Voter Information Guide - League of Women Voters of Oxford

VOTER
INFORMATION
GUIDE 2015
LOCAL ELECTION DAY IS NOVEMBER 3RD, 2015.
POLLS ARE OPEN 6:30 A.M. TO 7:30 P.M.
For information on State Legislative and
Local races visit www.vote411.org
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This publication has been issued by the League of Voters of Oxford, a nonpartisan organization, to provide a forum to all candidates
on the ballot in Oxford. The materials contained in this publication were assembled in the following manner: questions were selected
by the League and addressed to the candidates. Candidates were informed that their responses would be printed exactly in their own
words and that each would be solely responsible for the contents of the replies. Candidates were allotted 250 characters for biographical
information and 500 characters for each question. The League of Women Voters of Oxford in publishing this material neither endorses
nor rejects any candidate’s reply. Comments or questions about this publication may be addressed to the League of Women Voters of
Oxford, Voters Service VP, P.O. Box 504, Oxford, Ohio 45056 or email voterservicevp@oxford.oh.lwvnet.org
For additional and updated information
go to the following websites:
Oxford League of Women Voters
www.oxford.oh.lwvnet.org
Butler County Board of Elections
www.butlercountyelections.org
Oxford City Council
Term of Office: 4 years
Salary: $3200
Members: 7 To be elected 3
Responsibilities: to enact Legislation for
the City; to employ a City Manager to
administer and enforce Legislation; to
employ a Finance Director and a Law
Director; to procure revenue through
tax levies and bond issues; to authorize
public expenditures; and to select from
its members a Mayor to serve a term of
two years. For a complete listing see the
Charter of the City of Oxford on the
city website.
Questions:
1. Oxford Citizens have raised a
number of questions regarding
roadways, pathways, and public
transportation both within the City
and connecting to the region. What
transportation priorities should be
considered for the City of Oxford?
2. Oxford’s economic development
rests both on its residents and on its
visitors. What strategies would you
consider for improving a. Oxford’s
identity as a tourist destination?
b. Oxford’s attraction as a residential
community?
3. What incentives would you use and in
what areas would you focus to bring in
more businesses to our community?
4. As a college town, Oxford faces a
number of unique housing challenges.
What aspects of residential housing
need to be improved and how would
you do so?
Stephen Dana
Occupation/Current
Position: Publishing;
Teaching; Fundraising
Education: Princeton
University A.B. Yale
University MA
Qualification/Experience:
Member of Butler County
Planning Commission 2006-2009; Past
President, Board of Trustees, Oxford
Community Choice Pantry
Facebook Page: Dana for Council
Question 1:
Transportation priorities: The City should
re-commit itself to Oxford’s Bicycle
and Pedestrian Plan, which promotes
the concept of Complete Streets. This
approach is a comprehensive one, which
integrates all users of the transportation
system regardless of mode, age or ability.
Designing improvements to accommodate
pedestrian and bicycle traffic should be
especially encouraged. The City should
work with the Butler County Regional
Transit Authority (BCRTA) to further
expand bus service.
Question 2:
2.a A bike trail, which will encircle
Oxford, should be promoted by the
Visitor’s Bureau and the City’s Economic
Development Department. Because much
of greater Oxford’s rural beauty resides in
the City’s surrounding townships, the City
and townships might promote the special
appeal that comes from the comparative
assets of each.
2.b Oxford should provide incentives to
attract developers whose projects include
a number of below market price dwellings.
Question 3:
Promoting the revolving loan fund,
and giving special support to locally
owned businesses are strategies I
recommend. The establishment of a
Business Improvement District Uptown
will provide funds to market Uptown
businesses. Although not economic
development as usually conceived, the
City’s Economic Development Director
is supporting efforts to enhance the
quality of life, efforts such as supporting
levies and devising strategies to retain the
faculty and staff of Miami University.
Question 4:
As for residential housing for families, it is
receiving a boost from the eleven overlay
districts throughout Oxford, which
encourage single family ownership by
limiting the number of unrelated persons
who may occupy a structure. More such
districts might be proposed. Revising the
City’s zoning code so as to encourage
redevelopment of the Mile Square is
strongly advised.
Walter Glen Ellerbe Jr.
Occupation/Current Position: Technology
Manager, Enrollment Management Miami University
Education: Bachelor’s Science - Business,
Miami University
Qualification/Experience: 15 Year resident
of Oxford, former Miami University
Senator AFS Oxford Host Parent
partnerships, and local financial support
and grants.
