2015 WHO WHAT OF ELECTIONS VOTER’S GUIDE · 2015 WHO & WHAT OF ELECTIONS VOTER’S GUIDE COVERING HAMILTON COUNTY WITH LISTINGS FOR WARREN COUNTY RACES Election Day is …

TABLE OF CONTENTSState Ballot Issues .............................................................................. 01Hamilton County/Cincinnati candidates .............................................. 03Hamilton County Suburban City, Village & Township candidates ............ 06Suburban and County School District candidates .................................. 07District Maps — What does your district look like? ................................ 08Ballot Issues ....................................................................................... 10Warren County Information .................................................................. 14Voter Checklist ................................................................................... 16

2015 WHO & WHAT OF ELECTIONS VOTER’S GUIDECOVERING HAMILTON COUNTY WITH LISTINGS FOR WARREN COUNTY RACES

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2015 Polls open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m.

League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area103 Wm. Howard Taft Road, Cincinnati, OH 45219 513.281.8683

Expanded Voter information including additional questions and information from the candidates, as well as a customized ballot and polling place locator,

can be found on our website: www.lwvcincinnati.org

Sponsors: THE MURRAY & AGNES SEASONGOODGood Government Foundation

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERSOF THE CINCINNATI AREAEDUCATION FUND

STATEWIDE BALLOT ISSUES

On the ballot for the November 3, 2015 General Election are three state issues: Issue 1, to create a bipartisan Ohio Redistricting Commission;

Issue 2, to limit writing a monopoly into the state constitution; and

Issue 3, to legalize marijuana and create a business structure for marijuana growth and sales.

The summaries of the three ballot issues were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund. The pros and cons listed for each issue are abbreviated versions of the arguments put forward by the respective issue campaigns. The title listed for each issue is the official title assigned

by the Ohio Ballot Board.

All of this year’s state ballot issues propose to amend the Ohio Constitution. There are three ways to amend the Ohio Constitution: proposal by the General Assembly; proposal by the people through an initiative petition; by constitutional convention. In all cases, proposals submitted to the voters must be approved by a majority of those citizens voting on them to become a part of the constitution. ISSUE 1CREATES A BIPARTISAN, PUBLIC PROCESS FOR DRAWING LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS Proposed Constitutional Amendment Proposed by Joint Resolution of the General Assembly To enact new Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and

10 of Article XI and to repeal Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 of Article XI of the Constitution of the State of Ohio.

A majority yes vote is necessary for the amendment to pass.

The proposed amendment would: End the partisan process for drawing Ohio House and Senate districts, and replace it with a bipartisan process with the goal of having district boundaries that are more compact and politically competitive.

Ensure a transparent process by requiring public meetings, public display of maps, and a public letter explaining any plan the Commission adopts by a simple majority vote.

Establish the bipartisan Ohio Redistricting Commission, composed of 7 members including the Governor, the Auditor of State, the Secretary of State, and 4 members appointed by the majority and minority leaders of the General Assembly.

Require a bipartisan majority vote of 4 members in order to adopt any final district plan, and prevent deadlock by limiting the length of time any plan adopted without bipartisan support is effective.

If passed, the amendment will become effective immediately.

SHALL THE AMENDMENT BE APPROVED?

YES NO

SUMMARY: Creates a bipartisan, public process for drawing legislative districts (Proposed by Joint Resolution of the General Assembly)

Proposing to enact new Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 of Article XI and to repeal Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 of Article XI of the Constitution of the State of Ohio.

A YES vote means approval of the constitutional amendment.

A NO vote means disapproval of the constitutional amendment.

A majority YES vote is required for the amendment to be adopted.

If approved, the proposed amendment will take effect immediately after Election Day.

EXPLANATION: Issue 1 would amend the Ohio Constitution to change the way state legislative districts (but not U.S. Congressional districts) are determined. Every 10 years, Ohio draws new legislative district lines based on changes in population as reported in U.S. Census data. Issue 1 replaces the Apportionment Board with a bipartisan Ohio Redistricting Commission. If Issue 1 passes, members of the Commission will include:

• The Governor • Auditor of State • Ohio Secretary of State • Appointee by the Speaker of the Ohio House

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• Appointee by the President of the Ohio Senate • Appointee by the Minority Leader of Ohio House • Appointee by the Minority Leader of Ohio Senate

The Ohio Redistricting Commission will be responsible for creating district maps for the Ohio House and the Ohio Senate. Issue 1 establishes rules for map-making. It ensures compactness and keeps communities together by prohibiting splitting governmental units, like counties or cities, unless necessary. Issue 1 prohibits partisan gerrymandering. No General Assembly map shall be drawn primarily to favor or disfavor a political party. Issue 1 creates more transparent map-making by requiring public hearings. If the amendment is passed, it will become part of the constitution immediately; however, the new rules for drawing districts will not be applied until the next time districts are redrawn beginning January 1, 2021, after the next U.S. Census.

Issue 1 encourages bipartisan map-making. For the maps to last ten years, at least two members of the minority party will have to vote in favor of it. If only one party supports a particular map, the district lines will only last four years. Map-making will be subjected to stricter criteria, including the requirement that the districts reflect the statewide partisan preferences of voters, sometimes called representational fairness.

PRO: Prohibits partisan gerrymandering — “No General Assembly district plan shall be drawn primarily to favor or disfavor a party” will be written into the rules in the Ohio Constitution. Requires transparency and public hearings, encouraging accountability to the electorate.

Districts will better protect community cohesiveness by limiting government units such as counties and cities from being split. Eliminates the continuation of previous gerrymandering by removing language from the current Ohio Constitution that requires new maps to be “reasonably consistent” with old maps.

CON: Many Ohioans are not Republican or Democrat. Third parties and Independents are not represented on the Commission. Issue 1 does not address the process for determining U.S. Congressional districts. The Ohio Redistricting Commission is not independent from legislators; legislative members can still influence the process. Bipartisan Commission members can make “sweetheart deals” that can result in districts that are not representative of the state’s overall partisan preferences.

ISSUE 2ANTI-MONOPOLY AMENDMENT; PROTECTS THE INITIATIVE PROCESS FROM BEING USED FOR PERSONAL ECONOMIC BENEFIT Proposed Constitutional Amendment Proposed by Joint Resolution of the General Assembly

Proposing to amend Section 1e of Article II of the Constitution of the State of Ohio.

A majority yes vote is necessary for the amendment to pass.

The proposed amendment would: Prohibit any petitioner from using the Ohio Constitution to grant a monopoly, oligopoly, or cartel for their exclusive financial benefit or to establish a preferential tax status.

Prohibit any petitioner from using the Ohio Constitution to grant a commercial interest, right, or license that is not available to similarly situated persons or nonpublic entities.

Require the bipartisan Ohio Ballot Board to determine if a proposed constitutional amendment violates the prohibitions above, and if it does, present two separate ballot questions to voters. Both ballot questions must receive a majority yes vote before the proposed amendment could take effect.

Prohibit from taking effect any proposed constitutional amendment appearing on the November 3, 2015 General Election ballot that creates a monopoly, oligopoly, or cartel for the sale, distribution, or other use of any federal Schedule I controlled substance.

The Ohio Supreme Court has original, exclusive jurisdiction in any action related to the proposal.

If passed, the amendment will become effective immediately.

SHALL THE AMENDMENT BE APPROVED?

YES NO

SUMMARY: Anti-monopoly amendment; protects the initiative process from being used for personal economic benefit (Proposed by Joint Resolution of the General Assembly) Proposing to amend Section 1e of Article II of the Constitution of the State of Ohio.




If approved, the proposed amendment will take effect immediately after Election Day.

EXPLANATION: Issue 2 would prohibit an initiative petition amendment to the Ohio Constitution that would give special business rights to a certain person or entity. Specifically, Issue 2 would prohibit an initiative that creates a monopoly, cartel, or oligopoly; specifies or determines a tax rate; or confers a commercial interest, commercial right, or commercial license to any person or entity for the purpose of exclusively enriching its members and prohibiting others from engaging in similar enterprises.

If Issue 2 passes, the Ohio Ballot Board will be required to evaluate any proposed initiative petition to determine if it violates the prohibition above by creating a limited commercial interest. If such an initiative is proposed, the Ballot Board will be required to separate the proposed initiative into

two parts – one part asking voters to override the limited business interest rule, and the second part describing the proposed new initiative – with both parts needing a majority vote for the initiative to pass.

If both Issue 2 and Issue 3 are approved by the voters, it is unclear what will happen, because they would create conflicting sections within the state constitution. The Ohio Supreme Court will likely have to resolve the matter if both issues pass.

PRO: Exclusive financial deals for special interests should not be enshrined in our state constitution. The state constitution should be used to protect fundamental rights for all individuals, not cluttered with special interests. Nineteen states have constitutional provisions banning monopolies and protecting free and fair commerce; Ohio should too.

CON: The constitution should not be amended to interfere with the constitutional initiative process and block a measure approved by the voters. The language is too vague and may unintentionally preclude future policy or tax issues from being brought forward as an initiative. Issue 2 gives the Ballot Board too much discretion to declare a proposed initiative to be a monopoly and force it to jump through two hurdles instead of one.

ISSUE 3GRANTS A MONOPOLY FOR THE COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION AND SALE OF MARIJUANA FOR RECREATIONAL AND MEDICINAL PURPOSES Proposed Constitutional Amendment Proposed by Initiative Petition To add Section 12 of Article XV of the Constitution of the State of Ohio.

A majority yes vote is necessary for the amendment to pass. The proposed amendment would: Endow exclusive rights for commercial marijuana growth, cultivation, and extraction to self-designated landowners who own ten predetermined parcels of land in Butler, Clermont, Franklin, Hamilton, Licking, Lorain, Lucas, Delaware, Stark, and Summit Counties. One additional growth facility may be allowed for in four years only if existing facilities cannot meet consumer demand. Permit retail sale of recreational marijuana at approximately 1,100 locations statewide. Such retail establishments must have a state license that may be obtained only if the electors of the precinct where the store will be located approve the use of the location for such purpose at a local option election. Legalize the production of marijuana-infused products, including edible products, concentrates, sprays, ointments and tinctures by marijuana product manufacturing facilities. Allow each person, 21 years of age or older, to grow, cultivate, use, possess, and share up to eight ounces of usable homegrown marijuana plus four flowering marijuana plants if the person holds a valid state license. Allow each person, 21 years of age or older, to purchase, possess, transport, use, and share up to 1 ounce of marijuana for recreational use. Authorize the use of medical marijuana by any person, regardless of age, who has a certification for a debilitating medical condition. Prohibit retail sale of recreational

ABOUT THIS GUIDE This guide for voters was prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area (LWVCA) to provide a forum for candidates and information on the ballot issues.

The candidate materials in this guide were assembled in the following manner:

The information for the municipal judicial candidates is provided by JudicialVotesCount.org, a partnership of the League of Women Voters, Ohio Supreme Court, the Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at the University of Akron, Ohio State Bar Association, Ohio Newspaper Association, and Ohio Association of Broadcasters. The LWVCA has printed that material as it was received from this source.

The information for the school board and educational governing board candidates is solicited and compiled by LWVCA. The questions selected by LWVCA were advertised to the candidates who were informed that each response would be printed as received and that all candidates would be solely responsible for the content of their replies. Because of the nonpartisan nature of the guide, candidates were informed any reference to other candidates is prohibited. Because of space limitations, candidates were informed of the word limit requirements and were advised that any reply over the word limit would be cut off at the correct number.

In making this information available to the public, the League of Women Voters neither endorses nor rejects the views of any candidate or political party. The League does not and cannot assume responsibility for any candidate’s reply, or for his or her motive in making it.

The summaries of the three state ballot issues are prepared by the League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund. The pros and cons listed for each issue are abbreviated versions of the arguments put forward by the respective issue campaigns. The title listed for each issue is the official title assigned by the Ohio Ballot Board. The summaries and background for the Hamilton County ballot issues 22, 23 and 24 were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area.

The information in this guide is current as of September 17, 2015. LWVCA’s online voter guide at VOTE411.org includes additional candidate information not included in this guide.

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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE CINCINNATI AREA

Who & What of Elections Voter’s Guide CreditsLeague of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area President: Nancy Dawley

Voter Service Vice President: Meredith Atherley

Voter’s Guide Editor: Sandra Maddux Mowell

Vote411.org: Melissa Currence

LWVCA Staff: Hayley Day

LWVCA volunteers who assisted with this publication: Jane Anderson, Carolyn Miller, Chris Moran, Nancy Forbriger, April Piatt, Alice Schneider, Marjorie Davies, Kathy Helmbock, Burton Roehr, Katherine Durack, Glenda Bernstein, Corinne Gutjahr, Janet Steiner, Liz Shockey, Kat Lyons, Melissa Rowland, Ernest Mowell, Sarah Noschang, Bridgett Pincus, Mary Kay Gardner and our corps of office volunteers! This publication would not be possible without the cooperation and assistance of the

• Hamilton County Board of Elections: Director of Elections and Deputy Director of Elections, Sheri Poland and Sally J. Krisel and their staffs. Special thanks to Kathy Curran and Neil Tilow.

• Warren County Board of Elections: Director of Elections and Deputy Director of Elections, Brian Sleeth and Shari A. Huff and their staffs.

