League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
	Hamilton County, OH November 8, 2011 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues President of Council; 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.     See below for questions on Qualifications, Basic Services, Budget, Clean Air Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. What are your qualifications for office? Answer from Donna M. Laake: I currently serve as Ward 3 representative on City Council, chair of Committee of Whole and Clerk Pro Tem. I was on Council in the 1980's during some of the bleakest financial times in our history. I also served as health commissioner for over 13 years. I know how the system functions. 2. What services do you believe should be considered basic and essential for the City? Answer from Donna M. Laake: Safety services such as Police, Fire, and Public Works are obviously essential. But I also believe that what makes our community special and somewhat unique are those departments that deliver "quality of life" services such as the Health Department, Recreation Department, and Community/Senior Center. All are "essential" to Norwood citizens. 3. How would you balance the City Budget? Answer from Donna M. Laake: During budget discussions in 2011, I proposed that all employees (AND elected officials) consider a 5% pay reduction in order to help balance our budget and spare anyone from being laid off. New development would add additional payroll taxes and permit fees. As union contracts expire, I feel confident that negotiations can also yield cost-savings to the city budget. 4. What actions will you take to support clean air? Answer from Donna M. Laake: City government has no legislative authority over clean air regulations. However, as the former health commissioner, I worked closely with county governmental organizations to support clean air. In fact, air monitoring equipment is located on the roof of the health department facility. 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.