Question 1:
I believe improving traffic signage and
ground markings, and the quality of nonmotor vehicle options in the city should
be prioritized within the City of Oxford.
Question 2:
Oxford’s prosperity relies on our full
time residential community, university
students and staff, and tourists and other
short-term visitors. The best parts of
our city that attract visitors also keep
many of us living here. Oxford’s services
that specifically address the needs of our
permanent residential community are vital
for our total community health. The more
diverse a community that we can support
in the city, the better we all are.
Question 2:
I believe the natural beauty of Oxford
is one of the competitive advantages
this city has to offer. We should improve
our digital communications with more
local scenery and event images to attract
visitors and potential residents.
Question 3:
This is a difficult question to answer
based on the seasonality of business in
Oxford, as well as the numerous types of
businesses and the different needs they
require. However, I think a two-year
tax incentive may help encourage new
businesses to explore Oxford as a home.
Question 4:
I believe there is a disparity of for-profit
housing in the city. An adjustment to the
property taxes would help balance this
and proceeds can provide incentives for
those seeking residence in Oxford.
Kate Rousmaniere
Occupation/Current
Position: Professor,
Department of
Educational Leadership,
Miami University, Oxford,
Ohio
Education: Ph.D., Teachers
College, Columbia
University, New York; B.A., Oberlin
College, Ohio
Qualification/Experience: Oxford City
Council, 2011-14; Board member, Family
Resource Center, 2003-7; Life member,
Oxford NAACP; Member, International
Town-Gown Association, 2013-;
Oxford Citizen’s Police Academy, 2013;
Chair, University Senate, MU, 2008-9;
Department Chair, MU., 2002-12
Question 1:
Alternative modes of transportation play
a critical role in economic and cultural
development. Oxford has made important
strides in this direction recently, including
the introduction of the Butler County
Regional Transit Authority into the
community, the adoption of a pedestrian
and bike safety plan, and renewed work
for an Amtrak terminal and the Oxford
Area Trail System (OATS). Our success is
due to community participation, regional
Question 3:
The City of Oxford’s Revolving Loan
Fund has supported the development of a
number of prime locally initiated business
ventures, including Quarter Barrel
Restaurant, Moon Coop, and Seaview
Outfitters. The Oxford Visitor’s Bureau
has done an outstanding job of promoting
Oxford as a community with arts, nature,
culture, and both “small town charm” and
“vibrant energy.” City investment in, and
support of, local business’ development
and success improves Oxford’s economy
and culture.
Question 4:
The whole community thrives when
we provide opportunities for families,
residents of limited economic means,
“empty nesters,” over-50 professionals, or
retirees, and both
“old timers” and new residents. In college
towns across the country, city and local
businesses have partnered to create
innovative economic incentives and
zoning codes for the creative development
of mixed use, multi-age, and target
focused housing. Diversity matters and
contributes to economic development.
Talawanda City
Schools Board of
Education
Term of Office: 4 years
beginning 1-1-2016
Members: 5 3 to be elected
Salary: $125 per meeting
Responsibilities: Make regulations
necessary for the management and
control of all schools, employees,
and pupils. Provide sites, buildings,
repairs and furnishing for school and
playgrounds. Employ teachers,
administrators and other personnel.
Prescribe courses for study, subject
to approval of the State Board of
Education, grant diplomas, suspend or
expel students, make health regulations.
May establish special schools, provide
vacation and recreation activities, and
open school buildings for community use.
Questions:
1. Given the reality of the Common Core
State Standards initiative that focuses
on reading and math in K-12, what
would you do to ensure that all students
are afforded a well-rounded education?
2. What role do you think the Talawanda
teachers and other school staff should
play in shaping the future of the school
district? Do present policies facilitate
this role? If not, what should be
changed?
3.To what extent do you feel the
Talawanda system has policies in
place that sufficiently address issues
of harassment and bullying among
students, staff and faculty?
Mark Butterfield
Occupation/Current Position: Vice
President Engineering - Manufacturing
Magnode Corporation, Executive Officer
Magnode Corporation,
President Talawanda
Board of Education
Education: 1990
Talawanda Graduate,
Miami University,
Mechanical Engineering
Qualification/Experience:
Have served Talawanda Board of
Education as President & Vice President
for (12) years. Improved facilities
eliminated tax levies raised district to
Excellent rating. Vice President Magnode
Corporation (25) Years Manage 210
employees oversee a 51 million dollar
budget. Husband & father of two.