• Butler County Board of Elections: Director of Elections and Deputy Director of Elections, Diane J. Noonan and Joceyln Bucaro and their staffs.

marijuana within 1,000 feet of a house of worship, public library, public or chartered elementary or secondary school, state -licensed day-care center, or public playground, however: after a certain date, a new day-care, library, etc., cannot force a preexisting marijuana establishment to relocate by opening a new location within 1,000 feet of the business. Prohibit any local or state law, including zoning laws, from being applied to prohibit the development or operation of marijuana growth, cultivation, and extraction facilities, retail marijuana stores, and medical marijuana dispensaries unless the area is zoned exclusively residential as of January 1, 2015 or as of the date that an application for a license is first filed for a marijuana establishment. Create a special tax rate limited to 15% on gross revenue of each marijuana growth, cultivation, and extraction facility and marijuana product manufacturing facility and a special tax rate limited to 5% on gross revenue of each retail marijuana store. Revenues from the tax go to a municipal and township government fund, a strong county fund, and the marijuana control commission fund. Create a marijuana incubator in Cuyahoga County to promote growth and development of the marijuana industry and locate marijuana testing facilities near colleges and universities in Athens, Cuyahoga, Lorain, Mahoning, Scioto and Wood Counties, at a minimum. Limit the ability of the legislature and local governments from regulating the manufacture, sales, distribution and use of marijuana and marijuana products. Create a new state government agency called the marijuana control commission (with limited authority) to regulate the industry, comprised of seven Ohio residents appointed by the Governor, including a physician, a law enforcement officer, an administrative law attorney, a patient advocate, a resident experienced in owning, developing, managing and operating businesses, a resident with experience in the legal marijuana industry, and a member of the public. SHALL THE AMENDMENT BE APPROVED?

YES NO

SUMMARY: Grants a monopoly for the commercial production and sale of marijuana for recreational and medicinal purposes (Proposed by Initiative Petition) Proposing to add Section 12 of Article XV of the Constitution of the State of Ohio.




If approved, the proposed amendment will take effect 30 days after Election Day.

EXPLANATION: Issue 3 has a two-fold objective: (1) to legalize marijuana for personal and medical use and (2) to establish rules for growth and sales.

Growth and cultivation of marijuana will be limited to ten pre-determined, specific “grow sites” situated throughout the state. The ten sites already have designated investors. There will also be a number of pre-determined “quality control” sites throughout

the state to test the product being cultivated. About 1,100 retail outlets will be allowed to sell marijuana, but they must buy it only from the ten specified sites and cannot develop their own supplies.

Individuals may grow up to four plants and possess up to eight ounces of actual product at one time. The four plants must also be bought from the ten specified wholesale grow sites. Under this initiative, individuals possessing or cultivating over 100 grams of marijuana would be committing a felony. Selling marijuana outside of the sanctioned outlets would also be a felony, with a possible sentence of up to one year in prison.

PRO: Marijuana will, within the strict limits specified in the initiative, become legal to cultivate, use, and sell in Ohio for medicinal and personal use. Issue 3 creates rules for a tightly controlled industry. The system of designated grow sites and quality control testing areas will ensure that the marijuana grown at these sites will address standards of public safety. Issue 3 will create tens of thousands of jobs in Ohio and will eventually generate millions of dollars in tax revenue to support local government services.

CON: The state constitution should be used to protect the fundamental rights of all individuals, not to enshrine an extremely detailed plan creating exclusive financial deals for a group of special interest investors. The initiative sets up an exclusive business scheme that eliminates competition to such an extent that independent business owners could be permanently locked out of what is projected to be a billion-dollar market and individual users who do not abide by the strict restrictions will still be subject to criminal penalties. Issue 3 will flood Ohio with marijuana and marijuana-infused products, like candy and cookies, that put the public health and safety of Ohio’s adults and children in danger.

HAMILTON COUNTY/ CINCINNATI CANDIDATES

MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGEDistrict 4. Unexpired term ending 1/2/2018; Salary: $114,100

RESPONSIBILITIES: Has original jurisdiction in civil cases (auto, neighborhood disputes etc.) involving claims of $15,000 or under, and in criminal cases involving misdemeanors in Hamilton County. Conducts preliminary hearings in felony cases.

QUESTIONS: Each candidate was asked Question 1: What is your judicial experience (court and years)? Question 2: What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge? Question 3: Why are you running for this particular court seat? (VOTE FOR NO MORE THAN ONE)

Shane HerznerAge: 39 Email: [email protected] Web Site: http://Herznerforjudge.com

OCCUPATION: Criminal Defense Attorney

EDUCATION: Miami University for undergrad. University of Dayton School of Law.

WORK EXPERIENCE: Former Hamilton County Assistant Prosecutor. Criminal Defense Attorney since 2008

AFFILIATIONS: St. Cecilia PTO. Cub Scout Den Leader Helper. Assistant Baseball Coach for the St. Cecilia Lions. Parishioner at St. Cecilia Catholic Church.

ENDORSEMENTS: No answer provided.

Answer 1: None

Answer 2: I graduated from the University of Dayton College of Law in 2001 and began my career as an in-house counsel for a property management company, where he practiced landlord tenant, contract and real estate law. My desire to be in a courtroom everyday lead him to pursue a job as an Assistant Prosecutor at the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office. After 3 years as an Assistant Prosecutor, I decided to enter the challenging field of Criminal Defense and I currently operate my own private practice. I have been a guest speaker at the City of Cincinnati Police Department Training Academy and I have co-authored a book on OVI/DUI defense. I’ve practices in several different Municipal Courts around the area and I’ve observed the different programs/ideas that are used in these courts. I have been practicing almost everyday in municipal court for the last nine years. I’ve tried hundreds of cases, argued several motions and have tried numerous jury trials. I have all the experience and knowledge that is needed for a municipal court judge.

Answer 3: No answer provided.

Curtis E. KissingerAge: 50 Email: [email protected] Web Site: http://keepjudgekissinger.com

Facebook and Twitter: “Keep Judge Curt Kissinger”

OCCUPATION: Judge, Hamilton County Municipal Court

EDUCATION: J.D. from University of Dayton School Law (1990). B.A. Political Science, University of Cincinnati (1987)

WORK EXPERIENCE: Municipal Court Judge (Feb. 2015-present). Court Administrator, Hamilton County Juvenile Court (2011-2015). Attorney at Rendigs, Fry, Kiely, and Dennis (1995-2005, 2007-2011). Attorney at Cohen, Todd, Kite and Stanford (2005-2007). Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office (1991-1995). Special Prosecutor, Ohio Organized Crime Commission (1994-1995).

AFFILIATIONS: Ohio State and Cincinnati Bar Associations, Ohio Association of Court Administrators, Hamilton County Ethics Commission, Juvenile Court Advisory Counsel, Board of Directors of HOPE for Children and Families, Board Member for Journey to Successful


Living, Ursuline Academy Parents Association and Dads’s Club, Member St. Mary Parish

ENDORSEMENTS: Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police, Queen City Lodge No. 69. Seeking the endorsement of Cincinnati Right to Life, Buckeye Firearms Association, and Cincinnati Firefighters, IAFF Local 48

Answer 1: Immediately prior to taking the bench in the Hamilton County Municipal Court, I was the Court Administrator for the Hamilton County Juvenile Court (2000-2015). I addition to my administrative duties, I would serve as a magistrate to cover dockets as needed. I also presided over matters scheduled on the docket for one of the two judges of the court while the judge was under interim suspension from the Supreme Court. I was also certified by the Ohio Supreme Court to serve as a Mayor’s Court magistrate. In February of this year, I was appointed as a Judge of the Hamilton County Municipal Court. I currently preside over all misdemeanor level criminal offenses and civil matters within the Court’s jurisdiction.

Answer 2: Prior to taking the bench in the Hamilton County Municipal Court, I was a trial attorney for 20+ years. As an Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor in the Criminal Trial Division (1991-1995), I prosecuted all categories of felony level offenses in Common Pleas and Juvenile Courts as well as all levels of misdemeanor offenses in Municipal Court. I also served as a Special Prosecutor for the State of Ohio’s Organized Crime Commission responsible for trying RICO violations in coordination with a multi-unit federal and state task force. For the next 16 years (1995-2011), I was a litigation attorney at the firm of Rendigs, Fry, Kiely & Dennis. There, I represented both individual clients and businesses in both State and Federal courts in a wide array of litigation matters including product liability, wrongful death, premises liability, commercial litigation, government contracts and internal investigations. I also developed a criminal defense practice with an emphasis in white collar criminal proceedings. As Court Administrator of the Juvenile Court, I was responsible for the supervision of all aspects of Court operations including its 160-bed secured detention facility, 260 employees and a 0 million dollar budget. More importantly, I had 22 magistrates under my direction. In this capacity, I learned the importance of providing citizens timely, fair and competent judicial determinations. I’m particularly proud of having navigated the Court through a difficult period as the result of the indictment and suspension of one of the Court’s judges.

Answer 3: I am currently the judge appointed to this municipal court seat and am running to maintain the position. As a former prosecutor and litigation attorney with 25 years of civil and criminal experience, I understand the importance of presiding over a courtroom in which all parties, witnesses and attorneys expect and experience a fair and impartial hearing. It is imperative, regardless of whether a litigant likes the outcome, they exit the courtroom believing they had the opportunity to be heard and they had their day in court. Municipal Court is truly “the people’s court.”

My judicial temperament, knowledge of the law, and innate sense of fairness are ideally suited to preside over the wide array of cases that come before the court.

District 4. Unexpired term ending 1/4/2020; Salary: $114,100

Josh BerkowitzAge: 35 Email: [email protected] Web Site: http://www.

JudgeBerkowitz.com Facebook: “Judge Josh Berkowitz” Twitter: @JudgeBerkowitz EDUCATION: J.D., Capital University Law School; B.A., Ohio State University; Elder High School

OCCUPATION: Judge, Hamilton County Municipal Court

WORK EXPERIENCE: Assistant Hamilton Co. Prosecutor, 2008-2015; Law Director of Norwood, 2012-2015, Assistant Franklin Co. Prosecutor 2007-2008 (Columbus, Ohio), Law Office of Robert F. Krapenc & J. Scott Weisman 2006-2007

AFFILIATIONS: Holy Trinity Parish member; Hamilton County Law Library Resource Board, member; Norwood Republican Club; NRA; Cincinnati Bar Association; Elder High School Alumni Association;

ENDORSEMENTS: Cincinnati Right to Life PAC; Fraternal Order of Police, Queen City Lodge 69; Prosecutor Joe Deters

Answer 1: I currently serve on the Hamilton County Municipal Court. I was appointed on April 15, 2015, and on my very first day on the job, I presided over a criminal jury trial. I’ve heard over 1000 cases since then and presided over numerous jury trials, bench trials, and hearings of all kinds involving criminal and civil cases.

Answer 2: I have a proven record of fighting to keep our neighborhoods safe. As a felony prosecutor, I successfully prosecuted some of Hamilton County’s worst offenders, including murderers, rapists, heroin traffickers, and violent criminals of all kinds. As Norwood’s Law Director, I led the city’s successful effort to close the Quality Hotel, which had become a haven for drug traffickers and prostitutes. I provided legal advice to city officials and employees on matters of litigation, economic development, contract negotiation, and zoning. My diverse experience allows me to use limited taxpayer resources effectively, and to protect the community while safeguarding the Constitution.

Answer 3: It is my honor to serve as a Judge in Municipal Court. Hamilton County Municipal Court is one of the busiest courts in Ohio and serves the broadest cross-section of the public each day. For many people in my courtroom, this will be their first contact with the justice system. As judge, it’s my duty to ensure that people come away from the experience confident that I listened to them, treated them fairly, and took the time to explain my

decisions. My pledge is to follow the law & uphold the Constitution, to treat everyone in the courtroom fairly, and to work hard to achieve justice, one case at a time.

Bob KellyAge: 63 Email: [email protected] Web Site: http://electbobkelly.com OCCUPATION: Attorney and

Prosecutor for the Village of Addyston EDUCATION: J.D. Northern Kentucky, Chase College of Law; BSA Xavier University; Attended Xavier University MBA program

WORK EXPERIENCE: Attorney, Addyston Village Solicitor, Norwood Law Director, Past Chairman of Norwood Economic Task Force, Past Board Member of Ohio Joint Self Insurance Pool

AFFILIATIONS: Norwood Notre Dame Boosters, Hamilton County Democratic Party, Norwood Democratic Party

ENDORSEMENTS: International Association of Firefighters-Cincinnati, Local 48; United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 75; and United Auto Workers Community Action Program, includes all UAW Locals in Greater Cincinnati, Hamilton County Democratic Party

Answer 1: I have been a practicing attorney in all levels of courts within the State of Ohio for over thirty-five years. The courts I practice in include the Hamilton County Municipal, Hamilton County Common Pleas Court, the First District Court of Appeals, the Ohio State Supreme Court, and federal courts including the Southern District of Ohio and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. For sixteen years, I was the Law Director and Prosecuting Attorney for the City of Norwood. For the past twenty years, I have been, and currently am, the Solicitor and the Prosecuting Attorney for the Village of Addyston. I have prosecuted every level of offense that can be presented in the Hamilton County Municipal Court. I have worked with police officers during my experience as a prosecutor on drug offenses, domestic violence, other offenses of violence, and a variety of other misdemeanor offenses that can be presented in the Hamilton County Municipal Court during the combined thirty-six years that I have been a prosecutor. In addition, I have been appointed and acted as a hearing officer on an employment-related case and issued a decision on the claims presented. I have also represented clients in the areas of landlord/tenant law, traffic laws, compliance with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, small claims court and when appropriate, diversion programs. As a private attorney, I have represented individuals in a variety of cases in all state courts. My objective has not simply been to bring their cases to a positive conclusion, but also to educate them to improve their conduct so that they may avoid coming back to court. My job does not end when I walk out of the courtroom. My representation includes counseling clients who have successfully participated in treatment and recovery programs, and monitoring and following up with clients to

ensure completion of and compliance with court orders. It is not uncommon for me to have worked with and encouraged clients who are the victims of an abusive relationship to seek an education so that they may become employed and be able to provide for their families independently and without the inclusion of the abuser in their and their families, lives. I would bring the same standards and concerns to a courtroom where I could continue to require that those appearing before me participate in appropriate and available programs when it is warranted. In addition to my private practice, I was selected as the first Chairman of the Norwood Economic Task Force that started the economic revitalization of Norwood after the closing of the General Motors Plant and the development of the former site. This illustrates my ability to work with other professionals to achieve a common goal and to be successful in obtaining positive results.

