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 Mitch Painter:

I understand the vital importance of creating an action oriented team and ensuring cohesiveness at all times. I have bought and sold over 100 single family houses within the city. I oversee a team of up to 20 people and have developed into a passionate and enthusiastic team...(Over word limit)

Answer from Brian Garry:

I am a long-time small business owner who can bridge the gap between economic and community interests on Council. For 25 years, I have served as a community organizer and advocate for neighborhoods across Cincinnati. I am a lifelong Cincinnati resident and proud father of two Cincinnati Public School students.

Answer from Steve Pavelish:

I am a neighborhood leader with good management and organizational skills with the ability to motivate and get along well with people. I also ran my own successful property rental and land sales company from 1975 to 2007 which I have learned greatly how to manage people and budget.

Answer from Jeff Berding:

I am committed to working as hard as I can to bring about real change in Cincinnati. In just my first term I have delivered new results to longstanding problems like crime, economic empowerment/growth, and neighborhood development. We are now on the right track, but have much more to do.

Answer from Michael Earl Patton:

I know the issues, have the right priorities, and have the analytical skills and background to accomplish my goals. I face up to issues -- the population loss, high poverty rate, loss of industry, large corporate hand-outs, uneven and harsh enforcement of petty laws, and ever-increasing energy prices.

Answer from Laketa Cole:

I have been President Pro Tem of Council and chair of neighborhoods committee, I've worked at City Hall since 1997 as an Aide to former Mayor Dwight Tillery and Councilmember Paul Booth, giving me a unique opportunity to understand the daily operations of City Hall.

Answer from Chris Bortz:

I serve as General Counsel and Special Projects Manager at Towne Properties, a family owned business. Prior to that I worked as a teacher at Cincinnati Country Day and worked with underprivileged young people at Summerbridge Academy.

I reside in Mt. Adams with my wife Susie.

Answer from Joan Kaup:

1) 30-year professional career and experience in collaboration, art, business, people, and relationships to foster change, create solutions and improve the bottom line with integrity, strategic action plans and effective project management; 2)Consultant to Vice Mayor Tarbell, researching and developing city programs and policies; MBA in Entrepreneurship

Answer from George J. Zamary:

I recognize Cincinnati's untapped potential. I have been involved with, and taken leadership roles, within several organizations that focus on achieving this goal. Through the Know Theatre of Cincinnati and the Urbanists, I have seen first hand how it is necessary to bring people back to the city.

Answer from Pat Fischer:

I create consensus and lead with innovation and new ideas. As president of the PRCC, we prevented crime with our computerized data mining sustem which cut police runs upto 70%. We also forced CPS to build the first neighborhood Montessori school. I am leading an effort to open a minority-controlled bank in Cincinnati.

Answer from Sam Malone:

Councilmember, City of Cincinnati, 2003 - 2005, Vice Chair, Health, Tourism, & Small Business Committee; Finance Committee; Audit Committee Former President, Bond Hill Community Council Former Member, Cincinnati & Hamilton County Mental Health Board Former Member, Woodward High School LSDMC Former Member, Westwood Elementary School LSDMC Graduate + Grassroots Leadership Academy

Answer from Cecil Thomas:

As the current Chairman of Council's Law and Public Safety Committee, a retired Cincinnati Police Officer and the former Executive Director of the Cincinnati Human Relations Commission, I am well qualified to continue representing the citizens on issues of Crime, Community/Police Relations, Neighborhood Development, Housing and the Environment.

Answer from Justin Jeffre:

I'm qualified to serve on City Council because I strive to be a well-informed citizen watchdog, concerned with protecting the interests of our people and not the interests of the favored few. I understand the needs of our people and I believe putting people first will lead to a Cincinnati Renaissance.

Answer from John Eby:

I am a lifelong resident of the city of Cincinnati. I am involved in making Cincinnati a better place to live by volunteering my time to various neighborhood, city and county boards and agencies. I will bring Vision, Intentionality and Accountability to city government.

Answer from Melanie Bates:

I am an energetic leader with a proven track record for action. I have experience building broad coalitions across party lines to accomplish my agenda on the Cincinnati School Board. As a devoted mother I have taken a hard and personal pledge to reduce violent crime in Cincinnati. Utilizing my experience on the Cincinnati School Board I am prepared to take my skills to a nine member council and launch a comprehensive effort to reduce violent crime in our neighborhoods.