Question 1:
Talawanda aligns the curriculum to
all state standards. The Ohio Dept. of
Education has revised standards in all
areas, not just reading and math.
As President, Talawanda has
implemented these standards in all areas
including science, social studies, physical
education, fine arts, business and more.
We’ve invested in key personnel and
programming to enhance the learning
opportunities for all students
in the district. We have introduced
intervention specialists for all areas to
insure success.
Question 2:
I believe in local control, There are too
many unfunded state mandates that are
not always aligned to research. I certainly
understand & support local input. A
Curriculum Council is made up of
department chairs that provide input on
curriculum, instruction and assessments,
recommendations are presented to
the board. Just this year an Advisory
Committee is being developed. This
committee is made up of community and
staff members who will meet quarterly to
provide input on school issues.
Question 3:
The school district has several policies
in place that align to federal and state
requirements. The Superintendent meets
with a community/district committee
monthly to evaluate policies, guidelines
and practices. This committee has
recently written a district equity plan
which promotes diversity leadership
teams, increases cultural proficiency
and increases community engagement
opportunities. Policies require ongoing
refinement as climates within the district
changes, Very important.
Johnny Cole
Occupation/Current
Position: Husband, father,
coach and mentor.
Education: Graduate and
U.S. Navy Veteran
Qualification/Experience:
I have a long history of
working for and with the
school systems of Ohio. I have assisted
three children in graduating high school,
with one still attending Talalwanda
schools. I also have been gainfully
employed for thirty years including a tour
of service in the United States Navy.
Question 1:
I believe the initiative addresses the
individual learning rate of individual
students and strives to allow teachers,
students and parents to more readily
work together. As a parent and potential
administrator, I see this as a step
forward in our children’s educational
process. I will strive to work closely with
parents, students and faculty within the
boundaries of the system. My goal is for
the successful education of all students.
Question 2:
I believe that the teachers and staff, from
bus drivers to principals, help to shape
the modern student into a successful
graduate. Every person associated with
the schools acts as a role model of success
for the students to look too. We can offer
guidance, through our own experience,
in a confusing and often overwhelming
world. They are the first line of
communication from students and parents
to the administration. They provide
valuable insight into the modern students.
Question 3:
As a former student, school employee and
now parent. I have assisted the schools in
conflict resolution at many levels. I also
understanding that many conflicts are a
direct result of a individual or students
inability to communicate or find an
appropriate avenue to resolve issues. I
believe Talawanda Schools has worked
well, within its authority, to protect
students and staff from potential risks.
As an administrator I will continue to
support their efforts and provide for safe
learning.
Michael Crowder
Occupation/Current
Position: Professor
of Chemistry and
Biochemistry
Education: BS William and
Mary; PhD University
of Virginia
Qualification/Experience:
Served 2 terms on Talawanda Board of
Education
Question 1:
While we do focus a great deal on reading
and math testing that is required by the
Common Core mandate, Talawanda has
not altered its primary mission to provide
a balanced education, which includes
math, science, art, music, history, foreign
language, business, health, vocational, and
physical education courses, to all of our
children. In the last seven years, we have
created new courses and canceled others,
based most often on student interests and
enrollments.
Question 2:
Our staff has the most important role
in shaping the future of Talawanda
because the staff implements most of
the new initiatives and offers valuable
insights into the strengths and weaknesses
of these initiatives. I believe that the
relationship between the Board and the
staff is outstanding. However, the future
of our school district is partially out of
our hands due to (usually unfunded) state
mandates. We need to continue to resist
those mandates that prevent teachers from
doing their jobs.
Question 3:
I believe that Talawanda is a very
welcoming school district. We have
children from many countries, and
cultural differences are accepted and
celebrated. The elementary schools stress
no bullying policies, and the Board has
passed and enforces very strict antibullying and anti-harassment policies.
The Superintendent holds frequent school
climate meetings to examine issues that
arise in the buildings, and PRIDE day
is an amazing experience that allows
students to better understand differences.
Chris Otto
Occupation/Current
Position: Director of
University Advancement
Business Services, Miami
University
Education: BS in Business
Administration
Qualification/Experience:
I have a school treasurer’s license and
over 30 years of experience in accounting
and finance. I have lived in Oxford for 27
years and my four sons graduated from
Talawanda. Growing up in rural Nebraska
and working at Miami allows me to relate
to the students and parents who make up
our district.