Answer 2: I have worked both in the private industry and in the justice system. Nothing has changed my steadfast belief that a person is innocent until proven guilty, and that every litigation lawyer has an obligation to present the client’s case in a manner that is truthful and honorable. As a practicing attorney, in government employment and private practice, I understand the rights of litigants and not merely one side of an issue. I also understand the economics of the court system and that taxpayer money should be protected. It is unquestionable that citizens have a right to the prompt and fair resolution of their cases. A litigant’s time in court is valuable and courts should consider his or her work schedules when setting trials to avoid time away from employment and family. I understand the legal rules and application to different facts and circumstances, and the ability quickly to perceive, comprehend, and understand new concepts and ideas. I have the courage and the willingness to do what the law requires a judge to do. And I will not be influenced in any decision by anything other than the facts and the law applicable to the case before me. I have the courage, integrity, and education to do what is necessary when elected. I have been engaged in an active courtroom practice and have extensive litigation experience. In addition, I possess the oral and written skills necessary to enforce the orders of the court in a prompt, judicious manner.

Answer 3: No answer provided.

For the most up-to-date candi-date information please visit our electronic voter guides, Judicialvotescount.org and Vote411.org. All candidates have submitted their information for this printed publication through an electronic platform which allows them to modify or edit their infor-mation and they may have done so after this publication has gone to press.


MEMBER, BOARD OF EDUCATION – CINCINNATI CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT4 year term. (3 to be elected) Stipend $125 per meeting.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The board is a policy-making body, but exercises only those powers delegated to it by state law. It chooses its own officers.

QUESTIONS: Each candidate was asked Question 1: What are your qualifications for office? (250 character limit) Question 2: What can be done to improve the school district at current funding levels? (500 character limit) Question 3: What will you do to build consensus in the community in support of public schools? (500 character limit)

Eve Bolton EDUCATION: I am a proud graduate of Cincinnati Public Schools. A graduate of the College

of Wooster where I earned a degree in Political Science and an Ohio Teaching Certificate. I also have graduate hours from UC in Public Administration and Theatre.

OCCUPATION: I am a retired 36-year veteran social studies and theatre teacher from Wyoming City Schools. At Wyoming, I also served for over 20 years as the President of Wyoming Education Association.

EXPERIENCE: I have been President of the College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation, Mt. Healthy City Council Member, Hamilton County Recorder and a member of the Cincinnati School Board for 8 years serving as President, VP, and Finance Chair.

ENDORSEMENTS: Cincinnati Democratic Committee

POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY: I am a child of the 60’s and believe as Lincoln believed that government does what citizens alone cannot do for themselves. I believe the single most important chance we have to make the American promise real is to have successful public school systems. This is particularly true in our urban centers of great diversity and concentrated poverty. In CPS, like other urban systems, we must develop a culture of excellence based on high expectations for all, systemic transparency and accountability.

Answer 1: I have been a CPS Board member for 8 years and have a vast and deep knowledge of our educational opportunities, financial challenges and am fully committed to the necessary innovative efforts in which we must engage in order to lead the nation.

Answer 2: We must concentrate on increased operational efficiencies, lessening both the opportunity and achievement gaps through blended learning and expanding our Community Learning Centers. We can also continue to leverage resources currently provided by existing partnerships.

Finally by being a global leader in educational reform and innovation we can save money by doing business of teaching and learning a different way. That way we can serve our students best by spending the best dollar equitably.

Answer 3: I will try to always: place the children at the center of every decision, be a conscientious steward of the public’s money and be worthy of the public’s trust by practicing full transparency and due diligence. As we practice these behaviors our focus must be to pursue excellence and distribute resources in a manner that recognizes the diversity and values of Greater Cincinnati. Carolyn Jones

EDUCATION: I received a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling (1990) and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work

(1970) from the University of Cincinnati. I graduated in 1970 from Hughes High School.

OCCUPATION: Mental Health Professional

EXPERIENCE: I have served 2 terms as a member of North College Hill City School Board, actively involved in the Ohio School Board Association’s Black Caucus Committee, and other committees including City of Cincinnati’s Human Services Advisory Committee.

ENDORSEMENTS: none at this time

POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY: I believe in the Democratic ideals of government, where all people have the opportunity to achieve and succeed, free of injustice, inequality, and oppression. As a nation of people, we are strengthened by the ability of people to work for the common good of all mankind.

Answer 1: I am an accomplished professional with proven ability in public sector service, including program development, system planning, and collaborative partnerships. I am an experienced leader, skilled at bringing vision to desired outcomes.

Answer 2: Building on existing strengths and internal capacity, ensuring equity of financial and human resources are crucial to improving current funding levels, as well as strengthening partnerships that can help the district achieve the strategic goals that have been established.

Answer 3: Collaborative partnerships at all levels are key to building consensus in the community. The district must be solution focus, with emphasis on proactive and assertive actions that are designed to strengthen and improve the quality of education for its students. Building consensus requires total commitment from all constituents in sharing the vision and ensuring a strategic focus.

Alton Chris Nelms EDUCATION: Doctorate and Masters on Education; Minister/Chaplain; Adjunct Instructor; Licensed Social Worker; Licensed

Drug Counselor; Certified Athletic Administrator

OCCUPATION: Provide school age children with prevention and drug refusal skills while enhancing their self esteem in personal, educational and social areas.

EXPERIENCE: Over 35 years of Organizational Leadership, Management, Education and Community Service

ENDORSEMENTS: Democratic Party; Cincinnati Federation of Teachers; The Community

POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY: Individuals are not voted into office as politicians, but as Public Servants

Answer 1: Have served eight years as a Board of Education Member. Vice President twice. Chaired Policy Committee 3 times. Cincinnati Recreation Commission 5 years. Co-Founded CPS Athletic Induction Hall of Fame, M.O.R.E. Initiative, Billion Dollar Faciilites

Answer 2: Change the State of Ohio Funding Formula. Lobby Columbus for the Supreme Courts ruling to become enforced and practiced

Answer 3: Continue to work with current partners, parents and the 12 sectors while encouraging CPS Alumnus to be more active and involved. MEMBER, BOARD OF EDUCATION – HAMILTON COUNTY EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CENTER GOVERNING BOARD4 year term. 2 to be elected. Stipend $125 per meeting.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Comprised of seven local school districts. Services are designed to strengthen the resources of school districts in those areas where it is economical, efficient, and effective to do so.

QUESTIONS: Each candidate was asked Question 1: What are your qualifications for office? (250 character limit) Question 2: What will you do to build consensus in the community in support of public schools? (500 character limit) Question 3: What would you do to advance the concept of “equity in education”? (500 character limit)

Fred Hunt EDUCATION: BS - Business Administration - The Ohio State University

OCCUPATION: Sr. Program Manager, Vice President of the HCESC Governing Board, Member of the Great Oaks Governing Board

EXPERIENCE: 10 years of Board experience and certification as a Master Board Member

POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY: Common Sense Leadership.

Answer 1: I am currently serving as Vice-President of the Governing Board. I have 10 years of Board Service (Previously served on the Northwest Local School Board). I also serve on the Ohio School

HOW TO FIND OUT ABOUT JUDICIAL CANDIDATESVoters often don’t have much information about judicial candidates. Because most citizens do not routinely interact with judges in their communities, they tend to know very little about how judges conduct themselves in the course of doing their jobs. In addition, state rules do not allow judicial candidates to discuss their views on controversial issues because judges must be impartial on the bench. It is important for voters to understand the role of the courts and the qualities important to consider when evaluating judicial candidates.

To learn about candidates for judge in your area consider reading candidates’ campaign literature, visiting campaign websites, and talking with people who know the candidates including practicing attorneys. In addition, the League of Women Voters of Ohio is honored to join Ohio Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Bliss Institute for Applied Politics at the University of Akron, the Ohio Newspaper Association and Ohio Broadcasters Association in launching a statewide, nonpartisan, online judicial voter’s guide at www.judicialvotescount.org.

In order to make a decision, when voting on judicial candidates, consider the answers to the following questions:

To what extent has the candidate practiced in the area(s) of law the court handles?

What work or other experience has the candidate had that will particularly qualify him or her to perform the duties of a judge on this court?

What do you know about the candidate’s legal philosophy? Political philosophy?

Consider the candidate’s integrity, judicial temperament, and level of commitment to public service and the administration of justice. Also, consider who is paying for any advertising about any particular judicial election. For our democracy to function, judges must carry out their tasks impartially and independently. Judges’ decisions should not follow public opinion or promote special interests or even reflect their personal beliefs. Judges’ decisions should be based on facts and law. This judicial impartiality protects fair trials and upholds the rule of law.


Boards Association Southwest Region Executive Committee.

Answer 2: I will continue to promote the merits of public schools throughout the community.

Answer 3: The HCESC sponsors many programs that provide services to students that are unable to partake of those services within their own districts.

Barbara A. Parry No Response

SUBURBAN CITIES

SUBURBAN CITIES, VILLAGES AND TOWNSHIP CANDIDATES Where candidates were given a choice to make a party designation, these are the abbreviations for those designations: (D) Democrat, (R) Republican, (n/d) no designation, (nonp) nonparty; WRITE-IN candidates will not appear on your ballot. Ask your poll worker for the list of write-in candidates. There is a space provided to mark a vote for the write-in candidates and to write the name in.

CITY OF BLUE ASH Member Council, At-Large (2 to be elected) 2 year term: Tom Adamec (R), Lee E. Czerwonka (R)

Member Council by Ward (1 to be elected) 2 year term: Ward 1, Robert R. Ryan (n/d), James W. Sumner (R); Ward 2, Stephanie Stoller (n/d); Ward 3, Rick Bryan (R), Pramod S. Jhaveri (n/d); Ward 4, Robert J. Buckman, Jr. (R); Ward 5, Margaret Del Favero (R), Marc Sirkin (n/d)

CITY OF CHEVIOT Mayor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Samuel D. Keller (D), Deborah M. Slaughter (R)

Auditor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Theresa Ciolino-Klein (D), James Martin (R)

Director of Law (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Mark G. Waters (R)

Member Council, At-Large (3 to be elected) 4 year term: Amy Luken-Richter (R), Leslie A. Roden (R), Patrick T. Tiettmeyer (D), Kathleen Zech (R)

CITY OF DEER PARK Mayor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: John D. Donnellon (R), Shawn Gavin (n/d)

President of Council (1 to be elected) 2 year term: Christine M. Hedger (R)

Auditor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: John C. Applegate (R)

Director of Law (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Andrew J. Helmes (R)

Member Council, At-Large (3 to be elected) 2 year term: James J. Lenihan (R), John Perin (R), Ronnie Tolliver (R)

Member Council by Ward (1 to be elected) 2 year

term: Ward 1, Lori Newsom (R); Ward 2, Michael Rapp (R); Ward 3, Daniel H. Lehane (R); Ward 4, Charles Tassell (R)

CITY OF FOREST PARK Member Council, At-Large (3 to be elected) 4 year term: Regina Collins, Denise Holt, David Lives, Matthew J. Robinson, Charles Southal

CITY OF HARRISON Mayor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Joel F. McGuire (nonp), William Neyer (R)

Member Council, At-Large (3 to be elected) 4 year term: Cindy Abrams (R), Mark Louis (R), Henry E. Menninger (R)

CITY OF INDIAN HILL Member Council, At-Large (7 to be elected) 2 year term: John B. Armstrong, Molly Barber, Melissa S. Cowan, Daniel J. Feigelson, Mark Kuenning, Donald C. McGraw, Abbot A. Thayer, David Turner

CITY OF LOVELAND (Includes Clermont and Warren Counties) Member Council, At-Large (3 to be elected) 4 year term: Kathy Bailey, Mark J. Fitzgerald, Todd Osborne, Angela L. Settell

CITY OF MADEIRA Member Council, At-Large (3 to be elected) 4 year term: Melisa Adrien, Brian Cordell, Scott Gehring, Chris Hilberg, Jim Horwitz

CITY OF MILFORD (File in Clermont County) Member Council, At-Large (4 to be elected) 4 year term: Justin A. Bonnell, Ed Brady, Margaret Giuffre, David Grenier, Ted Haskins, Sandy Russell

CITY OF MONTGOMERY Member Council, At-Large (3 to be elected) 4 year term: Michael Cappel, Gerri Harbison, Craig D. Margolis

CITY OF MT. HEALTHY Mayor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: James C. Wolf (D)

Member Council, At-Large (3 to be elected) 4 year term: Jeanne George (D), Judy Petersen (R), Bethany Reynolds (D), Joseph T. Roetting (nonp)

CITY OF NORTH COLLEGE HILL Mayor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Patrick Hartzel, Maureen P. Mason

Member Council, At-Large (3 to be elected) 4 year term: Jim Dewald, Sean Patrick Feeney, Ron Mosby, Renee Stiles, Mary Jo Zorb

CITY OF NORWOOD Mayor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Ken Crawford (R), Thomas F. Williams (D