Answer from Roxanne Qualls:

My experience working as an environmental organizer prior to being first elected in 1991, serving six years as Mayor of Cincinnati 1993-1999, and recently teaching executive leadership and urban policy at NKU. Receiving a Master's degree in Public Administration (2002), and serving as a Loeb Fellow (2001) from Harvard University.

Answer from Charlie Winburn:

I have more than 20 years experience in public service. I served on Cincinnati City Council for seven years and received my master's degree in education from the University of Cincinnati. I trust that the citizens of Cincinnati will allow me the opportunity to serve them once again.

Answer from Chris R. Monzel:

As an engineer, a father, and a neighborhood leader, I have the experience and skills necessary to help lead our city. As a councilmember with real world experience, I bring energy and commitment to a system that continues to need to be fixed.

Answer from Wendell Young:

For more than 30 years, I have served Cincinnati as an employee and a manager. I have been active in civic organizations that work to make Cincinnati better. I have demonstrated my committment to Cincinnati. I know our neighborhoods and their issues. I have the experience to make a difference.

Answer from Minette Cooper:

I served the City as a Council Member from 1995-2003. During those years I had the responsibility of chairing the Finance Committee, The Health, Children and Social Service Committee, and the Economic Development Committee during my tenure. I also served as Vice Mayor from 1997-2001. I have remained active in the community since leaving office and have stayed involved in various neighborhood activities and organizations.

Answer from Greg P. Harris:

As the only Council candidate with a public policy background, I know how to identify and apply proven solutions that have transformed other cities. I've devoted my career to good government, including fixing broken government systems, leveraging neighborhood assets, maximizing educational and economic opportunity, and fostering regionalism and smart growth.

Answer from Leslie Ghiz:

I have been the one council member who has been willing to stand up for Cincinnati when others were not. I'm always willing to discuss issues that are not always comfortable, yet need to be discussed. I speak in plain language and treat citizens with the direct responses they deserve.

Answer from Andre Harper:

I am qualified because of my education, experience and vision for Cincinnati. I graduated with my degree in public management. Professionally, I have worked in government for seven years and in the private sector at Procter and Gamble. I am not afraid to take difficult decisions.

Answer from David C. Crowley:

I believe I bring a distinctive mix of common sense and real life experiences, which give me unique perspective. I have never shied away from standing up for those who need representation. I am a committed public servant who is in this race because I want to see Cincinnati succeed.

Answer from John Cranley:

Served as a member of Cincinnati City Council from December 2000 to present. Chaired Finance Committee from 2001 to present; balanced the budget in bi-partisan fashion each year. Lawyer; founded Ohio Innocence Project at U.C. Law School, partner in City Lights Development, which is redeveloping Price Hill.

Answer from Brian Garry:

To create ONE Cincinnati, City Council must support the development of Model Zone business districts within Cincinnati's struggling neighborhoods, as well as the Cease Fire plan for community-based safety assurance. Fair, community-centered economic development, partnered with proper funding for our public schools and a reinstatement of the city's summer jobs for youth program, will provide new jobs and opportunities for our residents. To build racial and economic equality throughout Cincinnati, our City Council must promote inclusive economic policies that support minority-owned businesses, respect the wishes of community councils, and understand the unique value every resident has to offer our city.

Answer from Michael Earl Patton:

I have already started. The first and most important is that the people be told what is happening. On council I could do even more of this, visiting and working with community councils and with non-profit organizations. I can build coalitions with other council members to stop sweetheart deals and will publicize any that I am asked to approve. I will be a full-time councilman who will work with the city's employees.

I will encourage industries to stay and more to come, not by handing out money but by carrying their legitimate concerns to the full council and encouraging action.

Answer from Wendell Young:

I want to explore the use of technology aimed at improving and maintaing city services without raising taxes. I believe we can become more efficient with service delivery and place more police officers on our streets.

Cincinnati has many pressing environmental issues that need to be addressed and monitored. I believe Cincinnati needs to bring back it's Office of Environmental Management. I will work to make that happen.

I want city council to partner with businesses, educational institutions, and neighborhoods to facilitate meaningful development to solve our transportation issues.

