League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
Hamilton County, OH November 5, 2013 Election
	Robert G. Kelly Answers Questions Candidate for Law Director; City of Norwood

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?

I have more than 35 years of experience in municipal government; and have been a prosecutor for more than 33 years. Throughout my career, in public service and in private practice, I have a proven track record of working with citizens, community groups, and other elected officials to resolve problems that affect Norwood and citizens' quality of life. I am not afraid to work hard, to make tough decisions to bring change that can have a positive impact on citizens. I will make sure elected and appointed officials and employees follow the law, regardless of their politics, to protect the best interest of the city.

2. What services do you believe should be considered basic and essential for the City?

City services are important to creating a good quality of life for citizens in our community. I believe we can continue to provide citizens with the services that are necessary and desirable through a cooperative approach. Our Police and Fire Departments are second to none. Currently, Norwood also has mutual aid agreements with other communities to help with emergencies; I believe these agreements should continue. Other departments, such as the Health and Building Departments, should be evaluated to determine if better services could be provided by, or cooperatively with, other communities to save money and deliver superior service.

3. How would you balance the City Budget?

All services should be subjects of discussion so that we can create a budget that permits the city to live within its means. I would live within my means in the Law Director's office by reducing the practice of routinely hiring outside counsel through holding staff of the Law Department accountable for doing their jobs. I would also eliminate the use of city cars for the Law Director's office. Additionally, I would reduce break time of Law Department staff, making them more available for citizens.

4. Citizen engagement is important to the health of local government. In what ways do you support citizen engagement?

I am committed to addressing concerns from citizens and committed to the betterment of our community. The City of Norwood Law Director's office is not a stop on the way to something better. Rather, the key to good government is community engagement, knowing citizens and their families, and understanding the past and future of our neighborhood. People who live in our community deserve a Law Director who will make the betterment of our community the top priority. I would also solicit input from citizens on proposed legislation, such as potential increases in taxes or fees.

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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.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: November 1, 2013 11:50
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