President of Council (1 to be elected) 2 year term: Donna M. Laake (R)

Auditor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Jim Stith (R)

Director of Law (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Christopher Brown (n/d), Keith D. Moore (n/d)

Member Council, At-Large (3 to be elected) 2 year term: James Bonsall (D), John Breadon (R), Andrew W. Clark (R), Tammy Shutz Stickley (D), Cyndi Tincher (D), Thomas J. Whittington (R)

Member Council by Ward (1 to be elected) 2 year term: Ward 1, Brandon Blair (R), Lynn Ellis (D); Ward

2, Marilyn Hanrahan (D), Steve Thornbury (R); Ward 3, Jimi Bird (R), Joseph W. Sanker (D); Ward 4, John T. Mumper (D), Val Nice Orza (R)

CITY OF READING Mayor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Robert P. Bemmes (R), Russ Wulf (D)

President of Council (1 to be elected) 2 year term: Cris Nesbitt (R)

Auditor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Douglas G. Sand (D), Sabrina Ashley Smith (R)

Director of Law (1 to be elected) 4 year term: David T. Stevenson (R)

Member Council, At-Large (3 to be elected) 2 year term: Robert J. Ashbrock (R), Randolph Fischesser (R), Donald H. Lindeman (R), Kevin Parker (n/d), Connie Smith (D), Dave Speed (n/d)

Member Council by Ward (1 to be elected) 2 year term: Ward 1, Tim Cox (R), Lee G. Roth (D); Ward 2, Thelma A. Brooks (D), Anthony J. Gertz (R); Ward 3, Tom Lynd (R), Daryl Sears (D); Ward 4, Dennis E. Albrinck (R)

CITY OF SHARONVILLE (Includes Butler County) Mayor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Kevin M. Hardman (R)

President of Council (1 to be elected) 2 year term: Vickie Hoppe (R)

Auditor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Ed Cunningham (R)

Director of Law (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Mark Piepmeier (R)

Member Council, At-Large (3 to be elected) 2 year term: Mathew Eggenberger (R), Sue Knight (nonp), Charles Lippert (R), Patty Taylor (n/d), Mike Wilson (R)

Member Council by Ward (1 to be elected) 2 year term: Ward 1, Shayok Dutta (R); Ward 2, Dave Koch (R); Ward 3, Paul J. Schmidt (R); Ward 4, Robert D. Tankersley (R)

CITY OF SPRINGDALE Mayor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Marjorie Harlow, Doyle H. Webster

Clerk/Finance Director (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Kathy McNear

Member Council, At-Large (3 to be elected) 4 year term: Carolyn Ghantous, William G. Hafer, Lawrence C. Hawkins lll, Mick G. Higgins, Dan Jacobs, Colleen Kerns, Dan Shroyer

CITY OF WYOMING Member Council, At-Large (7 to be elected) 2 year term: Albert Delgado, Keith Desserich, Jennifer Eismeier, Pamela Kamm, Jenni McCauley, Jim O’Reilly, Barry S. Porter VILLAGE OF ADDYSTON Mayor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Dan Dalton, Daniel L. Pillow

Clerk (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Margaret Ann Dozier

Treasurer (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Natalie

Thomas

Member of Council (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Crystal Dalton, James Jason Fry, Pam Jackson

Board of Trustees Public Affairs (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Dale Thomas, Darryl Walton

VILLAGE OF AMBERLEY Member Council by District* (5 to be elected) 2 year term: District A, Edward Hattenbach; District B, Natalie Wolf; District C, Thomas C. Muething; District D, Ray Warren; District E, Richard Bardach, Michael Lee Rosenbaum

Member of Council (2 to be elected) 2 year term: Peg Conway, Bill Doering *All residents vote for all council members

VILLAGE OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS Mayor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Steven Crase, Cody Gertz, Joe Harper

Member of Council (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Gary Green, Meroline McLemore

VILLAGE OF CLEVES Mayor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Danny Stacy (nonp)

Member of Council (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Geri A. Meister (nonp), Jan Rouse (n/d)

VILLAGE OF ELMWOOD PLACE Mayor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Jerald Robertson (WRITE-IN), William Wilson (nonp)

Clerk/Treasurer (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Nancy S. Riley (n/d)

Member of Council (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Paul E. Furnish (n/d), Larry L. Murphy (n/d), Molly J. Sims (n/d), Michael Turner (WRITE-IN)

VILLAGE OF EVENDALE Mayor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Richard H. Finan, Catherine Hartman, Stiney Vonderhaar

Member of Council (3 to be elected) 4 year term: Jeff Albrinck, Douglas A. Lohmeier, Beth McDaniel, John H. Ranz, Jr., Diane Cunningham Redden

VILLAGE OF FAIRFAX Mayor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Carson Shelton

Clerk/Treasurer (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Barb Blankemeyer

Member of Council (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Rodney Cash, Don Kessel, Sharon Lally, Tara K. Perkins

VILLAGE OF GLENDALE Mayor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Jenny Kilgore, Don Lofty

Clerk/Treasurer (1 to be elected) 4 year term: No Valid Petition Filed

Member of Council (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Ralph M. Hoop, David Schmid

VILLAGE OF GOLF MANOR Mayor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Ron Hirth

Clerk/Treasurer (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Gregory J. Doering, Brenda Dubose

Member of Council (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Bob Harper, Greg Schwartzberg


HAMILTON COUNTY TAX LEVY REVIEW COMMITTEEThe Hamilton County Board of Commissioners controls voted levies that appear on the tax bill for Hamilton County property owners. The Commissioners appoint a citizen Tax Levy Review Committee (TLRC) to study levy requests and to advise the Commissioners whether a levy should appear on the ballot; the appropriate size and duration for each levy; and terms and conditions that should be inserted into contracts.

Prior to the placement of each levy on the ballot, the TLRC engages a consultant to review finances and programs funded by the levy and holds public hearings. At the completion of its review, the TLRC sends a written report of findings and recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners. The Commissioners make the final decision regarding the levy that is placed before the voters.If a levy is approved by voters, the TLRC is responsible for conducting a mid-term performance review to see that budget targets and contractual obligations are being met. For more information including membership, levy procedures and TLRC reviews, see www.tinyurl.com/hamcotlrc.

VILLAGE OF GREENHILLS Member of Council (3 to be elected) 4 year term: Jeff Covode (R), Jeffrey T. Halter (R), Maria C. Waltherr (R)

VILLAGE OF LINCOLN HEIGHTS Member of Council (3 to be elected) 4 year term: Phyllis Baber, Kathy A. Goodwin-Williams, Karen Scott Hinkston, Barbara Jackson-Hardy, Ruby Kinsey-Mumphrey, Harold O. Stewart

Member of Council (1 to be elected) Unexpired Term Ending 12/31/17: Tim Lowery, LaVerne Mitchell, D. O. Peterson, Jeannie Stinson

VILLAGE OF LOCKLAND Member of Council (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Brian Pittman (D), Adam Raby (D)

VILLAGE OF MARIEMONT Mayor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Dan Policastro

Member of Council (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Mary Ann Schwartz, Dennis Wolter

VILLAGE OF NEWTOWN Mayor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Mark Kobasuk

Member of Council (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Chuck Short, Daryl L. Zornes

VILLAGE OF NORTH BEND Mayor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Douglas M. Sammons

Member of Council (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Joe Bonner, David L. Moorman, Frances Romweber

VILLAGE OF ST. BERNARD Mayor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Bill Burkhardt, John R. Estep

President of Council (1 to be elected) 2 year term: Michael Peck

Auditor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Mark Auer, Peggy Brickweg

Director of Law (1 to be elected) 4 year term: C. Curtis Walden

Member Council, At-Large (3 to be elected) 2 year term: Steven A. Asbach, Cindi Bedinghaus, Andy Kalb, Steven W. Rutemueller, Adam Zerges

Member Council by Ward (1 to be elected) 2 year term: Ward 1, Patty Hausfeld, John E. Metz; Ward 2, Raymond C. Culbertson; Ward 3, Donald Tobergte; Ward 4, Terence Chin, Diana Schildmeyer

VILLAGE OF SILVERTON Member Council, At-Large (3 to be elected) 4 year term: Mark Quarry (n/d), Dottie Williams (D), Franklin D. Wilson (D)

VILLAGE OF TERRACE PARK Mayor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Tom Tepe, Jr.

Member of Council (2 to be elected) 4 year term: No Valid Petition Filed

VILLAGE OF WOODLAWN Mayor (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Susan Upton Farley, Brian K. Poole

Member of Council (4 to be elected) The three (3) candidates receiving the largest number of votes shall be elected to four (4) year terms of office and the one (1) candidate receiving the next highest

number of votes shall be elected to a two (2) year term of office: Garrick Berkhalter, Rosemary Brown, Mary L. Hill, Joey Joiner, Rhonda Sorrells, Michelle Starr, John M. Turner, Jr. (WRITE-IN) ANDERSON TOWNSHIP Trustee (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Russ Jackson, Dee Stone

Fiscal Officer (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Ken Dietz

COLERAIN TOWNSHIP Trustee (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Tyler M. Harmon, Greg Insco, Garett Pace, Melinda Rinehart

Fiscal Officer (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Heather E. Harlow

COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP Trustee (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Carl Jones, Chris Kritikos

Fiscal Officer (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Paul C. Davis (WRITE-IN), Kevin R. Merrill (WRITE-IN)

CROSBY TOWNSHIP Trustee (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Chuck Heis, Warren E. Strunk

Fiscal Officer (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Robert Bibbo

DELHI TOWNSHIP Trustee (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Rose Stertz

Fiscal Officer (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Jim Luebbe

GREEN TOWNSHIP Trustee (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Steve E. Grote, Tony Rosiello

Trustee (1 to be elected) Unexpired Term Ending 12/31/17: Triffon Callos, Peter M. Rebold

Fiscal Officer (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Jeffry K. Smith, Tom Straus

HARRISON TOWNSHIP Trustee (1 to be elected) 4 year term: William R. Noes, James E. Robertson, Tom Roudebush

Fiscal Officer (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Gregory P. Bybee

MIAMI TOWNSHIP Trustee (1 to be elected) 4 year term: John Kerth, Jack E. Rininger

Fiscal Officer (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Cindy Oser

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP Trustee (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Kyle W. Hufford, Gwen McFarlin

Fiscal Officer (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Dan Berning

SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP Trustee (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Dennis W. Connor

Fiscal Officer (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Rob Porter

SYMMES TOWNSHIP Trustee (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Phil Beck

Fiscal Officer (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Carol A. Sims

WHITEWATER TOWNSHIP Trustee (1 to be elected) 4 year term: Hubert E. Brown

Fiscal Officer (1 to be elected) 4 year term: James L. Brett

SUBURBAN AND COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT CANDIDATES

DEER PARK COMMUNITY CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Member of Board of Education (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Donna Rohdenburg Farrell, Thomas M. Griswold, Chris Huster

FINNEYTOWN LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Member of Board of Education (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Tony Gast, Joycelyn Johnson, Brian J. Watson

Member of Board of Education (1 to be elected) Unexpired term ending 12/31/17: Anita E. Ruffin

FOREST HILLS LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT (Includes Clermont County) Member of Board of Education (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Jim Frooman, Randy Smith

INDIAN HILL EX. VIL. CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Member of Board of Education (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Nancy Aichholz, Lyle Fiore, Kris Pearson

LOCKLAND LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Member of Board of Education (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Krista Blum, Misty L. Cromer

LOVELAND CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT (Includes Clermont and Warren Counties) Member of Board of Education (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Art Jarvis, Kathryn Lorenz

MADEIRA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Member of Board of Education (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Jennifer Madden, Richard Palmer

MARIEMONT CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Member of Board of Education (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Nan Dill, Kelli Neville

MILFORD EXEMPTED VILLAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT (File in Clermont County) Member of Board of Education (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Jennifer Funk, Robert Hewlett, George A. Lucas, Don Lykins, Debbie Marques

MT. HEALTHY CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Member of Board of Education (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Steven A. Harness, Lori K. Jones, Julie Turner

NORTH COLLEGE HILL CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Member of Board of Education (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Eugene E. Blalock, Jr., Barbara Graves

Member of Board of Education (2 to be elected) unexpired term ending 12/31/17: Brittany Michele Feeney (WRITE-IN), Angela Jean Graver (WRITE-IN), Al Long, Zack Whittle

NORTHWEST LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT (Includes Butler County) Member of Board of Education (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Dexter Carpenter, Jim Detzel, Bob Engel, Elaine (Continued on page 10)


Ohio voters will be deciding on State Issue 1 regarding the drawing of Ohio General Assembly’s Senate and House Districts. “YES” means we change to a new method that includes both parties in the redistricting process. “NO” means we continue with the current system of the majority party drawing the districts. To provide background for your decision, LWVCA is providing Hamilton County voters with maps of our present district lines and voter populations. These maps show the current Ohio Senate and House districts, which neighborhoods are in each district, and which neighborhoods are split over two or more districts – thus diluting their vote as a community. Find your neighborhood and see how your community is affected. * Areas in red are single municipalities which are split over multiple districts. Voter information collected from Hamilton, Warren, and Butler County Boards of Elections websites and was current as of 9/13/2015. If you want information on other issues raised by the current method of drawing Ohio’s Senate and House districts, read “Predictable Results: A Report from the League of Women Voters of Ohio Comparing 2011 Gerrymandering to the 2012 and 2014 Election Results” available at LWVOhio.org.

District Maps - What does your district look like?