Answer from Melanie Bates:

City Council needs strong leaders to address violent crime in Cincinnati. I will take every step possible to make Cincinnati safe for our families. We need to take a comprehensive approach to reducing violent crime, which includes community involvement, economic growth, job creation, neighborhood development and educational reform. Our efforts must involve all of the above to effectively turn the corner on crime in our communities.

Answer from Mitch Painter:

Violent Crime - getting to the root causes, i.e. poor family life, holding parents responsible. Public Transportation - to transform into a "Green City" and to attract young professionals we must have a great street car system and monorail system. Economic Development - we must fight to bring big businesses and home owners to the city to greatly increase our tax base in order to fund our growth and reach our great potential! With a great new street car system, safe streets, and booming new business within our city we will blossom into the great city that we deserve to be...(Over word limit)

Answer from Minette Cooper:

The key to all of our issues is youth involvement and inclusion in our community. I feel that Healthy Children help develop Healthy Communities, safe communities with economic opportunity for all. We need mentoring, after-school & weekend, recreation, and other programs in hopes that may develop an infrastructure to mold future model citizens. The city needs to start thinking in the long-term. We have made some progress with organizations doing job-training and other service work, but I think the city needs to take a lead role in planning for the future instead of merely trying to "band-aid" the present.

Answer from Laketa Cole:

To continue funding for neighborhood business districts, which works to support small businesses and our neighborhoods. Also to continue to fight for funding for youth programs in the budget, such as the $1.5 million for youth jobs and continuing my neighborhood meeting in the community, as well as evening Council meetings.

Answer from Justin Jeffre:

All three priorities are about putting people first. The self-interested serving in public office for the benefit of campaign contributors and family have created distrust of government and polarized our community. More cells to lock up citizens is the wrong approach. Our people are our greatest resource and need to be developed into a qualified work force that attracts business to our city and region. Politicians are public servants and have conveniently forgotten who they work for. Government was created for the public good but now serves special interests seeking favors to the public detriment.

Answer from Chris R. Monzel:

We must make our streets safe, by continuing to support our police and community crime fighting programs such as Citizens on Patrol and Court Watch. We also need to look at new ways to fight crime -- from the use of video cameras on crime ridden street corners; to mapping crime in a neighborhood. We must cut taxes and remove the red-tape at City Hall to attract new businesses and homeowners to our city. Finally, we must provide the best city services to our citizens by improving customer service, so that when a citizen calls City Hall they get action and not a voicemail.

Answer from Chris Bortz:

I initiated GO CINCINNATI, an economic development strategy that is focused on four key areas: 1) creating jobs; 2) offering training and new opportunities for young people; 3) emphasizing reinvestment in our neighborhoods; and 4) providing for needed improvements to the city's infrastructure.

I created incentives for energy efficient homes and office buildings; passed Green Streets legislation to use plants and natural resources to reduce stormwater runoff; and worked to increase the city's recycling rate.

I also have been the leading advocate for a streetcar system that has the potential to revitalize downtown and our neighborhoods.

Answer from George J. Zamary:

City council must work with the planning department, Cincinnati USA, community leaders, and business leaders, to identify how to bring businesses and residents back to Cincinnati. Presently, the city has enormous potential that sits vacant.

City council must also work collectively with law enforcement at the city and county level to allow people to feel safe in the city.

City council must also consider new options to cut excessive spending that has plagued the city. It must consider consolidating operations with the County and competitive bidding to ensure it is getting the best value with taxpayers' dollars.

Answer from Greg P. Harris:

Reinventing Government: The consolidation of select city-county agencies and services would achieve deep savings and make government efficient and responsive to citizens.

Neighborhood Development: Cincinnati hasn't had a strategic plan since 1948. The time has come to empower Cincinnati's 52 neighborhoods to prioritize and leverage their cultural, architectural and environmental assets as part of a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization strategy for the city.

Workforce Development: A skilled workforce is the greatest correlate to economic growth for cities. I serve on the Governor's Workforce Policy Board, I have the know-how to connect Cincinnati's low-skilled workers to education and training programs that lead to good jobs.

Answer from Pat Fischer:

1. Add resources to the CPD so they can hire and train more officers in a program which, like we did in Pleasant Ridge, cut violent crime by 50% in East Orange, NJ.
2. Create a committee to incorporate and begin operations of a local, minority-controlled bank to invest in and create more jobs in Cincinnati.
3. Form a task force to monitor and 'push' CPS with all reasonable political and financial pressure to upgrade the quality of every school, just as we did in Pleasant Ridge.

