League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
Clermont, Hamilton County, OH November 5, 2013 Election
	Luama Wilkins "Lu" Mays Answers Questions Candidate for Member Council at Large; City of Milford

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 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.

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

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.

3. How would you balance the City Budget?

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.

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

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.

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 18, 2013 08:41
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