2014 Ohio House Republican

Ohio House Democrat

# of Votes 1,686,301 1,269,915

% of Votes 57.04% 42.96%

# of Seats 65 34

% of Seats 65.65% 34.34%

Ohio House Republican Versus Democratic Votes

Ohio House Republican Versus Democratic Seats

2014 Ohio Senate Republican

Ohio Senate Democrat

# of Votes 753,009 630,473

% of Votes 54.42% 45.58%

# of Seats 10 7

% of Seats 58.83% 41.17%

2014 Ohio Senate Republican Versus Democratic Votes

2014 Ohio Senate Republican Versus Democratic Seats

STATE VOTES VERSUS STATE SEATS2014 % of votes and seats graphics courtesy of League of Women Voters of Ohio.

Ohio House 29 is located within Hamilton County

Cincinnati Colerain Township Crosby Township Harrison Harrison Township Miami Township Whitewater Township

# of Registered voters in Hamilton County in Ohio 29: 72,309 of which 63,741 are non-affiliated with a party (which means they do not vote in a party primary)

Of those affiliated with a party: 1,926 Democratic party, 19 Green party, 62 Libertarian party, and 6,561 Republican party

Ohio House 29 is currently represented by Louis Blessing, III (R)



Ohio House 27 is currently represented by Tom Brinkman, Jr. (R)


Blue Ash Deer Park Delhi Township Evendale Forest Park Glendale Green Hills Harrison Harrison Township Madeira Montgomery Reading Sharonville Springdale Springfield Township Sycamore Township



Ohio House 28 is currently represented by Jonathan Dever (R)

OHIO HOUSE DISTRICTS


Anderson Township Cincinnati Columbia Township Fairfax Indian Hill Loveland Mariemont Newtown Symmes Township Terrace Park



CheviotCincinnatiDelhi TownshipGreen Township



Ohio House 30 is currently represented by Louis Terhar (R)


Amberley Cincinnati Columbia Township Norwood St. Bernard Silverton



Ohio House 31 is currently represented by Denise Driehaus (D)


CincinnatiMt. HealthyNorth College HillSpringfield Township # of Registered voters in Hamilton County in Ohio 32: 79,616 of which 74,049 are non-affiliated with a party (which means they do not vote in a party primary)


Ohio House 32 is currently represented by Christie Bryant-Kuhns (D)


Arlington Cincinnati Elmwood Golf Manor Lincoln Heights Lockland Springfield Township Sycamore Township Woodlawn Wyoming



Ohio House 33 is currently represented by Alicia Reece (D)

OHIO SENATE DISTRICTS

Ohio Senate 7 includes all of Warren County and parts of Hamilton County and Butler County.

Anderson Township Loveland

Cincinnati Mariemont Columbia Township Newtown Fairfax Symmes Township Indian Hill Terrace Park # of Registered voters in Hamilton County in Ohio 7: 81,921 of which 69,404 are non-affiliated with a party (which means they do not vote in a party primary)


# of Registered voters in Warren County in Ohio Senate 7: 142,156 of which 104,536 are non-affiliated with a party (which means they have either never voted in a primary, have not voted in a primary in the last two years or voted an issues only ballot in the primary)


# of Registered voters in Butler County in Ohio Senate 7: 9,935 of which 8,451 are non-affiliated with a party (which means they have not voted in the last two cycles of party primaries)

Of those affiliated with a party: 547 Democratic party and 937 Republican party

Ohio Senate 7 is currently represented by Shannon Jones (R)

Ohio Senate 8 is located within Hamilton County

Blue Ash Cheviot Harrison Cincinnati Harrison Township Colerain Township Madeira Crosby Township Miami Township Deer Park Montgomery Delhi Township Reading Evendale Sharonville Forest Park Springdale Glendale Springfield Township Green Township Sycamore Township Green Hills Whitewater Township

# of Registered voters in Hamilton County in Ohio Senate 8: 228,284 of which 199,440 are non-affiliated with a party (which means they have either never voted in a primary, have not voted in a primary in the last two years or voted an issues only ballot in the primary)


Ohio Senate 8 is currently represented by Bill Seitz (R)

Ohio Senate 9 is located within Hamilton County

Amberley Mt. Healthy Arlington North College Hill Cincinnati Norwood Columbia Township St. Bernard Elmwood Silverton Golf Manor Springfield Lincoln Heights Sycamore Lockland Woodlawn Wyoming

# of Registered voters in Hamilton County in Ohio Senate 9: 230,451 of which 207,685 are non-affiliated with a party (which means they have either never voted in a primary, have not voted in a primary in the last two years or voted an issues only ballot in the primary)


Ohio Senate 9 is currently represented by Cecil Thomas (D)


Gauck, Ryan Manring, Bev Spellmeyer, Dan Unger

NORWOOD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Member of Board of Education (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Tim Bryant, Cheri Scott-Geraci

OAK HILLS LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Member of Board of Education (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Paul D. Cooper, Janice Hunter, Linus Ryland

PRINCETON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT (Includes Butler and Warren Counties) Member of Board of Education (3 to be elected) 4 year term: Sandy Leach, Gina Ruffin Moore, Jon Myron Simons, Susan Wyder

READING COMMUNITY CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Member of Board of Education (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Donna F. Engel, Dan Kunkel, Megan Peterson, Debbie Wisser

ST. BERNARD - ELMWOOD PLACE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Member of Board of Education (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Linda Keith Radtke, Cristina I. Underwood

SOUTHWEST LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT (Includes Butler County) Member of Board of Education (3 to be elected) 4 year term: Jeffrey Paul Biddle, Linda Peak, Carroll E. Roberts

SYCAMORE COMMUNITY CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Member of Board of Education (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Paul Balent, Melissa Weiss

THREE RIVERS LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Member of Board of Education (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Bob Paul Bracken, Chris Oser, Tim Wagner, Danette Wells

WINTON WOODS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Member of Board of Education (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Jeff Berte, Ariel Johnson, Paula Kuhn, Katrina Rugless, Sean Rugless, John Thad Willard

WYOMING CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Member of Board of Education (2 to be elected) 4 year term: Todd S. Levy, Jeanie Zoller

BALLOT ISSUES

ISSUE 4PROPOSED TAX LEVY (ADDITIONAL) - VILLAGE OF GOLF MANORAmajorityaffirmativevoteisnecessaryforpassage.

An additional tax for the benefit of the Village of Golf Manor, County of Hamilton, Ohio, for the purpose of CURRENT OPERATING EXPENSES at a rate not exceeding five (5) mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to fifty cents ($0.50) for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for three (3) years, commencing in 2015, first due in calendar year 2016.

FOR THE TAX LEVY AGAINST THE TAX LEVY

ISSUE 5PROPOSED TAX LEVY (RENEWAL) -

VILLAGE OF GREENHILLS Amajorityaffirmativevoteisnecessaryforpassage.

A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the Village of Greenhills, County of Hamilton, Ohio, for the purpose of RECREATIONAL PURPOSES at a rate not exceeding seven-tenths (0.7) mill for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to seven cents ($0.07) for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for five (5) years, commencing in 2015, first due in calendar year 2016.


ISSUE 6

PROPOSED TAX LEVY (RENEWAL) - VILLAGE OF LINCOLN HEIGHTSAmajorityaffirmativevoteisnecessaryforpassage A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the Village of Lincoln Heights, County of Hamilton, Ohio, for the purpose of CURRENT EXPENSES at a rate not exceeding sixteen (16) mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to one dollar and sixty cents ($1.60) for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for five (5) years, commencing in 2015, first due in calendar year 2016.


ISSUE 7PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT -

VILLAGE OF LINCOLN HEIGHTS Amajorityaffirmativevoteisnecessaryforpassage.

Shall Article VIII, Section 8.06 DUTIES OF THE PERSONNEL ADVISORY AND APPEALS BOARD PERSONNEL MERIT SYSTEM of the Charter of the Village of Lincoln Heights be amended to read as follows: The Personnel Appeals Board shall hear appeals upon request of any employee in the non-exempt or exempt service, except for those identified in Sections 8.02(a), (b), (c), (e), (f) and (i), who feels aggrieved by an action of the Manager or his/her designated personnel officer, or by any department director. Actions subject to appeal include but are not limited to: (1) suspension without pay for more than three (3) work days, (2) demotion in job classification, or (3) dismissal. The Board shall also have authority to subpoena witnesses, and to require the production of records. For that purpose, Council, by ordinance, shall prescribe the process of citing witnesses, administering oaths and producing evidence, and its enforcement through the Department of Law. The judgment of the Personnel Appeals Board shall, for the purposes of the Municipality, be final.

YES NO

ISSUE 8PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT - VILLAGE OF LINCOLN HEIGHTSAmajorityaffirmativevoteisnecessaryforpassage.

Shall Article VIII, Section 8.07 PERSONNEL ADVISORY AND APPEAL PROCEDURE of the Charter of the Village of Lincoln Heights be amended to read as follows: Any employee identified in Section 8.06 of the Charter, who has passed his/her probationary period may appeal to the Board under the rules set forth by the Board. Actions subject to appeal include but are not limited to: 1) suspension without pay for more than three (3) work days, 2) demotion in job classification, or 3) dismissal. Such employee shall have 10 calendar days from the effective date of the disciplinary action to file an appeal with the Personnel Advisory and Appeals Board. The Board shall hear the appeal within 30 calendar days of the date on which the appeal is filed and shall render a judgment either to affirm, reverse or modify the disciplinary action within 90 calendar days of said hearing. Such judgment shall be final. In the appeal process, the Board shall have the power to subpoena witnesses and require production of records.

YES NO ISSUE 9PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT - VILLAGE OF LINCOLN HEIGHTS Amajorityaffirmativevoteisnecessaryforpassage.

Shall Article XI of the Charter of the Village of Lincoln Heights be amended by adding SECTION 11.09 VACANCIES ON ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS which reads as follows:

DEFINITIONS OF BALLOT TERMSTAX LEVY: Taxes that are assessed to homeowners and businesses based on their property values. These monies are used to fund government functions as well as special programs or activities determined to be of significant benefit to the citizens. Tax levies may be placed on the ballot for public vote by a government entity (County Commissioners, City Council, Township Trustees) or taxing authority (School Board, Vocational District, Park Board, Library Board)

RENEWAL LEVY: A Renewal Levy is the CONTINUANCE OF AN EXISTING LEVY with the collection rate at the same dollar amount as when the levy was originally approved.

REPLACEMENT LEVY: A replacement levy is a NEW LEVY FOR THE SAME PURPOSE AS THE EXISTING LEVY but with a different collection rate than the levy it replaces. The collection rate uses the assessed value of the property at the time of the replacement.

COE: Current Operating Expenses

CPT: Continued Period of Time

MILL: The property tax is measured in mills; a mill is one tenth of a cent. This translates to $1 for each $1,000 taxable value of the property.

MARKET VALUE: The market value of property is determined by the County Auditor. The valuation considers regional and neighborhood economic conditions, building improvements and land value. By state law, there is a full reassessment to each parcel every six years, followed by a computerized update three years later. The last full reappraisal in Hamilton County was in 2011.

ASSESSED VALUE: Assessed Value is 35% of the Market Value of a property. In Ohio, property taxes are determined by the Assessed Value.

TAX RATE (mills): The Full Tax Rate is the total millage for the year, most of which is approved by voters in the taxing district. The Effective Tax Rate is the annual total millage reduced by state mandated reductions such as the rollback and the homestead exemption. This is stated in mills, not dollars.

SPECIAL DISTRICT: A joint fire and/or ambulance district that provides shared services in a legally designated area. A uniform tax rate is levied against all jurisdictions specified in the district.

GAS/ELECTRIC AGGREGATION: Aggregation is the process in which energy is sold to consumers who have joined together as a group to buy electric or natural gas. Local governments may aggregate the energy used by their residents and arrange for the purchase of electricity or natural gas as “governmental aggregators.” Ohio law gives local governments the option to choose either an opt-in or opt-out form of aggregation. The “Opt-in” form requires that each consumer agrees to participate in the program before being included in the aggregation pool. It does not require voter approval at an election. The “Opt-out” form automatically includes each consumer in the aggregated pool unless the individual affirmatively decides not to participate. It requires approval by a majority of the voters at an election.


WHAT TO BRING WHEN YOU VOTEYou must present ONE of these forms of identification to vote:• A government photo ID (Ohio

Driver’s license or State ID showing either your current or your former address, as long as the ID has not expired)

OR one of the following that shows your current address and your name:• Military ID• Copy of a current utility bill• Bank statement• Paycheck• Government check• Government document showing

your name and current address (Note: You cannot use the notice you received from the Board of Elections)

If you are a registered voter but don’t have any acceptable form of ID you still have the right to cast a provisional ballot, which should be counted if:

• You truthfully affirm in writing that you are an eligible and registered voter in the precinct you are voting AND you do one of the following:

• Provide the last four digits of your Social Security number at the polling place

• Provide either a valid form of ID or the last four digits of your Social Security number within 10 days of the election

• If you don’t have any acceptable form of ID or a Social Security number, you affirm that fact in writing.

Above all, if you are sure you are at the correct polling precinct and voting a regular ballot is not an option for whatever reason, don’t leave the polls without voting a provisional ballot.

Council shall fill any vacancies which occur on the foregoing Advisory Boards and Commissions within 30 calendar days of receiving notice of said vacancy. Provided, however, if notice of said vacancy is received between July 15 and August 31, Council shall fill said vacancy within 60 calendar days.

YES NO ISSUE 10PROPOSED TAX LEVY (ADDITIONAL) - VILLAGE OF NEWTOWNAmajorityaffirmativevoteisnecessaryforpassage.