Answer from Jeff Berding:

Reduce crime: I will continue my strong commitment to our police department. This past term we passed a budget to hire 60 new officers and allocated millions more for a stronger police presence on the streets.

Economic Development/Empowerment: We must build on our assets so that we can invest in our City and our people. The GO Cincinnati initiative that I helped create will provide guidance in how we can improve the business climate and build a skilled workforce.

Neighborhood Quality of Life: I will continue my efforts to eliminate blight, invest in urban amenities, and deliver excellent core services.

Answer from Roxanne Qualls:

Implement the CIRV initiative, get guns and gang leaders off the street, provide opportunities for young people.

Invest in transit system and in our neighborhoods. Leverage the rebuild of I-75 to reconnect downtown to the west side, re-knit together the Mill Creek Valley neighborhoods, and open up developable sites for green industries

Respond to the global economy and global climate change by focusing on the quality of the built, natural, and social environment, and emphasizing quality of life and quality of place.

Respond to global climate change with green infrastructure; changing construction and building codes; and innovative storm water management.

Answer from John Eby:

When young professionals are attracted to our city by the business community, they look for three things when making a decision on where to locate their family. Those three non-negotiables are Clean/Safe Streets, Market Rate Affordable Housing, and Great Schools. These three critical issues face Cincinnati today. To address the issue of crime we must embrace two concepts; community problem oriented policing and data mining technology. We must also embrace Smartgrowth Principles to help rebuild the urban core and our first ring suburbs. Finally, we must bring accountability and reform to our public school system.

Answer from Leslie Ghiz:

I would like to add more police officers and increase walking patrols in all districts. Police presence is the number one way to fight crime. I plan to introduce a loud car radio ordinance along with other "quality of life" ordinances to prohibit people from disrupting those around them. I will continue to speak up on issues of reckless spending and I will find alternative funding sources (not taxes) to pay for the programs I introduce.

Answer from Cecil Thomas:

CRIME-Presently, I am focused on repairing the strained relationship between Citizens and Police and past City Councils and the police. I'm also working to restore citizen confidence in city government. I will continue expanding the comprehensive crime strategy I started in 2006. The Cincinnati Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV). I will continue to support our local law enforcement and the Comprehensive Safety Plan to reduce recividism.

I will continue supporting residential tax abatements to encourage citizen investment in new and existing housing.

I will continue supporting the Office of Environmental Quality as we clean up our city.

I will continue supporting Neighborhood Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts to spur large and small business development, creating jobs and expanding the tax base.

Answer from David C. Crowley:

A. I worked with other members of Council to establish the Cincinnati Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV), a comprehensive approach to fighting violent crime. It is underway and must succeed.

B. I am eager to continue recent efforts to protect the environment such as establishing the Office of Environmental Quality, promoting "green" building, re-establishing the clean air law, and preserving and hopefully expanding curbside recycling.

C. Everyone should have a fair shot at the economic pie. This includes new businesses, maintaining businesses and encouraging major development projects such as the Banks, Fountain Square and neighborhood business district projects.

Answer from Andre Harper:

In order to address my top concerns I will implement on focusing on these strategies in order to improve our city.

• Promote crime prevention to make our city safe
• Promote economic development across Cincinnati
• Retain and attract business to increase city revenue
• Restore pride & celebrate our Queen City's rich heritage
• Promote home and small business ownership
• Empower community councils so neighborhoods thrive
• Support the arts community by organizing

Answer from Steve Pavelish:

I plan to work at City Council as a FULL TIME job as there is much work to be started and continued in Cincinnati. A great part of my work schedule will be to attend the neighborhood community council meetings to get a better pulse of their needs and to inform them of City Council actions. I also will seek their advice on how we can best reduce crime, invest, and better educate since they are the experts in their neighborhoods.

Answer from Charlie Winburn:

Safer Neighborhoods Work to reduce violent crime by 50% by then end of December 2008. Empower citizens and police partnerships to combat crime. Hold landlords accountable who provide sanctuary for drug dealers.

Schools Work with school board leadership to increase graduation rates. I will collaborate and partner with school board leadership to promote school board accountability.

