League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
	Hamilton County, OH November 4, 2008 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Commissioner; County of Hamilton; 4 Year Term Starting 1/3/09

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 Pressing Issues, Implementation Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. What are the two most pressing issues you will face if you are elected? (50 word limit) Answer from Chris Dole: A budget crisis that needs to address cuts while providing basic services.Increase revenue streams and create a climate of cooperation between government, business and labor. Secondly, our public safety is always of great concern whether it be crime, fire safety or transportation. Answer from Greg Hartmann: I believe that Hamilton County must make economic development a priority. Additionally, we must do all we can to identify cost savings and eliminate waste in government to guide our county through difficult economic times. 2. How will you address each of those issues? (100 word limit) Answer from Chris Dole: First, I believe we can market our county better. There are a number of areas in the county that are overlooked and/or not seriously considered. We have pockets in the inner city and first suburbs that have infrastructure already in place or readily available. On the second issue of safety, I believe it is the county's responsibility to support all police and fire agencies of the forty nine political jurisdictions. The jail system continues to be scrutinized for alternatives, whether it be for more minimum security, a tent city (in a warehouse), home incarceration or vacant office buildings. Answer from Greg Hartmann: The future of our county depends on our commitment to grow the local economy + economic development must become our top priority. I will work to identify every available resource to make our county more competitive and attractive to businesses seeking to invest in this region. I will also identify additional areas of partnership or collaboration that have been overlooked or underutilized. Additional involvement by the Greater Cincinnati Port Authority and the Cincinnati Chamber will play an important role. We must also seek to identify cost savings in Hamilton County government by utilizing technology and operating more efficiently. Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. The answer must not exceed 100 words. 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.