League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
Hamilton County, OH November 8, 2011 Election
	Nicholas Hollan Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of Cincinnati

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? (50 word limit)

As a small business owner, I understand how to balance a budget and run an organization effectively and efficiently. My unique background as an employee of the American Red Cross and United Way of Greater Cincinnati taught me the value of supporting human services.

2. How would you balance the City Budget? (100 word limit)

The financial state of the city remains a challenge. Except for the public safety budget, city spending has been slashed. The public safety budget has grown by 35% over the past decade while the budget for every other department has decreased by 28%. Budget cuts to public safety spending must remain on the table as an option.

It is imperative to note that we will not cut our way through this crisis. The budget issues we face speak to the larger problem of a diminishing tax base that must be rejuvenated. This means incentivizing business development and strengthening residential neighborhoods.

3. What services do you believe should be considered basic and essential for the City? (100 word limit)

Ensuring public safety is certainly a high priority. Adequately funding the police and fire departments is critical. I also believe that a comprehensive public safety plan should include the city investing in education, job training and community vigilance programs to ensure we are addressing the reasons individuals commit crime in addition to the criminal act itself.

Aside from public safety, the city is responsible for quality of life issues ranging from addressing blighted buildings with overgrown grass to trash collection and snow removal. Local government should do the tasks that the private sector can't or won't.

4. What actions will you take to support clean air?

I am proud that my stance on environmental quality earned the endorsement of the Sierra Club. I support the Office of Environmental Quality and would ensure the funding remains available to keep the department viable. I also support the Environmental Justice Ordinance as a way to control heavy pollution and protect residents in low income neighborhoods.

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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.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 15, 2011 06:15
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