Economic Opportunity Encourage the private sector to fund more neighborhood development projects in all 52 city neighborhoods. Protect home ownership and reduce the number of foreclosures.

Answer from John Cranley:

In order to move Cincinnati forward, Council must continue to act in a fiscally responsible manner, forge the right public-private partnerships to spur economic development, and work with neighborhood leaders to tailor improvements to the needs of each neighborhood.

On Council, I have done this. I passed six straight balanced budgets, while hiring 135 new cops. I have led the efforts to revitalize downtown and bring new nightlife to the area. And, I have led the efforts to improve our neighborhoods by bringing millions of dollars to enhance neighborhood business districts.

Answer from Sam Malone:

Supporting law enforcement remains my first priority. To increase neighborhood safety, I will support police department efforts to target and reduce crime in hot-spot communities. I will seek to build partnerships between schools, community groups, and law enforcement to reduce and deter the activity of community criminal groups in and around school facilities and school related events. Community business districts can be enhanced through access to information, capital, and strategic relationships. I plan to develop an annual "Neighborhood Economic Development Summit" that facilitates problem solving, information sharing, and strategic planning to strengthen community business districts throughout Cincinnati.

Answer from Joan Kaup:

• Advocate for minorities and marginalized people to serve be on boards and committees such as those addressing the Banks, Over-the-Rhine; encourage more town meetings and forums for residential input.
• Champion the arts, streetcars and parks. These three amenities are major drivers to create an inclusive, user-friendly city that will attract young professionals, the creative class and tourists to revitalize Cincinnati.
• Build partnerships and collaborations to accelerate efficiency and innovation in fiscally, ecologically sound, creative practices and programs to provide clean, green and safe neighborhoods for all residents.

Answer from Wendell Young:

I believe issues of mass transportation, urban sprawl, air and water pollution are examples of issues that are almost impossible to solve without regional cooperation. Sharing the expense of waste disposal, safety protection, and more are areas worthy of exploration. If there is any hope of regional cooperation solving issues of mutual concern, we must have open and honest dialogue before the work can begin.

Build relationships: I would follow the mayor's initiative in this area. Before meaningful work on regional projects can be undertaken, the stakeholders must know and trust each other.

Identify the issues: There must be agreement among the stakeholders on which regional issues to address. Identify how each stakeholder benefits from tackling issues together.

Build a cooperative plan of action: Pooling regional influence and resources to finance projects is more likely to be successful than each stakeholder going it alone.

Answer from Charlie Winburn:

It is important that city, county and regionally leaders address the top three priorities. They are as follows:

a)Work to promote regional economic opportunity such as Cincinnati's multi-billion dollar banks project and downtown development. Promoting regional tourism and the cooperation of joint economic issues will help increase hotel occupancy in the city, increase job growth and expand our tax base.

b)Promote a regional fast track development model that will make it easier for residential and commercial developers to do business in the region. This new development project will hold Water Works and MSD accountable for tracking and expediting development plans. This fast track development process will reduce the developmental approval time by 50%.

c)Promote a regional violent crime reduction plan by working to empower neighborhoods, cities and villages which will reduce violent crime in the region by 50% by end of December 2008.

Answer from Pat Fischer:

1. A master/strategic regional plan for SW Ohio. I would call for/convene a conference of the county commissioners, Cincinnati City Council membrs, and 1 representative from each village/municipality to agree upon regional priorities for the next 10-20 years.
2. Municipal unified services agreements. I would propose a policy that the City Manager begin negotiations with all adjacent villages and cities to cooperate in lowering the costs for all services which Cincinnati and the adjoining town/village use. While others only look at the City-County issues, costs can be lowered and services made more efficient through bilateral arrangements with nearby cities and villages.
3. Hold a strategic planning session for Cincinnati City Council. The Council must come to an agreement on longterm/10 year goals if the City wants to rebound and grow. If the 'infighting' continues, all citizens lose and the City's problems will grow.

Answer from Leslie Ghiz:

City and County governments must continue to work together to find ways to share services. Cincinnati needs to also work with the smaller villages, cities and townships surrounding it to find way to consolidate services. I also believe we need to work with surrounding locations on crime initiatives.