Questions 1:
The easy answer to making sure that all
students are afforded a well-rounded
education is to provide teachers with
the necessary resources and training.
Determining what resources and training
are needed, and how to find allocate
funding for the resources and training
can be challenging. I would encourage
the Superintendent to involve as many
teachers and school staff as possible in
identifying the resources and training
required that will afford a well-rounded
education for our students.
Question 2:
Our teachers and staff are a valuable
resource for the School District. Involving
the teachers and staff and utilizing their
expertise to help the district create an
educational community that annually
analyzes the districts progress, identifies
problems, recommends solutions and
sets goals is important to providing
our students with the best educational
experience possible. I will encourage the
Superintendent to involve teachers and
staff in developing plans to improve the
district.
Question 3:
Harassment and bullying among
students can severely impact a student’s
ability to learn and disrupt the learning
environment of a school district. This
policy appears to draws from the Ohio
Department of Education’s AntiHarassment, Anti-Intimidation or AntiBullying Model Policy. After reviewing
the policy I would not recommend any
changes. I am encouraged to note that
School District annually provides students
with instruction about the School Board’s
policy and the School District provides.
Lori Parks
Occupation/Current
Position: Dr. Lori
Parks currently teaches
art history at Miami
University Hamilton
as a Visiting Assistant
Professor.
Education: PhD,
University of Reading, England, 2010.
MA, The Body & Representation,
University of Reading, England, 2001.
MA, Art History, Vermont College of
Norwich University, 2000. BFA (Painting)
with Minor in Art History, 1995, Miami
University.
Qualification/Experience: This is my
first foray into a public office. As a
resident of Oxford and a product of the
Talawanda School system and a teacher,
I am invested in the educational process.
I have worked on committees that call for
collegiality and creating course goals and
outcomes that coincide with curriculum.
Question 1:
Testing seems to be a rather arbitrary way
to measure “success” as a school system
at the expense of the children and the
educators, especially when there are so
many tests for the children to take. Public
school students are a diverse population
that includes a variety of cultural and
ethnic backgrounds and thus brings with
it the associated learning difficulties.
Education should be flexible enough to
consider the larger context of a student
rather than a one size fits all standard.
Question 2:
Talawanda teachers and staff are
absolutely integral to the success of the
children of this district. They are the
people that directly impact the kind of
adults the children will become. They
educate and care for the children and
the facilities. It is through school that
children learn about community and who
and what should be valued and respected.
If faculty and staff are not valued and
included in the decisions making process
our community suffers for it.
Question 3:
Talawanda’s policies seem to sufficiently
address issues of harassment and
bullying on the books. Yet there is a
larger picture to consider when it comes
to potential problems like harassment
and bullying. Rules are important. A
sense of community and collegiality and
respect are also important aspects and
more difficult to reflect in policy. Like
teaching and curriculum, policy needs to
be in place but also be flexible enough to
consider the larger context of a situation.
internship with Miami University
Marketing Communication office,1976
associate degree in accounting,
Middletown Business College
Qualification/Experience: 15 yrs. corporate
payroll, tax reporting and accounts
payable experience (Barrett Paving), 18+
yrs. payroll and tax reporting experience
for a small business (Fine Trim Landscape
Services LLC), 25+ yrs. of administrative
support at Miami University - Student
Health Service and the College of EHS
Facebook Page: Monica Streit for
Hanover Township Fiscal Officer
Township Fiscal
Officer
Question 1:
As Fiscal Officer, I would require all
payroll to be direct deposited and utilize
all on-line accounts payable options. All
tax reporting and w-2’s would be created
and submitted on-line. This would reduce
paper, checks and (physical) storage. I
would network with other township fiscal
officers to investigate whether we could
negotiate reduced rates from any common
vendors or share training opportunities.
I would audit credit card spending to
maintain sound fiscal practice.
Term 4 years beginning 4-1-2016
Elect 1 per Township
Responsibilities: The Fiscal Officer is
responsible for receiving revenue and
paying the township bills and payrolls.
He or she records the trustees meetings
and is the liaison between the county
Fiscal Officer, the state of Ohio
auditor’s office and the board of
elections.
Question 1:
The State of Ohio budget has reduced
township income. How would you as
the Fiscal Officer address this
reduction?
