|
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,
Accessiblity,
Recycling,
Housing
Click on a name for other candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
|
1. What are your Qualifications for Office? (50 word limit)
|
Answer from Tom Baumann:
I'm a resident of Monfort Heights and for nineteen years I've owned a business in Dent on Harrison Avenue. I'm an insurance agent representing a major insurance company for insurance and financial services.
Answer from Steve E. Grote:
Having previously been elected to the offices of both Green Township Trustee and Clerk, voters have already passed judgment on my qualifications. By constantly listening, learning and keeping an open mind to new ideas and opinions, my service to the community will represent the best practices and concepts available.
Answer from Tracy Winkler:
A Trustee cares for the needs of the township residents. For many years I have been caring for the needs of the people in my community through civic and church volunteer efforts. The position of Trustee will allow me to do this on a larger scale. As a lifelong Westside resident I know the and care for my community
|
2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit)
|
Answer from Tom Baumann:
The first step is to support the professional services provided by the township employees who each day provide a safe and clean environment for our neighborhoods.
Second, revisit land strategy and corridor plans to insure that economic development supports the township without overburdening residents or the environment.
Third, develop a grass roots neighborhood decision process for neighborhood programs such as "humps, bumps, circles and radar" to address family traffic concerns.
Answer from Steve E. Grote:
Keeping unneeded township tax requests off the ballot is the only way to keep taxes low. I opposed both the request for a township parks levy and also worked to lower the existing road levy.
I would suggest a return to the $1,000 level of all expenditures that need to be reviewed prior to approval by township trustees.
By working to preserve the natural characteristics of the township I will also be in fact working to retain the existing residential character of the area.
Answer from Tracy Winkler:
I plan to work with our development director to bring desirable businesses and development to the area. The property along the major corridors are likely to be developed over the next several years. I will make certain that we have the best possible development for Green Township. I have a good relationship with the police and fire departments and I intend for that to continue and I will always be available to my constituents and listen to their view points.
|
3. What steps would you take to ensure that all public facilities are accessible to people with disabilities? (100 words limit)
|
Answer from Steve E. Grote:
To the extent already dictated by the federal government regarding access issues for those with disabilities, we are in basic compliance with most of the standards. It is a good idea to have additional resources to those who need them who might attend the public meetings of the trustees. Yet, it is not entirely possible to adequately meet the needs of all on a short term notice basis. We should work to improve the cable telecast of the meetings to benefit those who cannot otherwise attend the meetings in person.
Answer from Tom Baumann:
Many individuals are challenged by everyday life activities and it's their right to be part of the community.
My efforts would be to:
Introduce a motion asking the Township Board to authorize an administration report assessing public accessibility, ranking and prioritizing any problem areas.
Hold public hearings to identify citizen concerns.
Ask for a budget report establishing reasonable accommodations.
Introduce a resolution to resolve noncompliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Answer from Tracy Winkler:
All facilities in Green Township are accessible and I will make certain that any plans for future buildings include access for the handicapped
|
4. What specific steps will you take to expand recycling services in your community? (100 words limit)
|
Answer from Tracy Winkler:
We currently have good services available, including Rumpke Service for recyclables and a very successful yard waste program
Answer from Steve E. Grote:
A number of residents have requested that we provide recyvling bins/services in the ever growing number of condominium projects in the Green Township area. Since this is private property, we can only do what the property owners/homeowners associations permit. Neighboring municipalities already provide drop off bins in public locations not too far distant from Green Township. For the record, Green Township is already one of the leaders in total tons recycled. Yet, we can always improve.
Answer from Tom Baumann:
Green Township participates in recycling through the yardwaste program as well as the hazardous waste removal program.
I would continue to support these recycling efforts along with encouraging curbside recycling of paper, glass, plastic containers and metal.
In addition, I would like to review the need and community's acceptance of plastic bag recycling.
|
5. What steps would you take to provide affordable housing for all residents of your community? (100 words limit)
|
Answer from Tom Baumann:
Affordable housing in Green Township is within reach of folks at every life stage from starting their household, raising a family, to retirement.
Much of the township's affordable housing is located in its established neighborhoods and is more attainable than ever before due to low interest mortgages and fair lending practices.
Therefore, to support our established neighborhoods, I would survey infrastructure, safety concerns, sidewalk repairs, road repairs, street lighting, traffic patterns and other township responsibilities to insure neighborhoods have adequate support for homeownership.
Answer from Tracy Winkler:
We have a varying range of home values in Green. My goal would be to make certain that future development helps to increase the value of our homes not decrease the property value
Answer from Steve E. Grote:
The definition of affordable housing needs to include the reality of home ownership. ONLY when residents have a stake in the future outcome of their actions will they take a proactive position to take the necessary steps for upkeep of their property. By keeping property taxes as low as possible home ownership is made more accessible to those of limited incomes both seniors/younger citizens alike. Home ownership is still an important cornerstone in the American dream. Green Township provides many young couples a great opportunity to become home owners due to the lower entry price range of our homes.
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.
| 
League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund
