The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area and asked of all candidates for this office.     See below for questions on Qualifications, Addressing priorities, Regionalism

Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest.

Answer from James F. Sunderhaus, Jr.:

My educational background & experience of 25+ years as a Public Administrator have prepared me well for this position. I've also served 5 years on Council, 20 years as a part-time firefighter/paramedic, and 4 years as a member of the zoning board of appeals.

Answer from Kathleen S. "Kitty" (Ryan) Zech:

43 Year Resident of Cheviot

Active in Cheviot since 1988, protecting property values and voters rights

Council at Large Representative since 1994

Chair of the Laws, Rules and Ordinances Committee

President Pro-Tem of Council

Recipient of the FOE Civic Achievement Award

Member of the CWCA

Graduate of the Citizens Police Academy

Genuine concern for the People of Cheviot

Answer from Charles "Charlie" Norman:

I have served Cheviot as a Councilman for the last six years. In my full-time employment I am the legislative aide to County Commissioner Pat DeWine. My experience in County government, my education, and my former work in the finance industry make me a well qualified candidate.

Answer from Steven L. Braun:

I was born and raised in Cheviot and am looking forward to raising my family here. I have served on Council the past two years, and, along with my educational background and work experience, I believe I am well qualified to continue serving the people of Cheviot as their representative.

Answer from James F. Sunderhaus, Jr.:

We continue to address these issues on city council. This year we passed a new updated sign ordinance and new property maintenance standards and codes. A housing court has been established to enforce the new property maintenance codes. We will communicate with the city building department to fine tune the changes we've made. We are trying to establish a citizen on patrol program to assist the city in identifying areas of the city that need attention. And last but by all means not least I plan to keep my eyes on finances keeping quality services at conservative costs.

Answer from Kathleen S. "Kitty" (Ryan) Zech:

I plan to continue; Sound financial planning, conservative spending,and efforts to locate more alternative funding to ease the tax burden.

Promoting and marketing the Cheviot Improvements and Revitalization underway and planned in the Residential and the Business Districts, in an effort to attract more businesses and promote more owner-occupied properties - providing an even larger tax base to maintain the City and it's services.

Continuation of Cheviot's pro-active efforts in updating City ordinances and codes - keeping crime in check and our citizens and our environment safe.

Continuing to be accessible to the citizens to address their concerns and complaints. Listening to each other.

Answer from Charles "Charlie" Norman:

1) I will work with our neighbors to seek ways to increase cooperation, and take advantage of economies of scale to improve service delivery and lower costs.

2) I will work to implement the recommendations of the Project Impact study of Cheviot. I will continue working with the City's business leaders and will actively seek ways to encourage business development. I will introduce and get passed a comprehensive nuisance property ordinance.

3) I will continue in my role as Finance Chairman to make sure that we are financially stable and that we avoid unnecessary taxes and spending.

Answer from Steven L. Braun:

We have already been proactive with things like our own property maintenance code and our continuing work with the county on economic and community development through the Project Impact program. We must continue to be fiscally conservative in our budget. As a member of Council's Finance Committee, I believe a tax should be a last resort. The priorities should be eliminating unnecessary spending and developing new sources of revenue. Our ability to generate new revenue sources goes hand-in-hand with having a well maintained housing stock and a thriving business district.

Answer from Kathleen S. "Kitty" (Ryan) Zech:

Regional Co-operation has never been more important. Many County and local officials realize this need. Cheviot has been working in co-operation with the County and other communities through programs such as:

Project Impact - a program designed to help Municipalities capitalize on strengths and minimize weaknesses for the purpose of improving the entire County through economical development of Residential and Business Districts. Commissioners and County Agencies have complimented Cheviot for its pro-active "Hit the ground running" approach to solving problems.

First Ring Suburbs Group - Cheviot is a contributing member of this organization comprised of local leaders working together to solve and avoid problems by sharing successes, information, and lobbying the State for legislation easing the strains put on local communities by negligent absentee landlords, predatory lenders etc.

In addition, Cheviot is currently working with surrounding communities on mutual concerns.

Working together benefits all - we plan to continue.

Answer from Steven L. Braun:

Regional cooperation is vitally important, especially to a small city like Cheviot. The concerns of your neighboring communities can quickly become your own. Cheviot has a good track record of regional cooperation. We have worked with Green Township in creating a Joint Economic Development District(JEDD). Working with Hamitlon County through Project Impact, we are in the process of creating a comprehensive economic and community development plan for Cheviot. In doing so, we have been in contact with many government and civic leaders from our neighboring communities providing ideas and feedback to one another on how to tackle important issues. We are hoping to foster this spirit of cooperation into other areas as well, including improving government services for our citizens while reducing costs.

Answer from Charles "Charlie" Norman:

Regional Cooperation is vitally important in today's complex world. Our elected officials must understand that problems don't stop at jurisdictional lines.

I have worked hard to improve relations with elected officials to the west in Green Township, and to the east in Cincinnati. Just this past year, we created a Joint Economic Development District with Green Township that will bring significant revenues to Cheviot without raising taxes on our citizens. The potential for future cooperation with the Township in this, and many other areas is unlimited. I am also working on an exciting venture with the City of Cincinnati that would greatly improve Cheviot.

Finally, I am proud to have played a major role in the creation of the Government Cooperation and Efficiency Project, which is bringing together leaders from across the County to examine ways to improve government service delivery and decrease costs through increased intergovernmental cooperation.

Answer from James F. Sunderhaus, Jr.:

This can become a turf war between the various governmental entities. Perhaps bidding things out together like road salt or mulch would be a good start. Green Township & Cheviot are in the process of starting a JED (Joint Economic District). This arrangement permits the city & the township to benefit through the sharing of tax revenue. This should be pursued, as it is a win/win for both jurisdictions. Obviously traffic, roads & highways, public transportation, air and water pollution, and public safety services, are all areas where local governments could and should collaborate with one another for the improvement of the entire area. Some of this has already begun with some collaborative agreements in some of the other areas mentioned. As City Councilman I look for ways to save our city time and money at all times.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.