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 Ralph Hoop:

Close ties to community as 23 year Glendale resident. Sons graduated from Princeton HS. Active in GHP and Village Ad Hoc Committees. Good business skills after 37 years as P&G engineering manager. As a retiree I am able to commit the time required to be an effective council member.

Answer from Cynthia Beischel:

• Glendale resident -- 33 years
• Member of 2006 Fire Task Force
• Activist for community solidarity
• Manager of Glendale rental property -- 20 years
• Executor of two estates
• Author and publisher of nonfiction and Cincinnati related history
• Former teacher using skills of listening and asking questions until issues are understood by all

Answer from Laurence Bonhaus:

Two years ago, my wife, Hildy, and I moved to Glendale and are fortunate to live in this beautiful, historic and friendly community. I will bring fresh ideas to Glendale and support the community with my professional training in architecture and law specializing in historic preservation, land use and zoning.

Answer from Cynthia Beischel:

• A more participatory system and open process of governance is needed to enable Council to better reflect the needs and interests of all Glendale residents.
• Council and Town Hall meetings should receive cable coverage.
• Semiannual "State of the Village" addresses should be instituted.
• Sustaining our own police, fire and water departments enables the Village to have more control over safety, expenditures, costs and personnel.
• Glendale can no longer count on generous monetary gifts. The Erickson Retirement Community plan fulfills the criteria to provide a source of income from services, impact fees and taxes, while maintaining Glendale's unique character.

Answer from Laurence Bonhaus:

1. Conduct a professional study of the current and reasonably projected five year costs of the fire department and document on-station and response time. Consider alternatives to the volunteer department, including long-term contract with a neighboring community and local volunteer assistance.
2. Engage an arborist to inventory our public space and private trees. Using historic engravings and photos, project current rate of decline and establish a plan to reforest the public parks and require replacement when trees die on private property.
3. Simplify permit and historic review process and encourage appropriate development while preserving Glendale's historic buildings and community atmosphere.

Answer from Ralph Hoop:

I believe Landmark Baptist Temple is a motivated seller and the Landmark property will be developed. The Erickson retirement community is a desirable use for this property, but effort must be made to integrate these new residents into the Glendale community. We should encourage their use of Glendale businesses and their participation in community activities. Impact fees must be negotiated so that the new community pays its fair share of Glendale overhead. The Fire Department is an institution which helps bind the community together and should be maintained at reasonable cost expense. Continue efforts to maintain the appearance of Village Square and its use by residents for everyday casual gathering.

Answer from Cynthia Beischel:

• Maintaining Glendale's Fire Department allows us to play a significant role in the protection of Glendale and neighboring communities. Our region includes close proximity of expressways crossing major railroad corridors and state routes, placing us in a high threat urban area for disasters. The federal government is urging all fire services to be prepared for local emergencies.

• Keeping the Princeton School District strong and viable is important for the education we offer our students and also in regard to our property values. Sustaining all of our schools and creating programs which aim for excellence, including strong extracurricular programs which studies have proven have a positive effect on academics, will provide future benefits.

• Major developments, such as the Northern Lights Project and the possible Erickson Retirement Community, demand good relations between neighboring communities. Studying the needs, goals, and obstacles involved to create win-win situations for all involved will promote the goal.

Answer from Laurence Bonhaus:

As a small community with limited resources, Glendale must lead by example. First, I would strongly urge both the members of the Village Council as well as our Administration to actively participate in regional community activities to that Glendale has a voice in the larger community. Second, Glendale should take a leadership role in creation a regional forum for cooperation among the communities bordering Interstate 75 north and south of the circle freeway. Although these communities are located in two difference counties, their needs, future growth and resources are highly interconnected. Transportation and traffic planning, commercial growth and cooperation in the use of park and other open spaces should be coordinated for the greater good of our communities. Third, Glendale's unique position as a National Historic District with numerous, well-preserved register buildings should be used to assist other communities in preserving their historic structures.

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