An additional tax for the benefit of the Village of Newtown, County of Hamilton, Ohio, for the purpose of PROVIDING AND MAINTAINING FIRE APPARATUS, APPLIANCES, BUILDINGS, OR SITES THEREFOR, OR SOURCES OF WATER SUPPLY AND MATERIALS THEREFOR, OR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF LINES OF FIRE ALARM TELEGRAPH, OR THE PAYMENT OF FIREFIGHTING COMPANIES OR PERMANENT, PART-TIME, OR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTING, EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE, ADMINISTRATIVE, OR COMMUNICATIONS PERSONNEL TO OPERATE THE SAME, INCLUDING THE PAYMENT OF ANY EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS REQUIRED FOR SUCH PERSONNEL UNDER SECTION 145.48 OR 742.34 OF THE REVISED CODE, OR THE PURCHASE OF AMBULANCE EQUIPMENT, OR THE PROVISION OF AMBULANCE, PARAMEDIC, OR OTHER EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES OPERATED BY A FIRE DEPARTMENT OR FIREFIGHTING COMPANY at a rate not exceeding twelve and five-hundredths (12.05) mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to one dollar twenty and five-tenths cents ($1.205) for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for a continuing period of time, commencing in 2015, first due in calendar year 2016.


ISSUE 11PROPOSED TAX LEVY (RENEWAL) - VILLAGE OF TERRACE PARKAmajorityaffirmativevoteisnecessaryforpassage.

A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the Village of Terrace Park, County of Hamilton, Ohio, for the purpose of CURRENT OPERATING EXPENSES at a rate not exceeding two and eight-tenths (2.8) mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to twenty-eight cents ($0.28) for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for five (5) years, commencing in 2015, first due in calendar year 2016.


ISSUE 12PROPOSED NATURAL GAS AGGREGATION - COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP Amajorityaffirmativevoteisnecessaryforpassage.

Shall Columbia Township have the authority to aggregate the retail natural gas loads located in Columbia Township, and for that purpose, enter into service agreements to facilitate for those loads the

sale and purchase of natural gas, such aggregation to occur automatically except where any person elects to opt out?


ISSUE 13PROPOSED TAX LEVY (RENEWAL AND INCREASE) - SYMMES TOWNSHIPAmajorityaffirmativevoteisnecessaryforpassage

A renewal of 1 mill and an increase of 0.5 mill to constitute a tax for the benefit of Symmes Township, County of Hamilton, Ohio, for the purpose of PROVIDING AND MAINTAINING FIRE APPARATUS, APPLIANCES, BUILDINGS, OR SITES THEREFOR, OR SOURCES OF WATER SUPPLY AND MATERIALS THEREFOR, OR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF LINES OF FIRE ALARM TELEGRAPH, OR THE PAYMENT OF PERMANENT, PART-TIME, OR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS OR FIREFIGHTING COMPANIES TO OPERATE THE SAME, INCLUDING THE PAYMENT OF THE FIREFIGHTER EMPLOYER’S CONTRIBUTION REQUIRED UNDER SECTION 742.34 OF THE REVISED CODE, OR THE PURCHASE OF AMBULANCE EQUIPMENT, OR THE PROVISION OF AMBULANCE, PARAMEDIC, OR OTHER EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES OPERATED BY A FIRE DEPARTMENT OR FIREFIGHTING COMPANY; AND PROVIDING AND MAINTAINING MOTOR VEHICLES, COMMUNICATIONS, OTHER EQUIPMENT, BUILDINGS, AND SITES FOR SUCH BUILDINGS USED DIRECTLY IN THE OPERATION OF A POLICE DEPARTMENT, OR THE PAYMENT OF SALARIES OF PERMANENT POLICE PERSONNEL, INCLUDING THE PAYMENT OF THE POLICE OFFICER EMPLOYER’S CONTRIBUTION REQUIRED UNDER SECTION 742.33 OF THE REVISED CODE, OR THE PAYMENT OF THE COSTS INCURRED BY TOWNSHIPS AS A RESULT OF CONTRACTS MADE WITH OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS IN ORDER TO OBTAIN POLICE PROTECTION, OR THE PROVISION OF AMBULANCE OR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES OPERATED BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP at a rate not exceeding one and five-tenths (1.5) mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to fifteen cents ($0.15) for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for five (5) years, commencing in 2015, first due in calendar year 2016.


ISSUE 14SPECIAL ELECTION BY PETITION LOCAL OPTION ELECTION ON SUNDAY SALE OF LIQUOR - PRECINCT SYMMES F Amajorityaffirmativevoteisnecessaryforpassage.

Shall the sale of wine and mixed beverages be permitted for sale on Sunday between the hours of ten a.m. and midnight by Lake Venture LLC, dba Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, an applicant for a D-6 liquor permit who is engaged in the business of operating a grocery store at 11349 Montgomery Rd., Symmes Twp., Cincinnati, OH 45249 in this precinct?

YES NO

ISSUE 15PROPOSED BOND ISSUE AND TAX LEVY - READING COMMUNITY CITY SCHOOL DISTRICTAmajorityaffirmativevoteisnecessaryforpassage.

Shall bonds be issued by the Reading Community City School District, County of Hamilton, Ohio, for the purpose of paying the local share of school construction under the State of Ohio Exceptional Needs Program and the cost of other improvements to school facilities, together with, as applicable, new construction, improvements, renovations and other additions to school facilities, as well as equipment, furnishings, site improvements and all necessary appurtenances therefor, land acquisition and capitalized interest (if any) in the principal amount of twenty-four million seven hundred seventy-two thousand three hundred dollars ($24,772,300) to be repaid annually over a maximum period of thirty-eight (38) years, and an annual levy of property taxes be made outside the ten-mill limitation, estimated by the county auditor to average over the repayment period of the bond issue six and ninety-eight hundredths (6.98) mills for each one dollar of tax valuation, which amounts to sixty-nine and eight-tenths cents ($0.698) for each one hundred dollars of tax valuation, commencing in 2015, first due in calendar year 2016, to pay the annual debt charges on the bonds and to pay debt charges on any notes issued in anticipation of those bonds? and Shall an additional levy of taxes be made for a period of twenty-three (23) years, commencing in 2015, first due in calendar year 2016, to benefit the Reading Community City School District, the proceeds of which shall be used to pay the cost of maintaining the classroom facilities included in the project at the rate of one-half (0.5) mill for each one dollar of valuation?

FOR BOND ISSUE AND LEVY AGAINST BOND ISSUE AND LEVY

ISSUE 16PROPOSED BOND ISSUE AND TAX LEVY - NORTHWEST LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTAmajorityaffirmativevoteisnecessaryforpassage.

Shall the Northwest Local School District, Counties of Hamilton and Butler, Ohio, be authorized to do the following: (1) Issue bonds for the purpose of NEW CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENTS, RENOVATIONS AND ADDITIONS TO SCHOOL FACILITIES AND PROVIDING EQUIPMENT, FURNISHINGS AND SITE IMPROVEMENTS THEREFOR, in the principal amount of $76,000,000, to be repaid annually over a maximum period of thirty-five (35) years, and levy a property tax outside the ten-mill limitation, estimated by the county auditor to average over the bond repayment period two and eighty-two hundredths (2.82) mills for each one dollar of tax valuation, which amounts to twenty-eight and two-tenths cents ($0.282) for each one hundred dollars of tax valuation, commencing in 2015, first due in calendar year 2016, to pay the annual debt


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charges on the bonds, and to pay debt charges on any notes issued in anticipation of those bonds? (2) Levy an additional property tax to pay CURRENT OPERATING EXPENSES at a rate not exceeding one (1) mill for each one dollar of tax valuation, which amounts to ten cents ($0.10) for each one hundred dollars of tax valuation, for a continuing period of time, commencing in 2015, first due in calendar year 2016?


ISSUE 17PROPOSED BOND ISSUE AND TAX LEVY - SOUTHWEST LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Amajorityaffirmativevoteisnecessaryforpassage.

Shall bonds be issued by the Southwest Local School District, Counties of Hamilton and Butler, Ohio, for the purpose of PAYING THE LOCAL SHARE OF SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION UNDER THE STATE OF OHIO CLASSROOM FACILITIES ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND THE COST OF OTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO SCHOOL FACILITIES, TOGETHER WITH, AS APPLICABLE, NEW CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENTS, RENOVATIONS AND ADDITIONS TO SCHOOL FACILITIES, SITE ACQUISITION AND PROVIDING EQUIPMENT, FURNISHINGS, SITE IMPROVEMENTS THEREFOR in the principal amount of seventy-seven million two hundred forty-five thousand dollars ($77,245,000) to be repaid annually over a maximum period of thirty-eight (38) years, and an annual levy of property taxes be made outside the ten-mill limitation, estimated by the county auditor to average over the repayment period of the bond issue six and forty-nine hundredths (6.49) mills for each one dollar of tax valuation, which amounts to sixty-four and nine-tenths cents ($0.649) for each one hundred dollars of tax valuation, commencing in 2015, first due in calendar year 2016, to pay the annual debt charges on the bonds, and to pay debt charges on any notes issued in anticipation of those bonds? and Shall an additional tax be levied for the benefit of the Southwest Local School District, Counties of Hamilton and Butler, Ohio, for the purpose OF PROVIDING FUNDS FOR THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, ENLARGEMENT, RENOVATION AND FINANCING OF PERMANENT IMPROVEMENTS at a rate not exceeding one-half (0.5) mill for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to five cents ($0.05) for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for a continuing period of time, commencing in 2015, first due in calendar year 2016?


ISSUE 18PROPOSED TAX LEVY (ADDITIONAL) - ANDERSON TOWNSHIP PARK DISTRICTAmajorityaffirmativevoteisnecessaryforpassage.

An additional tax for the benefit of the Anderson Township Park District, County of Hamilton, Ohio, for the purpose of PURCHASING, APPROPRIATING, OPERATING, MAINTAINING AND IMPROVING LANDS

FOR PARKS AND RECREATIONAL PURPOSES, INCLUDING THE PAYMENT OF DEBT SERVICE ON BONDS ISSUED at a rate not exceeding seven tenths (0.7) mill for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to seven cents ($0.07) for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for fifteen (15) years, commencing in 2015, first due in calendar year 2016.


ISSUE 19PROPOSED TAX LEVY (REPLACEMENT AND INCREASE) - COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP WASTE DISTRICT Amajorityaffirmativevoteisnecessaryforpassage.

A replacement of 3.5 mills of an existing levy and an increase of 1.6 mills to constitute a tax for the benefit of Columbia Township Waste District, County of Hamilton, Ohio, for the purpose of COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF GARBAGE OR REFUSE, INCLUDING YARD WASTE at a rate not exceeding five and one-tenth (5.1) mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to fifty-one cents ($0.51) for each one hundred dollars in valuation, for three (3) years, commencing in 2015, first due in calendar year 2016.


ISSUE 20SPECIAL ELECTION BY PETITION LOCAL OPTION ELECTION ON SUNDAY SALE OF LIQUOR - PRECINCT CINCINNATI 2-C Amajorityaffirmativevoteisnecessaryforpassage.

Shall the sale of beer, wine and mixed beverages be permitted for sale on Sunday between the hours of ten a.m. and midnight by Kroger Limited Partnership LLC, dba Kroger #465, an applicant for a D-6 liquor permit who is engaged in the business of operating a grocery store at 4613 Marburg Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45209 in this precinct?

YES NO

ISSUE 21SPECIAL ELECTION BY PETITION LOCAL OPTION ELECTION ON SUNDAY SALE OF LIQUOR - PRECINCT CINCINNATI 2-C Amajorityaffirmativevoteisnecessaryforpassage.

Shall the sale of wine and mixed beverages be permitted for sale on Sunday between the hours of ten a.m. and midnight by Lake Venture LLC, dba Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, an applicant for a D-6 liquor permit who is engaged in the business of operating a grocery store at 3321 Alamo Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45209 in this precinct?

YES NO

ISSUE 22PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT - CITY OF CINCINNATI Amajorityaffirmativevoteisnecessaryforpassage.

Shall the Charter of the City of Cincinnati Article VIII, Taxation and Finance, be amended to add a new Section 9 for the purpose of establishing a permanent source of funding to be used by the Board of Park Commissioners for capital improvements and capital maintenance, including the acquisition of new park lands and green space, upgrades to existing park facilities and equipment, bicycle paths, and lighting and safety improvements, specifically as follows:

(a) Establish a tax levy for the benefit of the Cincinnati Parks Department for the purposes of (1) acquisition of new parks department land and facilities; (2) capital maintenance of new and existing parks department facilities; and (3) payment of debt service on parks department land and facilities at a rate not exceeding one mill for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to 10 cents for each one hundred dollars of valuation;

(b) Twenty-five percent of the annual revenue generated by such additional levy shall be made available to the Board of Park Commissioners for any purpose permitted by section (a) except for the payment of debt service on parks department land and facilities;

(c) Seventy-five percent of the annual revenue generated by such additional levy shall be used in accordance with a capital program recommended by the Mayor of the City of Cincinnati and approved by the Board of Park Commissioners; and

(d) Beginning with fiscal year 2016, the Council of the City of Cincinnati shall appropriate no less than $2,300,000.00 per year to the Cincinnati Parks Department and such appropriation shall be adjusted annually to reflect inflation?

YES NO

EXPLANATION: Issue 22 is a proposed amendment to the Charter of the City of Cincinnati to add a new Section 9 to Article Vlll. The new section would require the Council to levy a one mill tax on real and personal property in the city beginning in 2016 to fund capital improvements to new and existing city parks facilities for limited purposes including: acquisition of new parks department land and facilities; capital maintenance of new and existing parks department facilities; and payment of debt service on parks department land and facilities including costs of issuing and managing debt instruments. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the annual levy revenue shall be available to the board of park commissioners for the authorized purposes listed above except for payment of debt service. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the levy revenue shall be available to the board of park commissioners to be spent in accordance with a parks capital levy program recommended by the mayor and approved by the board of park commissioners including but not limited to the payment of debt service.