Answer from Melanie Bates:

I support efforts to share City and County services to increase operational efficiency and better utilize taxpayer dollars. I feel it is important to combine resources with the County the Cincinnati Public Schools and adjacent municipalities so that we may better serve the citizens of Cincinnati and do so in a cost effective manner. I have also been working, through my position on the Cincinnati School Board, to merge services within the Community Learning Centers, which are housed in the new Cincinnati Public Schools. In these centers the Cincinnati Recreation Commission, the Cincinnati Police department, along with social and healthcare agencies can provide services in a one-stop-shop open to the entire community beyond just the school day. These types of intergovernmental relationships need to be established so that our entire region has the opportunity to grow.

Answer from David C. Crowley:

With the election of David Pepper, the selection of Todd Portune as the President of the County Commissioners and the election of Governor Strickland presents an unprecedented opportunity for collaboration.

Specifically, the completion of the Banks project, transportation, development and health care are areas effecting the City, State and County.

There are no limits to what we can accomplish when working together. One area of interest is transportation. For the last several months I've been working with a group of Council Members and Commissioner Portune to review and make recommendations about how to best restructure the Southern Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA). This restructuring will make it easier to work on the many issues facing the needs of our region including the City, Hamilton, Butler, Warren and Clermont Counties.

I, especially in my new capacity as Vice Mayor, am committed to reaching out to leadership at all levels of government.

Answer from Steve Pavelish:

Cincinnati is the BIG CITY for not only Hamilton County but for Northern Kentucky, Southeast Indiana, Clermont, Warren, and Butler Counties and a successful Cincinnati will benefit these suburbs. And successful suburbs enhance Cincinnati. Our region must be shown that we must be a team working for a GREATER Cincinnati Tri-State and stop the bickering and unfriendly competition that divides us.

Answer from Mitch Painter:

Regional cooperation is essential to our growth. The city, county, and state must work together as one cohesive group with a common goal. Each entity must be willing to give and take on negotiation issues to move quickly and efficiently. Our argumentative and abrasive communication styles are no longer acceptable. If we do not cooperative efficiently and affectively development and opportunities will continue to go else where. By creating an action oriented team we can move quickly to reach our potential and catch up to surrounding cities. Furthermore we must explore the possibility of a metro government where the city and the county are one combined entity. This form of government is working great in many other very successful cities.

Answer from Andre Harper:

I believe that Cincinnati and all of the surrounding communities must work together improve conditions for everyone in the region. We can no longer act as separate entities. Cincinnati is the anchor of the region and its condition has a direct effect on how the region is perceived. In order to promote regional cooperation, I would propose these ideas:

Chambers of Commerce- I will support area chambers efforts in regional branding and cooperation. Improving efficiency- Organize partnerships with other local governments to develop strategies to save money by sharing costs, equipment, knowledge and manpower in order to provide high quality services and eliminate overlap. Improving our environment- I will stress importance of improving our environment focusing on our air quality. I work with surrounding municipalities as well as the state to implement strategies to improve our air quality.

Answer from Brian Garry:

1)Working cooperatively with our region to develop Mass Transit that would connect downtown with the surrounding region. Expanding Metro routes through regional support.

2)Collaborating with my endorsing supporters Todd Portune and David Pepper to increase access to and expand public Healthcare following the lead of the Regional Primary Care Access Initiative. Partnering with the surrounding region to find creative ways to provide better, more encompassing public services.

3)Partnering with the County to address the root causes of crime including increasing job opportunities for residents in our urban core, and supporting the county Fast Track program. Continued support for Downtown as an economic turbine for the region while supporting a strong Economic Inclusion policy for The Banks Project.

Answer from Chris Bortz:

I developed a process for Cincinnati and other jurisdictions throughout the county to voluntarily share in the delivery of basic government services. This included extensive work to improve Cincinnati's relationship with Hamilton County and elected officials in neighboring cities and townships. The Shared Services plan is an excellent example of regional cooperation creating greater efficiency in the delivery of government service and saving taxpayer dollars.

Answer from Justin Jeffre:

Regional cooperation is needed to compete in the global economy. Mass transit moves people efficiently in other cities and needs to be implemented in our region. Regional transit will reduce congestion on our main arteries while reducing pollution, commute time and costs.

Efficiencies are realized when local governments work together when purchasing and contracting. Larger volume can reduce costs of supplies and operations. Through online coordination many manual steps can be eliminated to decrease duplication of effort. Communication is the key to all relationships.