Question 2:
In what ways should the Fiscal
Officer assist the Township Trustees
in prioritizing and dealing with the
Township’s funding needs?
Hanover Township
Fiscal Officer
Salary $19,806
Monica Streit
Occupation/Current
Position: I am a senior
program assistant
supporting the Dean’s
office in the College
of Education, Health
& Society at Miami
University. My duties
include accounts payable, reconciling
credit cards and event planning.
I also perform all payroll and tax
reporting duties for Fine
Trim Landscape Services LLC.
Education: BS, Communication,
Management minor, magna cum laude
honors, Miami University, 2008, fulltime summer internship in marketing at
The Fitton Center, part-time summer
Question 2:
Trends must be recognized - in income
and expenses. Budgeting must be focused
on both current and future needs. The
fiscal officer will provide the reports used
as the basis for financial planning and
discussions. She/he can work in tandem
with the Trustees, analyzing the data,
exploring today’s options, planning for
tomorrow. The fiscal officer can also
be the non-party affiliate that asks the
questions “Why?” “How much?” and “For
what purpose?” for the good of Hanover
Township.
Greg Sullivan
Occupation/Current
Position: Hanover
Township Fiscal Officer
Education: Talawanda
High School (1975),
Miami University, BS
Business Management
(1979)
Qualification/Experience: 25+ years
governmental accounting and computer
systems experience 20+ years experience
with Auditor of State audit requirements,
processes and procedures, 20+ years
Director Butler County Information
Technology department.
Question 1:
While we cannot control what comes
down from Columbus we can control
our township finances. As fiscal officer,
I will work with township trustees and
administration to develop a structurally
balanced budget and see that we are
vigilant in adhering to that budget. We
must also work closely with our state
representatives and township associations
to have our needs heard in Columbus.
Finally, we must pursue potential grants,
donations, local government shared
services and other revenue sources.
Question 2:
Once again, presenting a structurally
balanced budget for approval by Hanover
Township Trustees is extremely important.
The budgeting process will prioritize and
drive township funding requirements. I
believe consistently providing Trustees
with timely, accurate and auditable data/
reports is imperative as funding needs are
evaluated.
Milford Township
Fiscal Officer
Salary $16,977
Mollie Hansel
Occupation/Current Position: Treasurer,
Preble Shawnee Local Schools
Education: B.S. Miami University
Qualification/Experience: Strong financial
background including Treasurer for a
School District and Fiscal Officer for a
Township
and Village.
Question 1:
The Fiscal Officer has to always be
looking ahead into the future and have
a plan. By prioritizing projects and
planning out a couple of years, you can
better deal with funding changes. The
Fiscal Officer should always be looking
for ways to reduce costs in case of finding
changes.
Question 2:
The Fiscal Officer should always give the
Trustees meaningful reports of the current
fund balances and include projections of
planned projects so that the Trustees have
a clear understanding of the resources
available. As a team the Trustees and
Fiscal Officer should plan out revenues
and spending to
achieve goals.
Oxford Township
Fiscal Officer
Salary $19,267
James Rowan
Occupation/Current
Position: Colerain Township
Education: BA - Accounting
(Wilmington College)
Qualification/Experience:
30+ years in Public Sector
Finance
Question 1:
Continue to collaborate with Township
Trustees by providing short-term and
long-term financial projections in order to
address the needs of the community.
Question 2:
The loss of Estate Tax and reductions
to the Local Government Fund provide
challenges in the Township’s ability
to invest in public infrastructure.
Maintaining an up to date forecast assists
the Trustees in prioritizing funding for
various projects.
Reily Township Fiscal Officer
Hanover Township
Trustee
Salary $11,318
Larry Miller
Occupation/Current Position: President,
Larry Miller Trucking, Inc.
Education: High School
Qualification/Experience: Business owner.
Attended Township meetings for 17 years
before being elected. Always supported
Township activities.
Facebook Page: Larry Miller
Question 1: no response Question 2: I don’t think so. Our township
services are personal.
