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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
Qualifications,
Basic Services,
Budget,
Clean Air
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. What are your qualifications for office?
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Answer from Lynn Crider:
As a current member of Council, I have practical experience for the position I seek. Having served for more than 5 years on City Council, I have the following Committee and Commission experience: Finance, Economic Development, Community Improvement Corp., Recreation, Streets & Roads, Buildings & Equipment, Historic Preservation, and Building & Zoning Approval. Additionally, I serve as a member of the Hamilton County Tax Incentive Review Council.
Answer from James T. "Jim" O'Reilly:
Working hard, working smart, working in teams -- Extensive experience in serving Wyoming's people in a cost efficient manner on regional issues; we all benefit when the region's priorities serve our community well on issues like saving the Galbraith exit and negotiating train noise with CSX officials. Positive influence on environment and business over many years as volunteer leader and expert on public safety.
Answer from Pamela Kamm:
I have had on the job training as a member of Wyoming City Council since 2007. I have been an active volunteer in our community for the past twenty years. During that time I have had the opportunity to serve in numerous volunteer roles in our schools, my church and in civic organizations, working with many people of diverse backgrounds. These efforts have exposed me to many aspects of the Wyoming community and enables me to have a better understanding of what the citizens of Wyoming demand of their city government. I am a good listener and communicator so I am able to convert those expectations into meaningful results.
Answer from William C "Will" Papa:
I am a 27 year resident and a long time community volunteer (Wyoming Solid Waste Commission Chairman, former WSMA board member, Recreation Coach) and a two term Wyoming City Councilman. I have served the city as a member of the Finance, Zoning, Buildings and Equipment and Economic Development Committees. I am also a corporate executive (Procter and Gamble R&D Director). I have the energy, the experience and the people and business skills to effectively serve the residents of Wyoming.
Answer from Jenni McCauley:
12 years experience on Wyoming City Council, long term consistent community volunteer leadership, real estate expertise, problem solver and effective in working with others.
During my council terms, I have served on every council committee, chaired three of them, and played a key role in establishing solid fiscal policies.
On a volunteer basis,I've done many small jobs and some big ones. In Wyoming, I recruited a volunteer committee and together we got the Village Historic District and 18 additional homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This step was key to the restoration of many of our older homes. I have led Wyoming's Jr. Woman's Club,PSA,Historical Society, Woman's Club, and Historic House Tours.
Answer from Barry S. Porter:
27 years as a Council member
Mayor, Vice Mayor, Chairman of Finance Committee
Member of Economic Development Commission & Joint City School Committee
Member of the Board of Trustees + Community Improvement Corporation
38 years experience in various corporate financial management positions -
Controller, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer.
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Answer from Gayle Ficken-Clarke:
Being successful at team work and problem solving were essential to worklife at P&G. Eighteen years of horticultural and environmental experience taught me ecological solutions are longer lasting and cost effective. Volunteering long-term in Wyoming and locally, I developed contacts and relationships that will make me an effective Council Person.
Answer from Ralph Boss:
3 years serving on the city's Recreation Commission.
Participation on the 2010 `Promenade' task force.
BA and MBA.
CEP, CRPC, CFS certifications.
35 year resident of the city.
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2. What services do you believe should be considered basic and essential for the City?
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Answer from Jenni McCauley:
I'm a firm believer that the basics of city government are essential and always come first. Safety services(police and fire protection), garbage collection, water delivery, and care/maintenance of public infastructure(streets,public properties, parks,playgrounds,fields,facilities, grounds, etc.)are basic. My top priority is keeping and enhancing our high quality of life.
Answer from James T. "Jim" O'Reilly:
Wyoming's safety is a top priority. Fire, police, and water safety are three services that "make a difference" in Wyoming. These are essential to our great quality of life and make this community fully competitive with its larger suburban peers.
Answer from William C "Will" Papa:
My primary goal is to preserve the excellent quality of life in Wyoming. It's been very challenging to deliver the high level of services given the recent drop in city revenues. I will continue to partner with the City Administration to deliver excellent services without increasing costs. I will also help to ensure the city is well positioned for improved economic development as the local economy begins to recover.
Answer from Barry S. Porter:
Security + Police and Fire Protection Maintaining and renewal of City's infrastructure Trash and garbage collection General upkeep and restoration of public properties, parks and facilities
Answer from Gayle Ficken-Clarke:
Research has tied the availability of interactive green spaces to lower crime rates, better air quality, and healthy physical and psychological development of children. To have a truly livable city, we need to add green community spaces where people of all ages can experience nature. Maintaining residents' safety with effective, well-trained police and fire departments is crucial to the quality of life in Wyoming and is very successfully deployed here, but I believe that citizens' safety and quality of life could be improved by expanding pedestrian infrastructure and destinations.
Answer from Lynn Crider:
Safety services (police and fire); maintaining the infrastructure (streets, sidewalks and green spaces); and garbage/recycling services are essential. What sets Wyoming apart from other communities is the delivery of additional services such as recreation. Services that create an outstanding quality of life should be preserved.
Answer from Pamela Kamm:
Residents of The City of Wyoming have come to expect top notch services. The most basic services are related to public safety. Strong police, fire, and EMS departments are crucial. Maintaining our roads in a manner that enables our residents and emergency services reliable access is critical. Snow removal, leaf collection, care of our tree canopy, solid waste/recycling programs, clean water and well maintained parks and recreational facilities are all basic services that Wyoming citizens have come to expect.
