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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
Qualifications,
Basic Services,
Budget,
Citizen Engagement
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?
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Answer from Laurie (Walter) Howland:
I have served for the last four years on Milford City Council having been elected to the position. For the last two years, I have served as Vice-Mayor having been appointed by my fellow council members to the position. During my current term, Council and I have made some tough decisions that required some changes and new faces to the city. These decisions were vital in moving Milford forward and allowing the city to grow and prosper despite some tough economic times. Having been through this process, I am in a great position with the knowledge I have as do my other current fellow council members to keep the city moving forward and growing. There are more cuts ahead in regards to the budget so having the experience to handle it I think is key and what is even more important is that we handled it correctly.
Answer from Luama Wilkins "Lu" Mays:
I gained leadership experience as a US Army Captain in charge of a helicopter testing operation, with the responsibility for the care and feeding of over 200 troopers. I gained further leadership and corporate experience when GE Aviation hired me to create and manage an international commercial engine leasing operation. This operation was created to support all GE-powered airliners no matter where in the world they were located. I later used this experience to create my own helicopter charter and consultant company. My experience will be valuable to the city of Milford in overcoming the many economic challenges it will face as the economy slowly improves.
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2. What services do you believe should be considered basic and essential for the City?
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Answer from Luama Wilkins "Lu" Mays:
The most cost-effective fire, police, and city management possible. Though Milford has achieved this in the past, it will become increasingly difficult in the future if the state continues to reduce local funding. Additionally, it is very important that we budget carefully and prudently to keep our roads, sewers, parks, and trails in good condition.
Answer from Laurie (Walter) Howland:
The list of services considered basic and essential will vary slightly from person to person. But I think we can agree that essential services are our Fire Department, Police Department, Water and Sewer Departments and maintaining our infrastructure. These departments provide services that are essential to keeping a city running and safe.
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3. How would you balance the City Budget?
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Answer from Luama Wilkins "Lu" Mays:
While I generally approve of the direction the city has taken fiscally, I will try to put more effort into attracting small business. Milford is a beautiful city with a great school system and outstanding police and fire departments. Free of pension and bond encumbrances, and with a favorable upward trend of tax revenue, we are in much better shape than most municipalities and should therefore focus on growth rather than belt-tightening.
Answer from Laurie (Walter) Howland:
Balancing a city budget is very complex. There are so many factors and elements that go into it. The key for me is listening to our department heads on what is essential then gathering the information and cost analysis from our City Manager and Finance Director. Then with their expertise making a very informed decision. We are very fortunate in Milford to have two of the best people at the helm of budget issues - City Manager, Jeff Wright and Finance Director, Dan Burke. The hiring of these two professionals were two of the best decisions our current council made to insure that the city could move forward despite tough economic times. I would balance the budget by using the resources we put in place to help us make the best decisions.
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4. Citizen engagement is important to the health of local government. In what ways do you support citizen engagement?
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Answer from Laurie (Walter) Howland:
Citizen Engagement is what lead me to run for council in the first place four years ago. The first key to that is getting to know people within your community. I love to walk my neighborhood and Main Street simply to socialize. Walking Main Street and popping into the shops has become one of my favorite activities with my daughter. This allows me to stay engaged with residents and our business owners. By me staying engaged with them they also stay engaged with the city. I learn what their concerns are and they learn what their Council and City Staff are doing for them. Communication makes residents and business owners feel more involved and connected. This overall connection in the city is one of the many reasons Milford is a great place to call home.
Answer from Luama Wilkins "Lu" Mays:
I have volunteered considerable time to the city as a Commissioner on the Milford Parks & Recreation Commission. As a member of the commission for the last two years, I have managed to bring the Soap Box Derby to Milford, allowing girls and boys from ages 7 to 17 build and race Soap Box Derby cars. The competition brings friends and family together for a day of fun and companionship. As an active citizen in our local government and community, I try to lead by example.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits may apply. See individual questions for specific word limits. Direct references to opponents are not permitted. Please edit your work before submitting. We are unable to provide spell-check at this time.
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