The mayor annually shall submit a proposed capital levy program for expenditure of levy revenue for levy purposes subject to the approval of the board of park commissioners. Upon the annual approval of the capital levy program, the board of park


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commissioners shall have control and management authority over the implementation of the approved capital levy program and may amend an approved capital levy program with the approval from the mayor. In addition to and separate from the park capital levy revenue authorized by this Charter amendment, council shall fund the annual parks department capital budget in an amount not less than 2016 levels, adjusted annually for inflation, deemed to be $2,300.000 for purposes of this section.

This issue was placed on the ballot by City Council following an initiative petition campaign that gathered sufficient valid signatures.

WHAT THE ISSUE WILL DO: The proposed Charter amendment would add to the City Charter a new section 9 to Article Vlll which pertains to Taxation and Finance. The section would provide for a new one mill property tax levy in Cincinnati which would raise about $5.3 million a year beginning in 2016. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the levy revenue would be used for acquisition and capital maintenance of new and existing parks department facilities. Seventy-five percent (75%) of levy revenue shall be available to the board of park commissioners to fund the parks capital levy program recommended by the mayor and approved by the board of park commissioners including but not limited to payment of debt service. Payment of debt service will have priority over all other levy revenue expenditures. The park commissioners will have control and management over the implementation of the approved capital levy program and may amend it with approval of the mayor.

In addition to the revenue raised by this new park capital levy, the charter amendment would require City Council to fund the annual Parks Department capital budget at an amount not less than 2016 levels ($2.3 million for purposes of this section), adjusted annually for inflation.

The proposed levy would cost the owner of a home worth $100,000 approximately $35 a year and generate $5.3- $5.5 million annually as determined by the City’s Office of Budget and Management and the County Auditor’s office. Revenue from this charter levy is limited to use for acquisition of new park land and facilities and capital maintenance of parks. This is a permanent levy without any time limits specified. The levy would provide new and additional revenue to fund Cincinnati Parks while also guaranteeing the capital funds the Park Department already receives from the City’s budget.

The initial projects proposed for funding from this levy were selected based on being inclusive, broad and far-reaching and to achieve diversification throughout the city’s neighborhoods. More than a dozen parks and historical landmarks throughout the city are proposed to be renovated, facilities added, bike trails built and a marina created at the city’s riverfront. For a list of the projects see: www.voteyeson22.com.

BACKGROUND: The Board of Park Commissioners was incorporated in the 1926 Charter of the City of Cincinnati as an independent Board. The mission of the Cincinnati Board of Park Commissioners

is “to conserve, manage, sustain and enhance parks’ natural and cultural resources and public greenspace for the enjoyment, enlightenment and enrichment of the Cincinnati community.”

The Board of Park Commissioners consists of five members appointed by the Mayor to serve a six year term. Day to day operations are carried out by the Park Director appointed by the Board. The Park Board’s budget includes funding from the City’s General, Capital Improvement and Infrastructure Funds; program and facility fees and charges; a Citywide street tree assessment; investments from private endowments; and Federal, State and private grants.

The Cincinnati Park Board manages Cincinnati Parklands including: regional parks, neighborhood parks, natural areas, neighborhood nature centers and various sites, scenic overlooks, hiking and bridle trails and specialized park properties such as Krohn Conservatory, Theodore Berry International Friendship Park and Smale Riverfront Park. Cincinnati Parks constitute about 5,000 acres, amounting to approximately 10% of Cincinnati’s land mass.

Great Parks of Hamilton County (formerly Hamilton County Park District) is a separate park system and would not be funded by this levy.

An 1817 land donation became the first Cincinnati Park now called Piatt Park and parcels of land were acquired over the century. The Board of Park Commissioners was formed in 1906 and laid the foundation of Cincinnati Parks with the 1907 plan, “A Park System for the City of Cincinnati”. The focus was on maintenance of the existing system by the end of the twentieth century. To conserve and develop the park legacy “Planting the Future – the Cincinnati Parks and Greenways Plan” was approved by City Council in 1992. The Cincinnati Parks Foundation was established in 1995 to help finance maintenance of the parks. After two years of planning and community participation, City Council adopted the “Cincinnati Parks 2007 Centennial Plan” a blueprint for Cincinnati Parks for the next 20 – 30 years.

PROPONENT STATEMENTS: The money from the property tax will improve and expand Cincinnati’s Parks which will increase property values and quality of life for all Cincinnatians.

Great cities have great parks that stimulate economic vitality and attract new residents and visitors. The levy would provide the Parks Department with a permanent source of capital funding. The Parks Department needs more funds; the levy revenue will enable the Park Board to fund the backlog of Parks projects which are waiting for funding. The funds will enable refurbishment, adding facilities and expansion of the parks throughout Cincinnati neighborhoods transforming them into attractive neighborhood gems.

OPPONENT STATEMENTS: The Mayor would have the exclusive power to propose the capital levy program for the Parks without involvement of City Council or public participation.

This levy guarantees a level of capital funding for the parks regardless of the economy and other city

needs and this levy has no expiration clause even if the funds were no longer needed.

Great Parks of Hamilton County, the county park system that shares in the management of some city parks, was not engaged in developing this proposal. This city parks levy would be a separate levy from the county parks property tax levy. To change or repeal any part of this Charter amendment, voters would need to pass another amendment. The proposed projects damage natural resources by removing trees, adding roads and building structures in existing natural areas.


Shall Article IX, “Nominations and Elections”, Section 1a and Section 4 of the Charter of the City of Cincinnati be amended to: Provide that the date of the mayoral primary shall be moved to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in May of the year of an election to select a mayor of the City of Cincinnati or, if the date of the State of Ohio primary will be held on an alternate date that year, to the date of the state primary; and in the event of an election to fill the unexpired term of the office of mayor, to move the date of the mayoral primary to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in August of the year of an election to fill the unexpired term of the office of mayor or, if the State of Ohio August election will be held on an alternate date that year, to the date of the state election scheduled to be in August of that calendar year?

YES NO

EXPLANATION: The proposed amendment alters Article IX “Nominations and Elections, Section 1a and Section 4, to change the date of the mayoral primary. The current regular date is in September – the first Tuesday after the first Monday in September in the year in which the election for mayor occurs. The date would change to May of that year to correspond with the regular date of the State of Ohio primary. The proposed amendment also provides that if the State of Ohio primary is changed to an alternate date in the year of a mayoral election, then the mayoral primary will be held on that date to correspond with the Ohio primary. In the circumstances where a special election for mayor must take place to fill an unexpired term, the proposed amendment calls for the date of the primary to be in August- the first Tuesday after the first Monday in August; or in the event the State of Ohio August election is changed to an alternate date that year, the mayoral primary would be on that date.

The issue was placed on the ballot by a vote of City Council following a recommendation from the City of Cincinnati’s Charter Review Task Force.

BACKGROUND FOR ISSUES 23 (AND 24): Both of the proposed Charter Amendments come from recommendations of the Charter Review Task Force. The CRTF was established by majority vote of Cincinnati City Council and has been meeting


regularly since May 2014. It was created to review the Charter line by line to decide what changes if any should be made in order to remove obsolete language, to clarify and remove ambiguity, to ensure consistency with state and federal law, and to improve efficiencies in city government, as well as to consider proposed substantive changes that might improve Cincinnati City government and elections. The first phase of the work of the CRTF resulted in a bundle of recommended changes to the Charter which City Council approved for placement on the ballot in a single amendment in November 2014. The amendment passed.

The next phase of the CRTF work addressed some substantive issues as well as “cleaning up” and “clearing up” language in the Charter not covered by the November 2014 amendment. This CRTF engaged in a detailed study of a number of issues and held some public hearings to gain additional input, which resulted in several amendment proposals sent to City Council for their approval. In addition to the two ballot issues that were approved by six members of City Council for presentation to the voters on November 3, 2015, the CRTF considered several other proposals which did not make it to a vote of City Council or did not receive the required minimum of six votes to go on the ballot. These included granting a super-majority of City Council the authority to initiate the process of possible removal of the City Manager, granting City Council the right to hold executive sessions for specifically defined and limited purposes, requiring the Mayor to assign all proposals submitted from members of Council to a Committee of Council within 14 days of submission. The CRTF decided not to consider making major substantive recommendations about changing the form of government or the method of electing City Council without greater input from the citizens on such matters.

PROPONENT STATEMENTS: Holding the mayoral primary in September to determine the top two candidates to run for mayor in November requires the taxpayers to shoulder all the costs of the primary. Holding the primary on a scheduled State of Ohio election date could help reduce the costs. Should the results of the primary in September be close enough to require a recount and other related election law requirements to be carried out, it would be impossible to complete all the tasks required before the deadlines for the November election. A wider gap between the primary and the general election would avoid any such problems. Voter participation in the mayoral primary might increase if the primary is held on a date on which other elections are scheduled.

OPPONENT STATEMENTS: The proposed amendment does not guarantee cost savings. The proposed lengthier period between the primary and the general election advantages incumbents and those with the capacity to raise large sums of money for the now lengthier campaign. There exists a better way to conduct the mayoral selection process which solves the problems of the current system without incurring the problems of the earlier primary. It is called the “instant run-off election.” There is only one election - held at the time of the

general election in November. This avoids any extra expenses to the city and to the candidates that are created by the additional election and lengthier campaign period. It also assures the maximum number of voters determining the winner and the winner will have the support of a majority of the electorate as a result of the system of voters ranking the candidates in order of their preference for the candidates.


Shall Section 4, the second paragraph of Section 5, and Section 5a of Article II, “Legislative Power”, Sections 1 and 3 of Article III, “Mayor”, Section 9 of Article IV, “Executive and Administrative Service”, Sections 3 and 4 of Article V, “Civil Service”, Section 4 of Article VIII, “Taxation and Finance”, and Section 2b of Article IX, “Nominations and Elections” of the Charter of the City of Cincinnati be amended to: Change the first day of mayoral and council terms from December 1st to the first Tuesday after January 1st of the year following such individuals’ election to office; to clarify the basis under which the municipal water utility may pay for principal, interest and retirement charges incurred from water utility bond issuances by eliminating obsolete references to the “sinking fund”; to expressly provide for veteran preferences for municipal civil service examinations as contained in Ohio Revised Code Section 124.23; to ensure that the partisan political activity provisions in the Charter are consistent with the United States and Ohio Constitutions by permitting municipal employees in administrative service to engage in permissible partisan political activity while continuing to prohibit certain types of participation in elections for City of Cincinnati offices; and to clarify the basis upon which the council may levy admissions taxes or any taxes to pay the principal, interest and retirement charges on all municipal bonds issued by the City of Cincinnati by eliminating obsolete references to the “sinking fund”?

YES NO

EXPLANATION: The proposed amendment alters several unrelated sections of the Charter.

Article II “Legislative Power”, Sections 5 and 5a and Article III ”Mayor”, Sections 1 and 3 of the Charter are altered to change the start date of the terms of the newly elected Mayor and Council following the November elections from December 1 to the first Tuesday after January 1 of the year following the November elections. The purpose is to allow sufficient time to comply with all the election laws that might be required to be met in the event of a close election in November and to allow more time for an orderly transition.

Article IV ”Executive and Administrative Service”, Section 9 and Article VIII “Taxation and Finance”, Section 4 of the Charter are altered to remove the term “sinking fund” and replace it with “principal and interest”. The purpose is to remove a term

made obsolete by changes in tax laws which have resulted in the replacement of sinking funds with payments made from general funds reserved for debt retirement.

Article V “Civil Service”, Section 4 of the Charter which deals with prohibitions against city employees’ partisan political participation is altered to clarify the rights of city employees. Certain prohibitions against activities involved with support of or opposition to candidates for Mayor or Member of Council are continued; but added is the clarification that these prohibitions should not be construed to prohibit a person’s right as a citizen to express opinions or cast a vote or to prohibit active participation in political campaigns at any other level of government, including an individual’s right to seek elective office. The purpose of these changes is to bring this article of the Charter into conformity with U.S. and Ohio Supreme Court rulings dealing with constitutionally permissible behaviors related to political participation.

Article V “Civil Service”, Section 3 is altered to expressly provide for veteran preferences for municipal civil service examinations as contained in Ohio Revised Code Section 124 or its successor and to make clear that the definition of “disabled veterans” mentioned in this section of the Charter is the definition of “disabled veterans” contained in the Ohio Revised Code. The alteration also removes obsolete language referencing past wars and selective service. The purpose is to clarify the meaning of this section and make it more readable.

The proposed amendment was placed on the ballot by a vote of six members of City Council following a recommendation from the City of Cincinnati’s Charter Review Task Force.

BACKGROUND: See ISSUE 23 background above.

STATEMENTS FOR THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT: The arguments for the amendment are contained in the specific rationales for each of the suggested changes. The overall goal is to better legal clarity and compliance with the aspects of the Charter being addressed.

STATEMENTS AGAINST THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT: To date there appears to be no expressed opposition to these proposed changes.

ISSUE 25REFERENDUM ON ORDINANCE NO. 2014-40 (BY PETITION) - CITY OF SHARONVILLEAmajorityaffirmativevoteisnecessaryforpassage.

Shall Ordinance No. 2014-40 authorizing the Safety/Service Director to enter into a continuing contract with the District Advisory Council of the Hamilton County General Health District to provide for public health services for the City of Sharonville, be approved?