Question 3: no response Question 4: no response -
Milford Township Trustee
Salary $10,288
Salary $16,515
Russell McMillian
Dianne Halcomb
Occupation/Current Position: Milford
Township Trustee 36 years, Talawanda
Bus Driver 30 years, U.S. Postal Employee
20 years, Many years in agriculture
Education: Graduated from Talawanda
High School
Qualification/Experience: Life time
resident of Milford Township. Attended
many workshops and seminars for
township trustees
Questions 1 and 2: no response
Township Trustees
Term 4 years beginning 1-1-2016
Members: 3, Elect 1 per Township
Responsibilities: General administration
of the township including maintaining
township roads, mowing and snow
removal; police and fire protection;
maintaining township recreation
facilities and cemeteries.
Question 1:
What actions should be taken in your
Township to encourage the local farm
economy and agricultural landscape?
Question 2:
The push from the State of Ohio has
been to consolidate public services.
Are there any public services that the
Townships could consolidate?
Question 3:
Would you favor the development of a
“green belt” around Oxford?
Question 4:
In light of the fact that township roads
are being used as a de facto Route
27 bypass. what can the Township do
to ensure that these roads are safe for
vehicular traffic and for residents?
Question 1:
Stick to the current zoning rules to
prevent excess of growth that is taking up
the farm ground.
Question 2:
It sounds like a good idea, but realistically
it would not work.
Question 3.
This is a question for Oxford Township
Trustees. A greenbelt would take up more
agricultural land.
Question 4.
Another question for Oxford Township
Trustees. Once the Route 27 project is
complete, there won’t be as much of a
need.
Oxford Township
Trustees
Salary: $11,318
John Kinne
Occupation/Current
Position: Teacher Su Casa
Hispanic Center; Trustee
Oxford Township, Butler
Co Ohio
Education: BS Mathematics
& Pre-engineering Physics
Miami University, MS
Physics Miami University
Qualification/Experience: Oxford
Township Trustee since January 2012
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/
FriendsOfJohnKinne
Question 1:
The township should do several things
in order to encourage the local farm
economy and preserve agricultural
landscape. It should provide the best
infrastructure services reasonable with
respect to cost; costs are covered by taxes
which affect farm economy. It should
make sure state legislators are aware how
changes to the CAUV formula affected
farmers by shifting tax burden to large
real estate owners. It should support
farmers as they investigate preserving land
in conservation trusts.
Question 2:
Oxford Township has a history of
working with the City of Oxford and
Butler County on consolidated public
services. We contract with the city for
ambulance and fire response services.
We work with the Butler County
Engineer’s office to get the best rates for
road resurfacing and major repair. We
maintain police services to prioritize
the needs of township residents. We
maintain our roads with snow removal,
mowing and maintenance. We have a
good combination of consolidation and
independence.
Question 3:
The City of Oxford has a green belt,
comprised of farms and Miami
University natural areas. I am in favor
of the City maintaining its current size
and the current farms and natural areas
remaining where they are. Farmers, like
other landowners, have a right to develop
their lands and the township hosts new
housing developments each year. To guide
the county in applying zoning laws the
Township’s Comprehensive Land Use
Plan was updated in 2015. I’d like to see
improved bicycle trails.
Question 4:
While U.S. 27 is being improved,
and while other roads in the City
are maintained, traffic has moved to
township roads. Sometimes the traffic
is heavy and it sometimes involves large
vehicles. Township police have and will
continue to monitor the traffic to ensure
compliance with applicable laws. They
are and will continue to be responsive to
calls for service; they will ensure proper
investigation when warranted. The
township will review road use and wear
and plan repair when necessary.
Reily Township Trustee
Salary $10,288
Nicholas Schwab
Occupation/Current
Position: Farmer
Education: B.S.
Agriculture-1964 The
Ohio State University
Qualification/Experience:
Reily Township Trustee
32 years Reily Fire &
EMS 16 years Nationally registered
EMT-Lieutenant Ohio Township Risk
Management Board of Directors 20082015 Chairman of Board 2014-15
Question 1:
The EPA’s recent re-interpretation of the
waters of the U. S. will have a negative
impact on Livestock production in our
township. It will place a new regulatory
burden on livestock producers that
will continue to erode the ability of the
family farm to survive and transferred
to the next generation. It will have the
unintended consequence of further
consolidation of live stock production
to large corporations. CAUV taxation
should consider land use in addition to
soil type. Subdivided Woodland
Question 2:
Nearly 1000 Ohio townships are now
pooling their insurance needs through
Ohio Township Risk Management
Authority. All Butler County Townships
participate in this cost saving except
Morgan. The members are able to obtain
superior coverage at a reduced price and
save taxpayers money. For years Reily and
Oxford have shared road equipment. This
year we are doing a plot chip seal project
utilizing personal from Oxford and
Morgan Townships.
