Kettering voters are invited to attend a League of Women Voters’ “Meet the Candidates” public forum tomorrow, October 25, at the Kettering Public Library, 3496 Far Hills Ave. Kettering City Council Candidates will be interviewed at 6:00 PM and Kettering School Board candidates will be interviewed at 7:00 PM.
Each of Kettering’s four wards will elect one member to the City Council. The information given below is from the League’s Voters’ Guide:
The League’s Question for City Council candidates: Considering the declining economic environment in ALL levels of government, if elected, what would you do differently to improve your community’s economic sustain- ability and provision of services ?
Ward One
There are three candidates: David Brown, Rob Scott, and Nolan Thomas:
DAVID BROWN 2613 South Blvd Kettering 45419
BIO: I’m a construc- tion foreman by trade, a single parent my entire adult life, and a graduate of the “school-of-hard- knocks.“ I’m a longtime resident and homeown- er in Kettering. A regu- lar citizen, NOT a career politician. For more information go to www.brownfor- ketteringcitycouncil.com.
ANSWER: Economic challenges require that we think and act differently. The city needs to understand that it is not their money but that of the tax- payer. Efficient use of city resources is paramount.Iwouldlookatevery expense item with the question “can we do better or use the taxpayer’s money smarter“. Kettering citizens deserve that their money goes to provide them the highest quality of services that can be delivered within a reasonable budget.
ROB SCOTT 2821 Comanche Dr. Kettering 45420
BIO: Attorney and small business owner; Juris Doctorate (UD law); BA in Urban Affairs/Political Science (Wright State); Fourth generation Kettering resident and 2000 Fairmont graduate; Community leader focused on stronger & safer neighbor- hoods, small business job growth, and efficient government.
ANSWER: To sustainKettering’s economy, I will focus on Kettering small businesses and future businesses through active involvement in their development, fostering their continued success, and maintaining a business friendly climate. This will create and retain jobs in our community. To keep and improve Kettering’s high quality services, coming from a small business and common sense perspective, I will find ways to deliver services at lower costs through streamlining, utilizing technology, pooling services, and finding waste.
NOLAN THOMAS 2724 Delmonte Ave Kettering 45419
BIO: An Eagle Scout, I am an honors graduate of Fairmont High School and the Ohio State University, which award- ed me my Bachelor’s, Master’s and Law degrees. Since 2004, I have been an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Montgomery County.
ANSWER: As a Prosecutor, I know housing issues affect communities economically. I helped implement the County’s Expedited Foreclosure program, which, along with the Land Bank program, can reduce the number of surplus properties available on the market and keep good care of them until neighborhood home prices have stabi- lized or until a private developer can improve the properties. I will use such programs, property main
Ward Two
Joseph Wanamaker is the incumbent and he is being challenged by Mike Brandt:
MIKE BRANDT 3931 Roslyn Ave. Kettering 45429
BIO: I am a nine year resident of Kettering, married with three chil- dren. I am employed by Radiance Technologies and I serve in the United States Air Force Reserves. I earned a MBA from the University of Texas in San Antonio and a BS in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University.
ANSWER: As councilman, I will support our local businesses and encourage business opportunity and growth. I will ensure city government is sensible with our tax revenue. I will lead to find opportunities that streamline business practices to save money and resources. I will work with our state elected officials to ensure their legislation does not impede our city operations and market identity. I will seek a review of city regulations that are oudated and negatively impact our businesses.
JOSEPH WANAMAKER 2849 Meadow Park Dr. Kettering 45440
BIO: Graduate, University of Dayton, Bachelor Degree, Engineering; Retired City of Kettering, 27 years, Public Service Department Head,Streed Maintenance Director; Member, Kettering City Council, 8 years; Served as Vice Mayor; Chairman, Public Services Committee; Kettering Resident over 40 years
ANSWER: I would look into consoli- dating services wherever possible if it saves money and does not affect the levels of services. We must eliminate waste and be good stewards of our moneys. I would work closely with businesses so they thrive and grow. I would also work with our Economic Development Department to make Kettering more attractive for new businesses. I would promote Kettering’s assets as the place to Live, Work and Play.