Answer from Ralph Boss:
I believe the basic and essential services of the city are those that help provide a safe, secure, and clean environment in which to live and prosper. At a minimum, that would include safety and protection services, infrastructure maintenance, and recreational services.
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3. How would you balance the City Budget?
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Answer from Barry S. Porter:
Review all expenditures and revenue sources Take a conservative approach to all budget assumptions Prioritize capital projects and expenditures
Answer from Gayle Ficken-Clarke:
I would look to local large business as a model for effective cost-control measures. First, we should identify our core values and assess how competently they are being addressed. If there are discrepancies between the core values and our ability to support them, a service should be out-sourced. Next, we should identify energy inefficiencies and create alternative energy plans, before continually rising energy costs force us to curtail important services, or place the burden on the taxpayer.
Answer from Pamela Kamm:
I fully support our city financial policy that requires not only that the city have a balanced budget, but also requires the city have a minimum year-end operating fund balance. This year, as a result of significant efforts to reduce operating costs through personnel attrition, reducing expenditures on purchases, and using alternative suppliers for gas and electricity, we project a year-end operating fund balance that is significantly higher than the financial policy requires. This will enable us to continue to provide services to our residents over the next three years while facing an anticipated $1+ million decrease in revenue over this time period due to the decrease in property values, the elimination of the estate tax, and the reduction in local government funding.
Answer from James T. "Jim" O'Reilly:
Thoughtful attention to grants, contracts and aid funds have made a difference. Safe Routes to School funding and a solid awareness of funding opportunities make our city a more successful provider of community services.
Answer from William C "Will" Papa:
The city has a balanced budget. The finance committee (of which I am a member along with Lynn Crider and Barry Porter) has partnered with the city administration to make the fiscal choices to keep service high while reducing costs.
Answer from Ralph Boss:
I believe my role would be to work with other members of council and the city manager's team to clearly outline and understanding where the city is spending its resources. I would look for ways to reduce waste or redundant services. I would work with council and the city manager's team to explore aggressive revenue management.
Answer from Lynn Crider:
Each year, the budget is built and balanced by a methodical planning process that includes analyzing expected revenues versus expenses for the following year. Capital expenditures are planned for based upon the needs of the community and the ability to fund them. A critical part of the budget planning process (and throughout the year) is to create efficiencies in operations while maintaining the level of service delivered to our citizens.
Answer from Jenni McCauley:
By consistent review, prioritizing,and seeking greater efficiencies and grant opportunities.
Wyoming has practiced prudent fiscal management for years and operates a balanced budget every year. We have been tightening "our belt" for the past few years in anticipation of reduced income from the state and potential reduction in local revenues.
In addition, Wyoming has significantly benefited from fiscal policies that we instituted during my first elected term on council(1982). The most important new fund then was a reserve fund for equipment- in plain language, a savings account. This fund ensures that we always have the money to replace equipment when necessary. Over the years, councils have continued that practice - giving Wyoming very important reserves today and a AAA bond rating.
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4. What actions will you take to support clean air?
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Answer from Lynn Crider:
Ecological stewardship is one of the main goals in Wyoming's 10 year master plan. Focus on this area of the master plan has resulted in programs such as "Safe Routes to Schools" which is intended to increase the number of students walking or biking to and from school. Connecting the community through additional walking and biking paths has many benefits including reduced traffic and air pollution.
Answer from Barry S. Porter:
Community is residential and has no industry. "Clean air" control is not an issue.
Answer from Jenni McCauley:
Wyoming's master plan emphasizes ecological stewardship.For example,we have the top record in recycling in the county. As to clean air, we are in relatively good shape. More can be done for ourselves and neighboring areas by encouraging more walking/ less driving and increasing our urban forest. The next generation of trees is already being developed thru steps we on council have taken: funding of new street trees and protecting current trees from the Emerald Ash Borer.Urban Forestry Board has given out free seedlings and otained discounts for nursery tree plantings. I welcome additional ideas.
Answer from James T. "Jim" O'Reilly:
Locally, active in environmental stewardship and solid waste. Nationally, authored a textbook on Clean Air Act of 1990, and a few widely used books on waste cleanups and "brownfields". Have been active in many national programs in environmental protection, with leading roles on recycling alternatives to waste emissions.
Answer from Gayle Ficken-Clarke:
Only one action is completely under our control for improving air quality: the existence and expansion of a large and healthy tree canopy throughout the city. According to experts, trees absorb 2.6 tons of carbon dioxide per acre yearly. They produce oxygen, and absorb other pollutants such as carbon monoxide, ozone and sulfur dioxide. Trees reduce energy consumption by cooling in warm weather. The presence of trees reduces storm water runoff to reduce energy consumption in sewage treatment. Careful maintenance of existing trees and skillful planting and care of new trees will preserve Wyoming's environment for the future.
Answer from Pamela Kamm:
Wyoming is primarily a residential community with no major industries so our impact on air quality is minimal. One aspect of environmental protection we can have an impact on however is drinking water. Wyoming has an outstanding water works department that provides clean, safe, high-quality drinking water for our citizens. Our water was recently awarded the distinction of being the best tasting water in the state of Ohio by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). As a member of city council, I have continually supported the efforts of our city Public Works and Water Works departments to maintain our facilities and equipment to meet the latest water quality regulations.
Answer from Ralph Boss:
I would look for ways to encourage less motor vehicle usage like the `walk to school' days being sponsor this year and the continued development of the hike-bike trail through the city.
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.
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League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