A citizen driven regional public relations campaign to promote what is great about Greater Cincinnati is needed.

The digital revolution and new media creates new opportunities for improved communication. This allows more citizen input and participation in media and government. We can create new networks to deal with the challenges we face more efficiently.

Let's sell Cincinnati back to Cincinnatians, and then, to the World.

Answer from Cecil Thomas:

Three actions in order to promote regional cooperation are:
1. Encourage greatercollaboration for existing regional economic development organizations.
2. Lobby the region for stronger support for Regional Transit System.
3. Development a Regional Environmental Quality Management System. Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana (OKI) is a prime market area for economic development based on its location in the country. Therefore, I would encourage increased involvement by local government officials in the Cincinnati USA Partnership to establish a unified vision for developing the entire region.

Developing a regional transit system helps address poverty in the region. I would continue urging greater collaboration for a transit system that serves the entire region.

Environmental Quality issues are regional issues. I will continue to support the Office of Environmental Quality Management and urge Council support for a regional task force to develop an environment strategy that impacts the entire region.

Answer from Roxanne Qualls:

I would first emphasize developing and institutionalizing cooperation between the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. The three areas that hold much hope for success are: 1. Opportunities for shared service provision between the city and the county and between the city and the first ring suburbs. 2. Developing an integrated transit system that truly serves the residents of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. 3. Aggressively pursuing a cooperative response by both the city and the county to the Consent Decree that will govern our response to storm water management and impact future economic development in the Mill Creek.

Answer from Greg P. Harris:

I'm a strong believer in regionalism. Cities like Minneapolis, Columbus, and Indianapolis that collaborate with their county and surrounding communities tend to prosper far more than those that do not. We need to look no further than across the river to witness how regional collaboration between several municipalities and three counties have revitalized Northern Kentucky.

Hamilton County's entire population is equivalent to a medium-sized city, yet it houses 49 different political jurisdictions. (Cincinnati is just one of these 49.) This makes for a highly bureaucratic county. I would foster cooperation by bringing Cincinnati, its inner-ring suburbs, and the county together to examine duplication of government services and analyze the savings that would be achieved by consolidating targeted government services.

Answer from Chris R. Monzel:

First action, we need to continue the great work of regional cooperation between the Cincinnati Park Board and the Hamilton County Parks. The collaboration between these two organizations has led to the creation of one of the area's largest parks, the Otto Armleder Park. We need to continue to look for opportunities where we can leverage resources between the city and county park systems. Second action, we need the county and the city to work together to increase our jail capacity. With crime still as an important regional issue, we need to continue to work with the county to build a new jail and to streamline the judicial process where possible (i.e. close-circuit arraignments). Third action, we need to improve our region's transportation system. With the expansion of I-75 and the replacement of the Brent Spence bridge, there are many opportunities to work regionally on transportation issue.

Answer from Minette Cooper:

The three actions I would take are: a. Regional Transportation + Partner with Hamilton County, Northern Kentucky, and other municipalities and organizations (such as OKI) to create a truly regional transportation plan that includes a plan for regional funding. b. Joint-Marketing Department + Create a joint marketing department with Hamilton County to attract new business and young professionals to our region. c. Lower Infant Mortality + I am fully supportive of Commissioner Todd Portune and his plan to lower the infant mortality rate in the region in the next 5 years by prenatal care education, parenting classes, and other programs.

Answer from Sam Malone:

Through high-tech enterprising, transit collaboration, and regional commerce initiatives, regional cooperation can be achieved. We must continue to support programs like CincyTechUSA by organizing scheduled roundtables with regional planners, policy makers, chambers of commerce, and other stakeholders to develop and promote high-tech centers. We must continue defining and refining Cincinnati's identity as a "hot bed" for high-tech entrepreneurship to increase our region's economic competitiveness. Regarding transit collaboration, David Thornburgh, of the Alliance for Regional Stewardship, queries, "What's the one issue that really ties a region together? My vote + transit. " The Greater Cincinnati region has an abundance of transit related issues that create opportunities-a-plenty for collaboration and regional relationship building between the many municipalities in our area. My plan would be to utilize the appropriate committee to identify lead organizations, convene stakeholder meetings, ensure projects are prioritized, and monitor the collaborative process so that action plans are developed and completed.

