League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
	Hamilton County, OH November 5, 2013 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Member of Board of Education; Hamilton County Educational Service Center

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, Building Consensus, Equity 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 Bill Ferguson, Jr.: I joined the Hamilton County Educational Service Center board in 2009. I have spent considerable time attending meetings and workshops to stay abreast of issues facing our ESC and the education system. Before joining the board, I was a career journalist. I have a strong knowledge of how government operates. 2. What will you do to build consensus in the community in support of public schools? (100 word limit) Answer from Bill Ferguson, Jr.: My wife and I have been strong supporters of our schools and remain committed to our education system. Through the years, we have volunteered at various events--from concession-stand work at football games to PTA involvement to classroom presentations to After Prom organizing. Both of our children attended public schools all 12 years. One has a teaching degree; the other has an engineering degree. Even now, we are hosting a high school international exchange student, which requires us to keep in touch with our high school. Involvement is the best way to build community support: Show that you care. 3. What would you do to advance the concept of "equity in education"? (100 word limit) Answer from Bill Ferguson, Jr.: Our education system should ensure that all children make the most of their abilities, regardless of physical limitations, family income or support systems outside the classroom. The ESC provides many services that offer students those opportunities. ESC employees include occupational therapists, school nurses, speech and language experts, school-improvement coaches, special-education specialists and others. We provide school districts with the people they need to enhance the lives of thousands of students. I understand the necessity of providing quality services at reasonable cost to our school districts. 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.