League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund
Hamilton County, OH November 8, 2005 Election
	Chris Smitherman Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of Cincinnati

Questions & Answers

1. What are your Qualifications for Office? (50 word limit)

I have served as a member of Cincinnati City Council during the current two-year term and I am seeking re-election for the 2005-2007 term. My current experience, coupled with my leadership skills and financial planning knowledge, is a great combination and has enhanced my qualification to serve again.

2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit)

My goal is to improve the consistency with which City resources and services are distributed equitably. I will strongly advocate that taxpayer dollars are spent according to taxpayer values. I plan to present and support legislation that guides City spending which addresses solutions to problems versus symptoms of problems. Also, legislation must be proactive against depleting long-term resources that are crucial to the City's future financial stability. As a Councilmember, I have seen the majority of Council approve several financial deals that lacked thorough planning of important details (e.g. re-routing traffic during construction). More significantly, such deals offer very little return to citizens for their tax dollar. I will seek to ensure that safety services are dependable, timely, and implemented per voter approval (e.g. Issue 5 police hiring).

3. What steps would you take to ensure that all public facilities are accessible to people with disabilities? (100 words limit)

Making public facilities accessible to people with disabilities is essential to all citizens maximizing the use of City resources. I would review the City's current plan and efforts toward increasing accessibility. I would then seek their expert advice about any additional needs for completing the project. It is also imperative that accessibility be included and detailed within future deals that businesses propose when asking for City funding.

4. What specific steps will you take to expand recycling services in your community? (100 words limit)

I am a strong advocate for the environment and recycling is a big chunk of preserving nature. I was very pleased when recycling services began to collect paper products. I supported legislation to maintain weekly recycling collection. Encouraging more curbside recycling is an immediate strategy for expansion. For two years, I have initiated monthly "clean-ups" rotating through neighborhoods. I personally pick-up trash each week around my own neighborhood. I am also extremely conscious about environmental justice. I have legislation pending which proposes that no neighborhood in Cincinnati be disproportionately impacted by pollutants.

5. What steps would you take to provide affordable housing for all residents of your community? (100 words limit)

Affordable housing is directly linked to employment that pays living wages and transportation that connects people with jobs. Employment in decent paying jobs, and the ability to get to work, is what affords people to adequately care for themselves and their families. I support the Eastern Corridor Project and its light rail component. I also support the Kennedy Connector concept. Both projects should be included in the next capital budget. Building both will create jobs, move people and goods more efficiently, and contribute to energy conservation. Economically stable and self-sufficient families will invigorate community revitalization and flourishing neighborhoods.