Question 3.
Reily Township is already providing a
green belt around Oxford. We have more
acreage than any other township that will
remain agricultural because easements
with 3 Valley Conservation Trust. This
green belt runs down Indian Creek road,
King Road, Springfield and McCoy
Road. Any green belt extension should
be voluntary and strictly up to property
owners.
Question 4:
The state legislature needs to fund the
local government fund at the historic
level so townships have the resources to
bring roads up to today’s safety standards
for the citizens protection. The Ohio
legislature needs to increase the $11,000/
mile threshold for road maintenance so we
are able to utilize our own workforce and
do road work more economically. Future
3 Valley Conservation Trust easements
must allow township and the county to
improve roads, bridges and culverts for
public safety.
Statewide Ballot Issues
Issue 1:
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.
League Explanation of Issue 1:
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
- 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 mapmaking 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:
1. 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.
2. Requires transparency and public
hearings, encouraging accountability to
the electorate.
3. Districts will better protect community
cohesiveness by limiting government
units such as counties and cities from
being split.
4. 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:
1. Many Ohioans are not Republican
or Democrat. Third parties and
Independents are not represented on the
Commission.
2. Issue 1 does not address the process for
determining U.S. Congressional districts.
3. The Ohio Redistricting Commission
is not independent from legislators;
legislative members can still influence
the process.
4. Bipartisan Commission members can
make “sweetheart deals” that can result
in districts that are not representative of
the state’s overall partisan preferences.
Issue 2:
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.
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.
League Explanation of Issue 2:
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:
1. E
xclusive financial deals for special
interests should not be enshrined in our
state constitution.
2. T
he state constitution should be used
to protect fundamental rights for all
individuals, not cluttered with special
interests.
3. N
ineteen states have constitutional
provisions banning monopolies and
protecting free and fair commerce; Ohio
should too.
CON:
1. T
he constitution should not be amended
to interfere with the constitutional
initiative process and block a measure
approved by the voters.
2. The language is too vague and may
unintentionally preclude future policy or
tax issues from being brought forward as
an initiative.
3. 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 3:
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.
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 30 days after Election Day.
League Explanation of Issue 3:
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 predetermined “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:
1. Marijuana will, within the strict limits
specified in the initiative, become legal
to cultivate, use, and sell in Ohio for
medicinal and personal use.
2. 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.
3. 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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
Butler County
Issue
Issue 13:
Senior Citizens Services
Tax Levy (renewal)
A renewal of a tax for the benefit of
Butler County, Ohio for the purpose of
providing and maintaining senior citizen
services at a rate not exceeding one
and three-tenths (1.3) mills for each
one dollar of valuation, which amounts
to thirteen cents($0.13) for each one
hundred dollars of valuation, for a
period of five (5) years, commencing in
2015, first due in calendar year 2016.
Pro:
1. Helps older residents stay in
their homes by providing meals,
homemaking help and transportation.
2. Levy provides more than 90% of the
funding for the program. Without
this levy, this program would not
exist.
3. This levy is a flat renewal of the
2010 levy. That means it will not
increase taxes, and homeowners
would continue to pay $ 39.81 per
$100,000 of property evaluation- the
same amount they pay now.
Con:
1. The cost of all public services
are increasing for schools, parks,
libraries, children services, public
health, fire and emergency medical
series, etc. We must budget carefully
between competing needs.
2. For families whose older adults do
not live in Butler County, this tax
decreases their resources to provide
assistance to their own elderly.
Yes - For the Measure
No - Against the Measure
Oxford
Precinct 2
Issue 23:
Local Liquor Option for
Particular Location.
A majority affirmative vote is necessary
for passage. Shall the sale of wine
and mixed beverages and spirituous
liquor be permitted for sale on Sunday
between the hours of 10 a.m. and
midnight by One T Inc., dhb OPub, an
applicant for a D-6 liquor permit, who
is engaged in the business of operating
a traditional tavern at 10 West Park
Place, Oxford, Ohio 45056 in this
precinct.
Background: Currently 39 of the 59
Liquor sites in Oxford are permitted
for Sunday sales. No Sunday Sales is
left over from the days of Blue Laws.
