League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
	Hamilton County, OH November 3, 2009 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Trustee; Township of Colerain

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 Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. What are your Qualifications for Office? (50 word limit) Answer from Dennis P. Deters: I spent the first half of my legal career representing and advising townships, police departments, and local governments. I have a good understanding of municipal and township law. I`ve had first hand experience with the day to day operations of local municipalities, and the more serious problems that townships encounter. Answer from Jeffrey F. "Jeff" Ritter: I am the best candidate because of my combination of experience in both the private and public sector, as well as my propensity to work collaboratively with others and build consensus for solutions that are in the best interests of Colerain Township. 2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit) Answer from Jeffrey F. "Jeff" Ritter: Since there will be at least one new member of the Board next year, I believe the Board should conduct an off-site retreat or planning session in January with our Administrator and department heads. We will be able to align the priorities of each Trustee and agree on strategies to achieve them. For my part, I will suggest we continue to manage our finances very conservatively, create Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts more aggressively to attract new business to Colerain Township, and enforce our Property Maintenance Code so property values are sustained and improved. Moreover, I will continue to fight against more Section 8 housing in Colerain, and support our Police and Fire Departments so our residents feel safe and secure. Answer from Dennis P. Deters: Leadership requires a commitment to ensuring that the people of Colerain have the best public safety services in the country. Colerain Township has some of the finest police and fire service, and a budget priority will be improving this great tradition and keeping our neighborhoods safe. I hope to lead with the understanding that citizens and businesses know better how to spend their money than the government. This principle will guide my decision making. I will unite the township behind a fair economic development plan that does not impede our ability to conserve our green space and live in some ..... 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.