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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
Qualification,
Priorities,
Economic,
Rental property
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 Lynn Crider:
My credentials include 3 ½ years of City Council experience, 10+ years experience in the business world and an MBA from Xavier University. Furthermore, I have served on a number of committees and commissions for the City of Wyoming. I offer a unique blend of private and public sector experience.
Answer from Walter W. Cordes, II:
31 years of municipal experience, proficient with governmental operations, budgeting, historic preservation, public safety, economic development, master plan development, park, recreation, utility operations and other aspects of local governmental management. As a Councilman, sat on the Urban Forestry Board, Public Safety Committee, Law Committee and Historic Preservation Commission.
Answer from Will Papa:
I bring a diverse set of experiences to Council. I am a 25 year resident and a long time community volunteer (Wyoming Solid Waste Commission Chairman, WSMA board member, Recreation Coach, Finance Committee, Zoning Board, Buildings and Equipment Chair). I am also a corporate executive (Procter and Gamble R&D Director).
Answer from Barry S. Porter:
25 years as a Council member
Mayor, Vice Mayor, Chairman of Finance Committee
Member of Economic Development Commission & Joint City School Committee
38 years experience in various corporate financial management positions
Controller, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer.
Answer from James T. O'Reilly:
Leadership - I-75 Galbraith exit project
Awareness of how government works - 29 yrs. teaching
Open to new ways of presenting services at lower costs
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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 James T. O'Reilly:
Continue leading role within OKI transportation plan group
Facilitate lower cost shared services climate countywide
Extend Wyoming athletic facilities by cooperation with other communities nearby
Answer from Barry S. Porter:
Council prioritized infrastructure improvements and replacements each year. Paying for these projects within the City's financial resources requires experienced financial leadership. This is where my past education and experience brings value. In addition, when upgrading roadways,the City will continue to consider sewers and water lines and finance their replacement where required.
Working through the Economic Development Commission setting priorities for upgrading of the residential, business and park areas.I would continue my strong support of the City's Safety services.
Answer from Will Papa:
Economic Development- The Wyoming business community continues to struggle. I will work with the administration to bring the Master Plan to life with emphasis on economic development...
Communication +Council and the administration need to more effectively communicate with the citizens of Wyoming.
Surrounding Communities + We must work effectively with the surrounding communities. There is huge opportunity in this area. Some of the neighboring communities are struggling as well. We must reach out to these communities with our "know how" but be conservative in terms of our financial support.
Answer from Lynn Crider:
Through involvement with the Finance Committee, I plan to emphasize restraint on capital expenses. Furthermore, I will work with the Committee to review operational budgets with an eye toward reducing overall costs. Decisions around budget cuts must be weighed against potential affects to the superior level of service provided by Wyoming.
The current economic climate presents unique development opportunities that must be evaluated as they arise. As an example, reduced material and labor costs make infrastructure improvement projects very attractive. Wyoming must continue its strong track record in pursuing and receiving grant funding to cover the costs of local projects.
Answer from Walter W. Cordes, II:
Continue to support transparent management and operations, and recognizing/preventing polarizing and or controversial issues by staying attached to residents and their concerns. Vote to maintain the highest operational efficiency coupled with superior services. Work in committee toward completing the 2007 Master Plan goals and following each of these goals to implementation.
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3. What two actions would you promote to enhance city revenue or decrease city expenditures in order to balance the city budget, given the current economic conditions? (100 word limit)
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Answer from Walter W. Cordes, II:
Our revenue is likely the highest it can be and I would not consider or support increasing taxes unless there were dire circumstances demanding it. Direction to the City Manager has been given; Grants are actively being sought to reduce costs of future capital projects. Department heads have been directed to reduce their 2010 budgets while maintaining our service levels - the budget process is underway and results are materializing.
Answer from James T. O'Reilly:
Equipment sharing for specialized vehicles/tools
Move school income tax collection paperwork out of high cost state tax dept. central office, back to city's own competent tax offices
Answer from Barry S. Porter:
I would limit general expenses to the extent of the anticipated reductions in Tax income.
Scrutinize each projected Capital purchases and/or improvement to make sure it is necessary or neede,
Answer from Lynn Crider:
First, I believe we should continue the long held practice of working closely with the City Administration in the budgeting process in order to strongly communicate fiscal priorities. Through this approach, the cost reduction and revenue generation opportunities are maximized in both the short and long term.
Second, I believe that it is important for the City to continue to pursue grant funding as appropriate. Through our thorough understanding of the grant process, we have funded and continue to fund necessary infrastructure improvement projects (e.g. new roads).
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4. What steps should the local government take to ensure that the quality of rental property meets minimum legal standards? (100 word limit)
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Answer from James T. O'Reilly:
I have supported the environmental/housing court concept for many years and believe it will give focus and leverage to our effort to bring the worst offenders into compliance.
Answer from Walter W. Cordes, II:
The City of Wyoming should, and does, enforce all property maintenance issues via a zoning code enforcement officer. We provide notice, direction and reasonable time periods to bring property into compliance - offering additional resources should a property owner not have the means to implement necessary improvements..
Answer from Barry S. Porter:
Not an issue.
Answer from Lynn Crider:
Single owner-occupied homes are a valued asset in this community. Wyoming City ordinances reflect this community priority. Codes that already exist must continue to be enforced especially when public safety is a concern. Council should continue to discuss the need for city planning options. The 10 year Master Plan revealed that citizens view planning to be a priority especially in the areas known as "Zones of Potential Change" (e.g. City Center) as well as the Historic District. Encouraging single owner-occupied housing in these districts through the planning process would be consistent with the values of this community.
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
