Candidate for
Trustee; Township of Anderson

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Anderson Township -1990 to Present

I was persuaded in 1989 to run for the office of Township Trustee. Part of my challenge was to formulate a platform which reflected the needs of the community. I started by walking door-to-door in various neighborhoods to ask residents what they would like to see changed. Anderson was in a period of explosive growth at that time, and residents feared that our tranquil character, green forests, and clear streams would disappear forever. The concept for a greenspace preservation program emerged, and I promised, if elected, to provide a way to make that program happen. At that time the Ohio Revised Code did not permit a Board of Township Trustees to place a greenspace levy on the ballot. Therefore, it was necessary that I present the state legislature in Columbus with a bill to obtain the necessary changes in state law. Once permissive legislation was passed, the voters of the Township gave over whelming support, and the rest is history. We were the first, and are still the only, township in Ohio with a voter-approved greenspace program. Our Greenspace Advisory Committee continues to look for acquisitions and administers a maintenance program.

Zoning was a new and fresh issue when I became Trustee, as residents had in 1987 passed a referendum to adopt Township zoning, rather than the Hamilton County zoning it previously had. This was good news. However, with the unrestrained zoning of the past, the Township was left with some interesting problems such as unplanned development along Beechmont Avenue. Because it is a state road (Rt. 125) under the jurisdiction of the Ohio Department of Transportation, our approach to improvements needed to be one of safety. Forming a committee consisting of representatives from ODOT, the Hamilton County Engineer, the consulting firm of KZF, our Township Safety Director, and me, as liaison for the Trustees, we developed the Beechmont Corridor Plan. This nationally recognized plan has for many years addressed safety and traffic issues. Some improvements, but not all, include secondary access ways, synchronization of traffic lights, right turn lanes, and reduced number of curb cuts. Zoning has moved steadily forward over the years, addressing many other areas. It has been an amazing journey, from two employees working in a trailer to the highly efficient and productive Development Services Department which today provides professional services to our residents.

It was apparent that there was a need to promote a sense of community in Anderson. Creating the Anderson Insights newsletter in 1992 has helped foster that sense. Responding to what residents told us, the Anderson Trails Plan was initiated, giving all of us the ability to get out of our cars and walk or bike safely. Sidewalks now connect our neighborhoods. Understanding that Anderson did not have a "town square," the construction of Anderson Center Station, the Anderson Center, and Anderson Lake has at long last filled that void. As Anderson Towne Center continues to develop, our identity grows.

Celebrating Anderson's Bicentennial in1993 was a great pleasure for me. More than 400 volunteers participated to make it a truly memorable event. I believe it is important to study the past, and was gratified to participate in the preservation of the Heritage Center (1991) and the James Clark Stone House (1995). The dedication of our new History Room in the Anderson Center will be an exciting event this summer. Our residents, their children, and future generations will benefit from this resource. The Anderson Township Historical Society is to be commended for its stewardship of our treasures.

The progress we have made is important but may not continue unless we keep a sharp eye on the future. Much remains to be done to continue Anderson's position as a premiere community. Organizing the Coalition of Large Urban Townships and adopting Home Rule have provided some tools. Our Comprehensive Plan has crystallized our vision and will be reviewed in 2010. We should continue our efforts to maintain property values, to exercise fiscal responsibility, and to expand our tax base to provide some relief to residents. To these I am committed.

I believe strongly in the benefits of township government. I know it is the government closest to the people. With your support, I will continue to work hard for residents and promote a sense of community for all.

Seasongood&Mayer - 1984 to 1987

From 1984 to 1987 I was reemployed by Seasongood&Mayer to establish a retail sales department. I implemented new advertising techniques, slogan and logo updating, and designed a record-keeping system. I also sold municipal bonds and the Ohio Tax-Exempt Bond Fund to individual accounts.

Dance Centre of Cincinnati - 1981 to 1983

After the birth of my daughter in 1980, I became co-founder and co-owner of a retail clothing store, Dance Centre of Cincinnati, on Hyde Park Square, specializing in exercise wear and sportswear for women.

Seasongood&Mayer - 1966 to 1980

Shortly after my employment in 1966 with Seasongood&Mayer, a firm specializing in municipal bond financing, I was given the opportunity to become a stock trader, operating an over-the-counter stock trading desk. This position is similar to a specialist on the New York Stock Exchange. I maintained market and security positions in major Cincinnati corporations. At that time, I was the first woman in the United States to maintain an OTC position. Therefore, it was particularly gratifying to be accepted in 1970 as the first female member of the Cincinnati Stock and Bond Club. When elected an officer in the club (first secretary and later vice-president), I was active in restructuring the By-Laws and doubling the membership.

Community Action Commission - 1964 to 1965

I began my career as a field assistant to the Director of the Community Action Commission. My position required assisting in organizing community meetings in the Over-the-Rhine area to enable local residents to voice their needs for neighborhood improvements as well as social and political change. This experience provided a valuable learning field for my future years in public service and problem-solving on a local level.

EDUCATION

Graduated Hughes High School, Cincinnati, 1960

Attended University of Cincinnati, 1960 -1965

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIPS

Cincinnati Preservation Association (Board of Trustees)

The Cincinnatus Association

Hamilton County Development Co., Inc. (Board of Trustees; Economic Development Committee)

Hamilton County Township Association (Board of Directors)

Kindervelt #15, Anderson Township, for the benefit of Children's Hospital

League of Women Voters

Lighthouse Youth Services (Event Committee)

Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (Board of Directors; Eastern Corridor Task Force; Executive Committee; Economic Development and Funding Committee)

Ohio Township Association

Queen City Club

St. Timothy's Episcopal Church

Republican Memberships:

Anderson Township Republican Club (Board of Directors; President 1994 - 1996; Precinct Executive since 1990)

Hamilton County Republican Club

Hamilton County Women's Republican Club

PREVIOUS PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Queen City Municipal Bond Club

Cincinnati Stock and Bond Club

Public Securities Association

National Association of Security Dealers