YES NO

WARREN COUNTY CANDIDATES AND ISSUES

MUNICIPALITIESBUTLERVILLE

Clerk/Treasurer (1 to be elected) Term begins 4/1/2016: Susan Bitzer Village Council (2 to be elected): Nathan Adkins, Tony Bitzer

CARLISLE (overlaps with Montgomery County)Village Mayor (1 to be elected): Randy Winkler Village Council-At-Large (2 to be elected, 2 unexpired term 12/31/2017): Bryan Green, Tim Humphries, James Lickliter, Jonathan McEldowney Local School Board (2 to be elected): Bryan Dunkman, Dale E. Moore

FRANKLIN CITY Council (4 to be elected): Brent W. Centers, Jason Faulkner, Debbie Fouts, Todd Hall, Paul Ruppert, Douglas Greathouse, Matt Wilcher

School Board (2 to be elected): Robyn Donisi, Andrew Fleming, Lori L. Raleigh

HARVEYSBURG VILLAGE (overlaps with Clinton County) Mayor (1 to be elected): Dick Verga Council (2 to be elected): Charles Camp, Patrick D. Bennett (WRITE-IN)

LEBANON Municipal Court (1 to be elected) Six-year term. Term commences 1/1/2016: Mark R. Bogen City Council (3 to be elected): Jeffrey Aylor, James A. Dearie, Mark Messer, Raymond E. Miller III, Kevin Robbins, Matthew Rodriguez School Board (3 to be elected): Gene G. Bonny Jr, Donna Davis Norris, Esther Banta Larson

MAINEVILLE Mayor (1 to be elected): Wm Shearer Village Council (2 to be elected): Michael Kembel, Leslie Morris (WRITE-IN)

MASON City Council (3 to be elected) Barbara Berry-Spaeth, Tony Bradburn, Brad Glass, Kathy Grossmann, Rick Inskeep, Victor L. Kidd School Board (2 to be elected), (overlaps with Butler County): Courtney Allen, Erin Schmidt, Kevin Wise

MIDDLETOWN CITY (overlaps with Butler County) Mayor (1 to be elected): Lawrence Mulligan Council At-Large (2 to be elected): Talbott C. Moon, Steve Bohannon, Roy Gordon, Anita Scott Jones Board of Education (3 to be elected): Michelle Novak, Chris Urso, Anita Scheibert, Deanna Shores Board of Education (1 to be elected): 1 unexpired term ending 12/31/2017: Todd Moore, Katie McNeil

MONROE CITY (overlaps with Butler County) Council Full-Term (4 to be elected): Dan Clark, Suzi Rubin, Keith M. Funk, Jason Frentzel, James R. Tubbs (WRITE-IN)


OHIO’S VOTER ID LAW HAS NOT CHANGED!Ohio accepts a wide variety of documents for voter ID purposes:

• A driver’s license or state ID card with your name and photo issued by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The card must be current (not expired), but it can have an old address.

• A U.S. Military ID with your name and photo (address not required).

• A government ID with your name, current address, and photo. Note that student ID is not accepted.

• An original or copy of one of the following current documents that shows your name and current address: utility bill (including cell phone bill), bank statement, pay stub, government check, or other government document. The document must have a date within one year of Election Day to be accepted as current.

If you do not have any of the above, you may use the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. You will have to vote a provisional ballot, but it will be counted as long as the number matches your voter registration.

Don’t wait until Election Day. Plan ahead to make sure you have an acceptable form of ID to vote.

If you plan to vote in a state other than Ohio, please check that state’s voter ID requirements at www.vote411.org. Many states have new, more restrictive voter identification laws in place in 2015.

Additional Cincinnati Area Election InformationFor additional information on Clermont County candidates, issues and elections please contact League of Women Voters of Clermont County at www.lwvclermont.com or P.O. Box 733, Milford, OH 45150.

For information on some Butler County candidates, issues and elections please contact League of Women Voters of Oxford at www.oxford.oh.lwvnet.org or P.O. Box 504, Oxford, OH 45056.

Local Board of Education (2 to be elected): Tom Leeds, Dave Grant, Bonnie Kelly

MORROW VILLAGE Mayor (1 to be elected): York Bryant, Judy Neal Council (2 to be elected): Luanne Cain, Kiley Dane, David A. Ducker, Randy Osborn, Bill Thompson

PLEASANT PLAIN Mayor (1 to be elected): P. Dale Groppenbacher Council (2 to be elected): John Baker

SOUTH LEBANON Mayor (1 to be elected): James D. Smith, Lionel H. Lawhorn Village Council (2 to be elected): F. James Boerio, Linda Sue Burke (WRITE-IN), William Mark Harrison (WRITE-IN), William Madison (WRITE-IN), George Teasdale (WRITE-IN)

SPRINGBORO CITY (overlaps with Montgomery County) Mayor (1 to be elected): John H. Agenbroad Council At-Large (2 to be elected): Stephen Harding, Gary M. Hruska, Becky Iverson School Board (2 to be elected): Lisa Babb, Jamie Belanger

WAYNESVILLE VILLAGE Mayor (1 to be elected): David A. Stubbs Village Council (2 to be elected): Claude Powers, Jr. (WRITE-IN)

TOWNSHIPSCLEARCREEK TOWNSHIP (overlaps with Montgomery County) Trustee (1 to be elected): Cathy Anspach, Jason Gabbard Fiscal Officer (1 to be elected): Donna Lynch, Linda A. Oda

DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP Trustee (1 to be elected): Pete Patterson Fiscal Officer (1 to be elected): John Wahle

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP Trustee (1 to be elected): Brian S. Morris, Greg Sample Fiscal Officer (1 to be elected): Scot Fromeyer, Andie Moon

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP Trustee (1 to be elected): Joshua Bibee, Gene Duvelius, Joe Walker Fiscal Officer (1 to be elected): Russell Holman, James D. Hunter

HARLAN TOWNSHIP Trustee (1 to be elected): Richard Howry Fiscal Officer (1 to be elected): Ginny Williams

MASSIE TOWNSHIP Trustee (1 to be elected): Mark Dawson Fiscal Officer (1 to be elected): Mary A. Wilkie

SALEM TOWNSHIP Trustee (1 to be elected): Kirk L. Ramsey, John Stern Fiscal Officer (1 to be elected): Debbie Harper

TURTLECREEK TOWNSHIP Trustee (1 to be elected): Jim Vandegrift

Fiscal Officer (1 to be elected): Gregory Johnson, Jeffrey L. Stipe

UNION TOWNSHIP Trustee (1 to be elected): Chris Koch, David Nathan Smith Fiscal Officer (1 to be elected): Scott Doughman, Sharon Lawhorn

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP Trustee (1 to be elected): Paul Schaefer Fiscal Officer (1 to be elected): Karen Doney

WAYNE TOWNSHIP Trustee (1 to be elected): Joshua Patrick Fiscal Officer (1 to be elected): Darrell E. Coffman

SCHOOL DISTRICTWARREN COUNTY EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CENTER (2 to be elected), (overlaps with Clermont, Green and Montgomery Counties): Jimmy Allen, Rebekah Leitner, Sally Williams

WAYNE LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD (2 to be elected), (overlaps with Green County): Sue Blair, Jim Byers, David Hurley, Andy Suittor

KINGS LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD (2 to be elected): Richard Himes, Melissa Kircher, Kerry McKiernan, Bill Mitchell, Peggy Phillips

LITTLE MIAMI SCHOOL BOARD (3 to be elected), (overlaps with Clermont County): Mike Cremeans, Randy Haas, Nancy Journeay, Julie Perelman, Erin Wallace

BLANCHESTER LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT (2 to be elected), (overlaps with Clinton County): Keith Gibson, John A. Panetta, Todd Bandow

CLINTON MASSIE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT (1 to be elected), (overlaps with Clinton County): Christopher Harrison, David Webb (WRITE-IN), Lynn Deatherage (WRITE-IN), Kathleen L. Norman (WRITE-IN)

SOUTHERN OHIO EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CENTER #1 (1 to be elected), (overlaps with Clinton County): Rod Lane

BELLBROOK-SUGARCREEK LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT (2 to be elected), (overlaps with Green County): Jeffrey E. Bennett, Elizabeth F. Betz, David J. Carpenter

BUTLER COUNTY EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CENTER (2 to be elected), (overlaps with Butler County): Andrew Schechter

CLERMONT COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION (2 to be elected), (overlaps with Clermont County): Leo H. Bradley, Donald A. Collins

GOSHEN LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT (2 to be elected), (overlaps with Clermont County): John Benthien, Julie Casey (WRITE-IN)

GREENE CO EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CENTER (2 to be elected), (overlaps with Green County): Joan S. Gallagher

XENIA CITY COMMUNITY BOARD OF EDUCATION (2 to be elected), (overlaps with Green County): Pamela S. Callahan, William D. Spahr

Issue 4- Clearcreek Township Electric Aggregation

Issue 5- Hamilton Township Police renewal- 1 mill for 5 years

Issue 6- Wayne Township Fire renewal- 2.45 mill for 5 years

Issue 7- Little Miami School District Renewal -13.86 mill for 5 years

Issue 8- Lebanon Income Tax 0.25% increase for 5 years

Issue 9- Local Option- Precinct 1, Franklin City A

Issue 10- Local Option- Precinct 16, Lebanon City D

Issue 11- Local Option- Precinct 146, Franklin Township D

Issue 12- Local Option- Precinct 159, Hamilton Township B

Issue 13- Local Option- Precinct 200, Salem Township B

Issue 14- Local Option- Precinct 229, Washington Township A

HAMILTON COUNTY VOTER CHECKLIST

HAMILTON COUNTY/CINCINNATI CANDIDATES

MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE Unexpired term ending 1/2/2018 (1 to be elected)

Shane Herzner Curt Kissinger

Unexpired term ending 1/4/2020 (1 to be elected) Josh Berkowitz Bob Kelly

MEMBER, BOARD OF EDUCATION – CINCINNATI CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT (3 to be elected)

Eve Bolton Carolyn Jones Alton Chris Nelms

MEMBER, BOARD OF EDUCATION – HAMILTON COUNTY EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CENTER GOVERNING BOARD (2 to be elected)

Fred Hunt Barbara A. Parry

ISSUES BALLOT ISSUES ISSUE 1

CREATES A BIPARTISAN PUBLIC PROCESS FOR DRAWING LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS: SHALL THE AMENDMENT BE APPROVED?

YES NO

ISSUE 2

ANTI-MONOPOLY AMENDMENT; PRO-TECTS THE INITIATIVE PROCESS FROM BEING USED FOR PERSONAL ECONOM-IC BENEFIT SHALL THE AMENDMENT BE APPROVED?

YES NO

ISSUE 3

GRANTS A MONOPOLY FOR THE COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION AND SALE OF MARIJUANA FOR RECREATIONAL AND MEDICINAL PURPOSES SHALL THE AMENDMENT BE APPROVED?

YES NO

ISSUE 22

PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT - CITY OF CINCINNATI

YES NO

ISSUE 23


YES NO

ISSUE 24


YES NO

SUBURBAN CITY CANDIDATESCHOOSE YOUR OWN

VILLAGE/TOWNSHIP CANDIDATESCHOOSE YOUR OWN

LOCAL ISSUES

OHIO REGISTERED VOTERS HAVE A CHOICE ON HOW TO CAST THEIR BALLOT Vote by mail, by casting an absentee ballot - You will need to fill out and send in an absentee ballot request form by contacting the Ohio Secretary of State or your county Board of Elections. When the absentee ballot application is received, the Board of Elections will mail you a ballot. Follow all instructions and provide required information on the absentee ballot envelope including proper postage. Absentee voting begins October 6. According to the Ohio Secretary of State’s website, noon Saturday October 31 is the deadline that all absentee ballot requests must be received by Boards of Elections. The absentee ballots, returned in person or via a method other than U.S. Mail, must be received by the Boards of Elections by close of polls on Nov. 3. Absentee ballots returned by U.S. Mail must be postmarked no later than Nov. 2 and received by Boards of Elections by Nov. 13 to be counted.

Vote early in-person - Registered voters may vote early beginning on October 6 for the November 3, 2015, election. Early voting days and hours are as follows:

• 8am to 5pm, Tuesday through Friday, from October 6 through October 9 and October 13 through 16•8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, from October 19 through 23 and October 26 through 30•8amto4pmonSaturday,October31•1pmto5pmonSunday,November1•8amto2pmonMonday,November2

When you go vote, be sure to bring one of the many acceptable forms of voter ID.

Vote at your polling place on Election DayElection Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2015. Polls are open from 6:30 am until 7:30 pm. By law, if you are in line at 7:30 pm, the polls must stay open to allow you to vote. Contact your county Board of Elections to find out your polling place and precinct. To assure your vote is counted, verify you are voting in the correct precinct! Not sure where to vote? Call your county Board of Elections or visit their website.

Locations for early voting:

Hamilton County:Board of Elections824 Broadway StreetCincinnati, OH 45202513-632-7000www.votehamiltoncounty.org

Warren County:Board of Elections406 Justice Dr.Lebanon, OH 45036513-695-2682www.warrencountyboe.us

Butler County:Board of Elections1802 Princeton Rd.Hamilton, OH 45011513-887-3700www.butlercountyelections.org

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Documents

2015 WHO WHAT OF ELECTIONS VOTER’S GUIDE · 2015 WHO & WHAT OF ELECTIONS VOTER’S GUIDE COVERING HAMILTON COUNTY WITH LISTINGS FOR WARREN COUNTY RACES Election Day is …