In Ward Three, only the incumbent is on the ballot: Tony Klepacz 4840 MaryBrook Dr. Kettering 45429
Ward Four
Incumbent Bruce Duke is being challenged by Lisa Crosley:
LISA E. CROSLEY 201 Winding Way. Kettering 45429
BIO: A twenty-four year resident of Kettering, I hold M.A. Degrees in Public Speaking and in American History/ Government. Having completed a 24 year teaching career, I am now building a heating/cooling business, designated a National Women’s Business Enterprise.
ANSWER: Kettering faces declining population, loss of business, and threats to property value. The size of govern- ment must shrink and costs lowered through collaboration, and expense control. We need tax reductions to attract both businesses and residents and to broaden the tax base. Local gov- ernment must focus on excellence in essential services. The city must run like a business, not a political organization. The incumbent has held office for 24 years; we need fresh ideas.
BRUCE DUKE 417 Winding Way Kettering 45429
BIO: Lettering City councilman 1986-pres- ent, vice-Mayor three terms; University of Dayton Counseling Center, Assistant Director (retired); Ohio State university Ph.D. in Counseling; Created Kettering Leadership Academy; Director Kettering Development Corporation; Council Liaison, Kettering sister cities; RTA Project Mobility Appeals Board.
ANSWER: Current economicconditions have placed a burden on most Kettering residents as well as our city. Given unpredictable income tax revenues and drastic state funding cuts, Kettering has significantly reduced spending while maintaining all core services to residents, including strict property maintenance code enforce- ment. Our budgeting philosophy is to spend only what we receive in revenue for operating expenses, thus avoid deficits. As our Councilman, I will expand this conservative approach to budgeting.
Kettering School Board Election
There are four candidates for two positions. Both incumbents — Jim Trent and Lori Sims — are seeking reelection. The two challengers are Jim Ambrose and Frank Spolrich.
The League’s QUESTION: What priorities do you have, if elected, to assure that your district’s students are prepared to meet higher education goals or successful employment?
JAMES AMBROSE 853 Lincoln Woods Ct. Kettering 45429
BIO: Kettering resident since 1983; married, 4 sons, and 3 grandchildren; 36 years in private practice of law; Acting Judge of Kettering Municipal Court; Graduate of University of Dayton, BD; Graduate of Ohio Northern University College of Law, JD.
ANSWER: We must provide opportunities for our children to succeed. They deserve nothing less, and expect all of us to act in their best interests. As future leaders of our community, we should have every motivation to help guarantee their success. Without a collaborative effort involving the administration, staff, students, parents and community, our district will struggle in com- ing years. No one can refute that a strong educational system yields a productive, creative and responsible citizen.
LORI SIMMS 4880 Walther Rd. Kettering 45429
BIO: I have lived in Kettering for 20 years. I am currently a student at University of Dayton studying for a degree in Psychology. I have 6 children, 3 are Kettering Fairmont H.S. graduates. Community involvement includes past Executive Board member Junior League of Dayton.
ANSWER: The priority to educate every student according to his/her needs, abilities, gifts and talents. My priorities would include to continue the wide ranging programs KCS has in reaching the above stated priority. Our International Baccalaureate program (Fairmont H.S. has the only IB diploma in Montgomery County) and our highly successful career technology program are just two ways we have accom- plished the goals of preparing our stu- dents for higher education or successful employment.
FRANK SPOLRICH 750 Ingersol Dr. Kettering 45429
BIO: I’m a graduate of Chaminade High School and hold educational degrees from Ohio University. Our family has been raised in Kettering, and we have two daughters and four grandchildren. Additionally, I have 39 years of public education experience.
ANSWER: My priorities include: making sure the district is properly funded, that we maintain classroom excellence, that we focus on the instruction of reading and technological skills, that we continue to teach students higher order thinking skills and how to accept responsibility so they can compete in a global economy.
JAMES TRENT 3099 Burr Oak Ct. Kettering 45420
BIO: Undergraduate/graduate degrees from Marshall University; Navy veteran; Teacher, Principal, Director, Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent, Board Member, Kettering Schools, Administrator at WSU, Strategic Planning Facilitator in six states, 150+ school systems. Proud hus- band, father, grandfather. Kettering resi- dent for 44 years
ANSWER: The purpose of education is to help children learn and become successful citizens. That is our priority. The diverse student population in the Kettering Schools is something we look at with pride. The district offers out- standing programs that assist all students in reaching goals and finding employment.
Examples:
• International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement classes
• ExcellentCareerEducation Programs
• Qualityextra-curricularactivities
My priority is to continue to improve on what we are doing.