Answer from Laketa Cole:

The 3 actions I recommend to promote regional cooperation, and the implementation thereof are: a. Work with area municipalities on key issues that we all face, such as crime. b. Continue to work with County Commissioners in terms of funding for youth jobs. c. Work with State officials to help with funding economic growth.

Answer from Jeff Berding:

The new leadership teams at the City and the County, with my strong involvement, have already made considerable progress working together this year on the jail, shared services, the Banks, transportation, financial literacy/foreclosure and soon financial stability. Another area that I am interested in pursuing joint efforts in is a "health" agenda, and I have already begun discussions with the Commissioners on infant mortality and restructuring of the City/County primary care system.

We must keep the lines of communication open, and continue to meet regularly on these items. In addition, I am working with the Commissioners on holding a series of City/County Town Hall Meetings to gain input from citizens on how we can work better together on many of these issues.

Answer from John Cranley:

To promote regional cooperation Council must develop strong working relationships with officials from other jurisdictions and collaborate with our regional partners on issues that impact us all.

As a member of Council, I have strived to make regional cooperation a hallmark of my service. I have worked with the Hamilton County Commissioners and the Banks Working Group to develop a plan that is equitable to all parties involved. This collaboration is starting to pay off, and we will see that construction starting shortly. I have worked with County Commissioner Todd Portune and other officials to reorganize SORTA in order to provide better access, more options, and an expanded regional focus. And, I have worked with Hamilton County to create a regional approach to solving the city's sewer problems.

If re-elected, I will continue this work with our regional partners to provide improved services to our citizens.

Answer from Joan Kaup:

1. Review and summarize the necessary requirements for small businesses, small developers and large developers to meet both city and county codes/requirements of building so the language is concise, easy to access and easy to understand. Some guidelines may have to be modified or simplified to accelerate property development and renovation.
2. Work together to solidify sustainable funding to the arts as a shared obligation with Hamilton County and the region because our arts institutions and organizations within the city boundaries serve all residents in the Tri-state fairly and affordably. Municipalities investing in the arts are investing in an industry that supports jobs, generates government revenue and is a cornerstone of tourism and a higher quality of life.
3. Continue to explore and develop better communication, support systems and best practices for policing and safety practices that cross neighborhood, county, and municipal boundaries.

Answer from John Eby:

Let's start with a question, "Do you think Northern Kentucky acts in a regional manner?" The answer is simple yes. I want a government that acts in a cooperative and regional fashion. We must imagine new dynamics for bringing business and development to our region that respects local authority while embracing a regional approach to growth. We must "Revitalize the core" by making the spokes on the wheel stronger. We need a seamless community approach to economic and community development. I will advocate for the creation of a Land Banking Authority with a regional focus and strategy that brings focus on not only housing development, but industrial development as well. I will advocate for tax incentives for those who build "LEED" certified (GREEN) homes within the county. I pledge that I will work cooperatively with our all elected officials to bring prosperity to our region.

Answer from George J. Zamary:

End the bickering between council members and behave in a more efficient and professional manner. Cooperation begins at the council level and must focus on what is best for the city and region.

As a council member, one has the responsibility to represent the city and region. City council should be actively working to promote its businesses and bring people back within its boundaries. Council members should meet with leaders from all of Cincinnati's neighborhoods in an attempt to identify how to best utilize their resources and actively work to implement progress change.

Cincinnati is fortunate to be the entertainment, artistic and cultural center to the region. We have world class institutions, universities, hospitals, and hotels. We must continue to build upon these opportunities to achieve even great development in the city and surrounding areas. We owe it to all to make Cincinnati as vibrant as possible.

Answer from Michael Earl Patton:

First, I would be a full-time councilman and would be available to discuss matters with other officials.

Second, there is already some regional co-operation in place with the public library system, which is county-wide, and we should build on that. There are other possible areas. One is the multiple fire departments in Hamilton County which mean station siting is often inefficient and consolidated purchasing, with attendant savings, is impossible. Another are the City and County park systems that overlap. And, there should be a regional mass transportation system that is funded by the whole county, not just the city.

Regional cooperation will come in stages. Point out the gains by combining purchasing, knowledge, experiences, and eliminating overlap. If only a few municipalities are interested, work with those.

Third, I will always remember that I would be a Cincinnati councilman. I will not give away the city's assets. "Only strength can cooperate...(Over word limit)

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