As the Blue Laws were relaxed the
State decided rather than eliminating
No Sunday Sales completely, local
communities and local precincts would
decide if Sunday Sales were to be
permitted. There are two methods to
request Sunday Sales. Both require
an approval from the voters from
within the precinct the establishment is
located. One method is site specific and
one is precinct wide. Issue 23,24, and 27
are all site specific.
Pro:
1. Watching football and/or enjoying a
meal with an accompanying drink is
good for business and not detrimental
to the community. NFL football is a
huge draw for Sunday business.
2. Generally this gives the establishment
one additional day of the week for
sales.
Con:
1. We already have enough locations
where people can drink on Sunday
afternoon and evening. With the
passage of Issues 23,24,27 there
will be more establishments where
one can drink in our college town.
2. While these locations feel that
passage of this issue will increase
their business this does open up the
potential for our population to drink
to excess.
Yes - For the Measure
No - Against the Measure
Issue 24:
Local Liquor Option for
Particular Location.
Precinct Oxford. A majority
affirmative vote is necessary for
passage; the sale of wine and mixed
beverages and spirituous liquor be
permitted for sale on Sunday between
the hours of 10 a.m. and midnight by
LFT Inc., dba Left Field Tavern, an
applicant for a D-6 liquor permit, who
is engaged in the business of operating
a restaurant and tavern at 12 West
Park Place, Oxford, Ohio 45056 in this
precinct.
Background: same as Issue 23
Pro: 1. Same as Issue 23.
Con: 1. Same as Issue 23
Yes - For the Measure
No - Against the Measure
Oxford Precinct 7
Issue
Issue 27:
Local Liquor Option for Particular
Location.
Precinct Oxford 7 A majority
affirmative vote is necessary for
passage. Shall the sale of wine and
mixed beverages and spirituous liquor
be permitted for sale on Sunday
between the hours of 10 a.m. and
midnight by Topshelf Shots Inc.,dba
The Woods, an applicant for a D-6
liquor permit, who is engaged in the
business of operating a sports bar at
15-17 North Poplar Street, Oxford,
Ohio 45056 in this precinct.
Background: same as Issue 23 and
Issue 24
Pro: 1. Same as Issue 23 and 24
Con: 1. Same as Issue 23 and 24
Yes - For the Measure
No - Against the Measure
BALLOT
CHECKLIST
City Council
Vote for 3
Steve Dana
Walter Glen Elerbe, Jr.
Kate Rousmaniere
Talawanda City School
Board of Education
Vote for 3
Mark Butterfield
Johnny Cole
Michael Crowder
Chris Otto
Lori Parks
Township Fiscal Office
Vote for 1
Hanover Fiscal Officer
Monica Streit
Greg Sullivan
Milford Fiscal Officer
Mollie Hansel
Oxford Fiscal Officer
James Rowan
Reily Fiscal Officer
Dianne Halcomb
Township Trustees
Vote for 1
Hanover Township
Larry Miller
Milford Township
Russell McMillian
Oxford Township
John Kinne
Reily Township
Nicolas Schwab
ISSUES
Issue 1
Issue 2
Issue 3
Issue 13
Issue 23
Issue 27
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
Oxford Polling Places:
Polls Open
6:30 am to 7:30 pm
We are grateful to our Patrons and
Supporters for making the League
of Women Voters of Oxford 2015
Voter Information Guide possible
FUNDERS
• League of Women Voters of
Oxford Education Fund
• ArtistryFarm
• Chris and Sharon Peterson
PATRONS
• Barbara Diehl
• Prue and Steve Dana
SUPPORTERS
• Terri Sphar Nelson
Talawanda Middle School
(Door 15-Gym) 4030 Oxford
Reily Road
Precinct Oxford 1
Precinct Oxford 3
Precinct Oxford 5
Precinct OxTwp 1
Talawanda High School
5301 University Park Blvd.
Precinct Oxford 4
Precinct Oxford 8
Precinct Oxford 13
Miami University Shriver
Center
701 E. Spring Street
Precinct Oxford 2
Precinct Oxford 6
Precinct Oxford 7
Precinct Oxford 11
Precinct Oxford 12
Kramer Elementary School
(Gym)
400 W. Sycamore Street
Precinct Oxford 9
Precinct Oxford 10
Precinct OxTwp 2
Precinct OxTWP 3 CCS
Precinct OxTWP 3 TCS
TOWNSHIPS SHOULD REFER TO WWW.BUTLERCOUNTYELECTIONS.ORG