My experience in local and state government will assist the resolution of this budget dilemma.

3. What do you see as the two most pressing issues you would address if elected? What plans do you have relative to those issues?

The most pressing issue in the legislature is the state's tax structure and our budget. Either we are not getting enough revenue or the spending is not altogether in the long term interests of Ohioans. Another top priority is how to return our public urban school systems to a level of achievement and citizenship preparation that used to be envied around the globe. "Education is the great equalizer in American society" said Thomas Jefferson, and so do I.

4. What are your suggestions for reconciling state revenue shortfalls with increasing costs for state services?

The legislature must give a close look at a more equitable tax structure. To be frank, there are many loopholes and deductions and credits that flow to large Ohio corporations that seem patently unfair. For example, state law does not absolutely require cities to tax stock options. Ohio's tax abatement and employment tax credit program process is riddled with uneven and often bad fiscal results. The Administration has not taken a close look at where cuts might be made. Sacrifice of some services may be required in changing times.

5. How much of public education should be funded by the state? Explain your answer.

Public education is a state constitutional requirement. As a Member of the House Education Committee, this is one of the most vexing problems in the legislature. The state can pick up more of the costs and state funds should be targeted to those districts that need the funds most.

6. What Ohio state tax reforms would you support to re-develop existing older communities?

I support the targeting of economic and tax incentives only to those areas that are in economic distress. Our current system permits tax incentives for companies no matter where they are located because of loose and general statutory requirements. The watchword for targeted tax incentives and Department of Development grants should be tied to the level of employment in the area of the proposed development.

7. What plans do you have to promote a more balanced transportation system in Ohio?

Anyone driving down I-71 or up I-75 can see we have a number of traffic jams and bottlenecks. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a trans-Ohio passenger train system and urban-suburban light rail?

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