League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
Hamilton County, OH November 6, 2012 Election
	Jim Neil Answers Questions Candidate for Sheriff; County of Hamilton

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. What are your qualifications for office? (50 Word limit)

I am a Law Enforcement Professional with over 30 years experience with the Sheriff's Office. I have a degree in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, and Urban Police Management and Corrections Management. I have over 4,000 hours of relative job training and education including the School of Police Staff and Command.

2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit)

First, immediately hire a specialized agency to conduct a financial and operational audit of the Sheriff's Office. Second, consolidate sections and divisions within the office to eliminate duplication of services and management staff providing a more effective and fiscally responsible office. Third, reestablish the relationship with the Hamilton County Police Association and share services and resources, both equipment and personnel. This will provide a higher level of quality service at a reduced cost to the citizens of Hamilton County.

3. What are the two most pressing issues you will face if you are elected? (100 word limit)

First is dealing with a shrinking budget while the call for service in our neighborhoods remain constant and require adequate patrol services. Second is the concern over a lack of sufficient jail space.

4. How will you address each of those issues? (100 word limit)

First we have to conduct an audit of the department. It's time for a fresh pair of eyes to take a "look under the hood." This will help in identifying where I can consolidate or eliminate services and restructure the command staff. I will get by with "less chiefs" and put more boots on the ground. Jail overcrowding will not go away. Regardless of the size of the facility we have, courts will always sentence to capacity. We need to work with the courts on alternative sentencing programs. Electronic Monitoring for non-violent misdemeanant offenders is much more cost effective.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Answers will be cut off if they exceed a word limit, if present. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 18, 2012 12:20
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