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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.
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1. What are your qualifications for office? (50 word limit)
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Answer from James H. Ferguson:
For the past 19 years, I have held several senior leadership positions in both business and local community volunteer organizations. My skill sets include strategy development, business management, operations, finance, marketing, sales, public relations and strategic alliance building. I am a good listener and can set a vision and then work towards that vision ensuring a "win-win" for everyone involved.
Answer from Dennis Wolter:
I have run a successful business for 34 years, routinely working with many organizations and committees. I have a strong grasp of today's business and community challenges. I have lived in Mariemont for 21 years, and respect the traditions that define this village. I am a chosen Town Meeting candidate.
Answer from Kimberly Sullivan:
- Two years experience on council - familiar with procedures. Chairperson of the safety committee, member of recreation and public works committees.
- Longtime resident of the historic district; aware of Mariemont's diverse needs.
- Progressive, proactive management style.
- Corporate, editorial and nonprofit management experience.
- Town meeting candidate.
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2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit)
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Answer from Kimberly Sullivan:
1. Meet with council, employees, human resource professionals and key stakeholders to develop strategic plan & action steps.
2. Review current methods of communications and marketing; update where needed; better utilize newsletter, website, etc.
3. Create volunteer communications/marketing committee with the many creatives and business leaders in the village to make recommendations and solicit better community input.
Answer from Dennis Wolter:
I would work to create an economic develoment committee consisting of Mariemont residents as well as elected officials, drawing upon the many talents and business experience of our citizens. We should strive to keep a balance of quality housing at all economic levels. We need to acquire a business in the renovated space in the square, as well as develop the steam plant property, incorporating a bird sanctuary at the adjacent hillside. I would encourage increased interaction between council and residents, as the best communities are those in which everyone takes pride in being a contributing part.
Answer from James H. Ferguson:
1) Vision and Strategic Plan - Develop a comprehensive survey to gain resident feedback, summarize results, prioritize and then assemble a cross-district panel of residents and business owners to develop the vision and subsequent plan.
2)Reinvigorate Communications, Morale and Passion - Get more community members involved in tackling key priorities and facilitate an open environment and process to voice concerns and provide new ideas. Update website content and develop new communications tools.
3) Brand Proposition - Develop an enhanced identity that embraces the history and uniqueness of the Village and makes it more relevant to today's residents and business owners. Take that identity and develop a resident and business focused communications plan that clearly articulates the key benefits of living, working and playing in the Village.
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3. State three actions that you recommend to promote regional cooperation, and explain how you would implement each action? (150 word limit)
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Answer from Dennis Wolter:
I think there shoud be more interaction with neighboring communities, and I would encourage increased membership and involvement in organizations such as Kiwanis. We should concern ourselves with county-wide and state-wide issues in addition to those specific only to Mariemont. Representatives from our village should regularly connect with officials in Hamilton County and the City of Cincinnati, as I'm sure we all have many of the same regional concerns. I strongly support the excellent school system we enjoy, but would like to see our business leaders implement "take a student to work" type of programs as well as offer employment opportunites in the summer. These programs could certainly cross our village boundaries.
Answer from Kimberly Sullivan:
Three actions to promote regional cooperation:
Overall, I think there are good relations within the region, especially with safety services. Council members and the mayor regularly attend regional meetings, etc.
1: Establish regional committee ( Mariemont, Fairfax, Terrace Park, Columbia Township, Madisonville Community Council and others as needed) to co-report on issues affecting adjoining municipalities.
2: Explore vehicles for joint marketing and communications.
3: Take better advantage of state and regional cooperatives.
Answer from James H. Ferguson:
1) Reach out to our neighbor communities and establish a regional community group that can meet once a quarter to discuss challenges, opportunities and key learnings. Learn from each other in helping make our communities a better place to live, work and play.
2) Establish a strong relationship with Cincinnati government to learn from one another and find ways we can mutually benefit each other
3) Establish strong relationship with Hamilton County leadership to learn from one another and find ways we can mutually benefit each other
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits apply for each question. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
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League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
