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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
Qualification,
Priorities,
Eastern Corridor Project,
Communications,
Transportation,
Greenspace
Click on a name for other candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. What are your Qualifications for Office? (50 word limit)
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Answer from Albert F. "Al" Peter:
1. Encumbent office holder, with 4 years experience as Trustee of Anderson Township.
2. 30+ years in business, with a background in financial management, marketing, employee relations, etc. Served as a manager at various levels and as Chief Operating Officer (CEO) of a $400M, 2000 person public corporation.
3. Member of various volunteer organizations and boards.
4. Long time resident of Anderson Township.
Answer from Kevin P. O'Brien:
I've been an Anderson resident for 40+ years. My wife and I operate 2 businesses in Anderson. As a Trustee, my business experience and community involvement will be helpful making Anderson a better community. The Board of Trustees needs fresh energy and ideas. In Anderson, "It's Time For A Change".
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2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit)
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Answer from Kevin P. O'Brien:
1. A sound fiscal plan is a necessity for Anderson Township.
2. The addition of a quality bookstore and family style movie theater will make Anderson a better community. This may also encourage additional stores and shopping at the Anderson Towne Center and surrounding areas.
3. The creation of the "Anderson Township Community Fund" will encourage local investment in our public facilities. Tax benefits will encourage support for the activities of non-profit organizations, ie: senior citizen center, an arts center, parks and schools.
Answer from Albert F. "Al" Peter:
1. Fiscal responsibility is an on-going process. It is more an attitude about spending than anything else. Every expenditure is evaluated and must meet needs criteria. We budget in advance and do not normally exceed any budget items. Budgets are not automatically increased but are set to reflect the needs for the coming year.
2. Planning is both a formal and continuing process. There is a continually refined long range plan, including specific goals, strategies, and anticipated time lines. Day to day activities are governed by the plan elements.
3. We are creating a visual "Center of Anderson" by augmenting and enhancing the Anderson Towne Center/Mercy complex with a new Park & Ride, a four acre lake and park, along with a possible civic and performing arts center, which will also house our governmental offices. Five Mile Road is being enhanced with new landscaping, fencing and medians. We are striving to create a destination and identity for the Township with these changes.
4. Property values are enhanced by keeping taxes low, improving the infrastructure, encouraging business development, supporting the school system, and by providing the best governmental services we can, while keeping within budgets.
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3. What would you do to diminish negative environmental impacts of the Eastern Corridor project and protect the designation of the Little Miami as a National Wild and Scenic River? (100 word limit)
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Answer from Kevin P. O'Brien:
My family enjoys camping, hiking and many outdoor activites. My involvement in the Cub & Boy Scouts reinforced my love of the environment. As an Eagle Scout my son planted more trees than I can remember. The Eastern Corridor bridge over the Little Miami River is a concern. I believe the final plans will adequately address negitive environmental issues.
Answer from Peggy D. Reis:
This question assumes that there will be negative impact. My impression is that the preliminary design mitigates any such impact in so far as possible. I have no reason to think that the scenic river designation is at risk. I believe the federal agencies responsible for studying this project will investigate thoroughly
Answer from Albert F. "Al" Peter:
I believe that the current plans being considered by the Eastern Corridor Project leaders have fully taken into account the various environmental impacts along the Little Miami. I fully support sensible environmental efforts, but not to the exclusion of needed progress. There must be a cooperative effort by all parties to ensure that all of the various interests are well served. I believe this is being done, and I support the Eastern Corridor Project completely.
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4. What would you do to improve communications between the Township and its residents? (100 word limit)
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Answer from Albert F. "Al" Peter:
The Township Trustees and administration are quite aware that good communication is vital. To that end, we televise our various meetings, including Trustees, Zoning, Zoning Appeals, etc. We publish a Township newsletter four times per year, regularly submit guest editorials to the Forest Hills Journal, and are available for speaking engagements whenever possible. In addition, I am personally available by phone or in person to any and all residents. We also hold numerous public hearings and conduct yearly surveys to gauge public opinion on various topics.
Answer from Peggy D. Reis:
I think the quarterly newsletter published by the township and our Public Forum at televised Trustees' meetings now facilitate good communications. We also conduct yearly surveys of residents to get their input on township topics to gain directions and priorities.
Answer from Kevin P. O'Brien:
Various township meetings are open to the public and televised on the public access cable system. Many residents use satellite systems or do not have access to cable. Technology is available to make a recording of public meetings available on demand. As a Trustee, I will be available by e-mail, telephone and in person.
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5. Should trustees take a role in encouraging the use of the existing bus line and the development of new public transportation options? (100 word limit)
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Answer from Albert F. "Al" Peter:
By initiating and partially funding the new Park and Ride and Shelter, we have actively encouraged use of public transportation. We are strong advocates for our residents with SORTA and METRO to continue to improve bus service for Anderson.
The Trustees participate with OKI on their efforts to create better transportation infrastructure in and to the Township.
We have provided significant funding for the Eastern Corridor Planning effort.
We are building the Anderson Trails sidewalk connections and will soon start both the 5 Mile Trail and the Ohio River Trail Projects. All these can serve to take cars off roads and provide alternate means for residents to reach local destinations.
Answer from Peggy D. Reis:
We take a substantial role in transportation as witnessed by the new Park and Ride Transportation Center at Anderson Towne Center. We also advertise the OKI rideshare program, work closely with the Metro System to promote bus service, and are continuing to build sidewalks and trails to become a multi-modal community
Answer from Kevin P. O'Brien:
The "Park n Ride" lots are an important transportation option for SORTA and METRO ridership. Many Anderson Township residents value the convenient use of cars and other vehicles. The future of Anderson depends on a modern transportation infrastructure. The Eastern Corridor project will enhance access into and around Anderson. Additional sidewalks and biking trails encourage a healthy lifestyle.
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6. How can the remaining Greenspace Fund best be spent? (100 word limit)
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Answer from Peggy D. Reis:
We will have to see what purchase opportunities present themselves. Our advisory committee continues to look at appropriate purchases and also encourages contributions of greenspace parcels.
Answer from Albert F. "Al" Peter:
The Greenspace Committee is continuing to look for opportunities to acquire suitable properties at reasonable prices. Beyond that, we are also actively encourageing developers to create significant open space areas in their new developments. Rezoning of all open land is directed toward use of a CUP whenever possible and open space is encouraged or required.
The future of the Greenspace program will depend upon the willingness of Anderson residents to separately fund the program and on the availability of suitable parcels.
Answer from Kevin P. O'Brien:
Use the existing fund to maintain the current properties. Open public discussions on public use of selected Greenspace areas. Encourage future contributions of Greenspace acreage.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits apply for each question. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.
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League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund
