VOTER INFORMATION November 6, 2018 General Election Day. Polls are open from 6:30AM until 7:30PM.

How Bicyclists Guide to Voting is compiled: The Bike Miami Valley Regional Advocacy Committee has published the 3rd Voters Guide to provide a forum for candidates to discuss issues of walking, bicycling, and street or trail use. Bicycling is a legal form of transportation in Ohio and has the same rules and rights to the roads as any other vehicle. This Guide also highlights information that can help an everyday recreational bicyclists, a dedicated multi-modal user or a daily cycling commuter get insight to candidates’ political viewpoints, I BIKE, I WALK, opinions, and personal experiences with bicycling. Letters with four questions were sent to candidates in contested races within the Miami Valley area (counties that are I VOTE! represented in Bike Miami Valley’s regional membership base). Candidate responses have been printed to fit formatting. If a candidate did not respond, NO REPLY indicates the Election 2018 candidate either did not respond or did not meet the stated deadline. In each office, an asterisks (*) notes the incumbent candidates only in the first question, underneath how Bicyclists Guide to Voting many candidates a voter can select on the ballot. Bike Miami Valley does not endorse or support views of any candidate or political in Clark, Greene, Miami & party. Nor does Bike Miami Valley assume responsibility for the content of any Montgomery Counties candidate’s reply.

takes that confusion and chaos would ensure that roads are repaired away. People aren’t fighting over the when needed, updated, and designed same space then. Defining space is for use and safety of various types of the reason research shows that vehicles, and it would provide people driving cars like protected resources for safety campaigns. bike lanes.” (Source: https://www.aarp.org/livable- ANSWER 2: communities/) Warren Davidson – No reply

Mission: To advocate, promote, and Vanessa Enoch – I definitely believe create opportunities for all forms of Would you support policies and that the trails are an economic asset. I bicycling in the Miami Valley. commitments in infrastructure would use the trails to attract more For more information, visit spending bills that promote this businesses to locate to the region. www.bikemiamivalley.org type of innovative roadway design? Trails are an asset to communities and Why or why not? can promote a healthier lifestyle and Bike Miami Valley, a 501(c)(3), does not environment. They can also be used to support or oppose any political party or QUESTION 4: spur investment in the region, because candidate. Why do you think people who care businesses can attract more employees. about bicycling and walking issues QUESTION 1: should vote for you? ANSWER 3: If you are elected, what is one thing Warren Davidson – No reply you will do for the city, region, or Ohio Governor/ Lieutenant Vanessa Enoch – Yes, many big cities state you’ll serve to ensure and Governor Candidates have already begun to promote provide the highest level of safety on Vote for 1 designated bike lanes. I would promote our public roads, while Mike DeWine/ John Husted – No reply bike lanes because it cuts down on the accommodating all users (youth, Richard Cordray/ Betty Sutton – No amount of pollution by cutting down on elderly, people on bikes, in cars, reply the number of cars on the street. public transit, and mobility Constance Gadell-Newton/ Brett challenged)? Joseph– No reply ANSWER 4: Warren Davidson – No reply QUESTION 2: U.S. Senate Ohio Candidates Vanessa Enoch – Because I believe in The Miami Valley region has the Vote for 1 promoting good health and protecting nation’s largest paved trail network. *Indicates incumbent the environment. I will be an advocate According to the 2017 Miami Valley Sherrod Brown* – No reply for the issues they care about. Regional Planning Commission trail Jim Renacci – No reply user survey, the trail network draws Philena Irene Farley – No reply 5th Ohio Senate Candidates and estimated 793,000 users Vote for 1 annually, and generates between U.S. House Ohio District 10 Paul Bradly – No reply $11.4 - $15.4 million in direct Candidates Stephen Huffman – No reply economic impact for the region Vote for 1 every year (source: *Indicates incumbent 40th Ohio House Candidates https://www.mvrpc.org) Mike Turner* – No reply Vote for 1 Theresa Gasper – No reply ANSWER 1: Do you see the Miami Valley Trails Phil Plummer – Public safety is my as an economic asset, and how can U.S. House Ohio District 8 strong point. I have been employed at you utilize the trail network as a Candidates the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office resource to promote the region? Vote for 1 for the past thirty years. I have been *Indicates incumbent the elected Sheriff for the last ten years. QUESTION 3: ANSWER 1: We must do more public safety The AARP Livable Communities Warren Davidson* – No reply announcements and train people how website states that “The anxiety and Vanessa Enoch – As a to react when encountering a bicyclist. anger people may have about people Congresswoman, I believe the most on bicycles is because we have We have some of the best bicycle paths important role I can play in ensuring in the Country. We were streets designed for conflict. the safety on public roads is to support just recognized for these tremendous Everyone is nervous because no one and or introduce legislation that will assets. Our downtown community is a knows where they belong. The allocate funds for safety on roads. This presence of a protected bike lane bicyclist friendly community. We have new lanes created on our streets, become a vacation destination for all protecting these like minded people. however, we have not done one single outdoor enthusiast. I am definitely and People should be able to go outdoors community educational events to keep advocate for our trail system and I will and enjoy our trail system and feel safe our cyclists safe. I am an avid cyclist, I always support the program to the doing it. I am an avid runner and know the dangers of riding on our fullest extent. cyclists and I to enjoy these great roadways when the motoring public is Ryan Taylor – The Miami Valley trails assets we have in our community. I ill-informed about how to react to are an important economic asset for pledge to keep them well maintained cyclists. Education is the key to safety our region. We have so many bike and even expand them. I will also work and we must do a better job of doing focused events, including Miami Valley hard to implement any type of safety that. About ten years ago, I did a public Cycle Summit, Tour De Gem, and Bike measures possible to keep our active safety announcement about cyclist’s month with activities for everyone. citizens safe while working out or safety, we need more of that to protect These events along with the trail commuting on our trails. systems add to the quality of life for everyone. Unfortunately, we have lost several our community and are an asset in Ryan Taylor – At the state level, I great assets in our community. We are retention and attraction of talent to our would advocate for more opportunities region. At the statehouse, I would seek on the rebound and this is one asset for to help cities and counties design, to work with community organizations that I will protect. It is an economic plan, and develop multi-modal like Bike Miami Valley, Five Rivers driver in our region and we must keep projects. There are already Metro Park, Link, and Dayton Cycling it here. I will do that and I ask you for recommendations, best practices, and Club to expand on opportunities to your vote on November 6th. Please some unfunded mandates at the federal promote the region and its trail remember, PlummerforOhio. I will take and state level for multi-modal state system. care of you. projects to ensure safety on our public Ryan Taylor – I believe biking and roads. The difficulty, especially for local ANSWER 3: walking improves quality of life, governments, is in the planning, Phil Plummer – I would support this advances healthy bodies and minds, development, and funding of these type of infrastructure spending bill. As and adds to our economic vitality in projects; in addition, there is a I stated earlier, I am an avid cyclists Ohio. Most importantly, I am open to disconnect in individuals’ and I see the danger of sharing the listening to our community’s needs and understanding multi-modal open road with uninformed motorists. to work together with others to find ways we can improve the quality of life transportation and the economic Cycling does create a great deal of value to a community due to the for all. impact it provides. I look forward to economic impact they bring here. We working with local partners 41st Ohio House Candidates should utilize some of those new to demonstrate the economic and Vote for 1 health impacts that multi-modal dollars created by cycling and reinvest *Indicates incumbent transportation has on our community, back into infrastructure for the ANSWER 1: and finding ways that the State can protection of our cyclists. Jim Butler* – One of the biggest better support these efforts. Ryan Taylor – I would support smart threats to safety is driving while under designs for multi-modal transportation the influence of drugs or alcohol. This ANSWER 2: that makes transportation safe, term I introduced HB568, Sophie’s Phil Plummer – The paved trail effective, and efficient for all users Law, which will help law enforcement network is an tremendous asset in our including cyclists. I support a model of with evidence gathering in crashes that community. I'm not sure who had the incremental development and involve death or serious injury. I also vision for this trail program, but they transportation starting with lane diets introduced a bi-partisan bill to grant were awesome. My plan is to properly with designated bike path areas, and I drivers that commit non-driving maintain our trails and event expand would encourage communities to related offenses the ability to get a them. As I stated earlier, we were just implement bike lanes as roads are limited driver’s license to work or nationally recognized for them. They resurfaced and streetscaped. school. The great proliferation of do bring people to our community who ANSWER 4: license suspensions for non-driving then spend money in our community. Phil Plummer – I feel that people who related reasons has resulted in many We have seen the revitalization of our care about these awesome issues drivers driving without a license, which downtown area, these trails will should vote for me because of my can lead to many people falling deeper continue to be an economic driver. We background in public safety. I have into the criminal justice system. can expand the trails even more and spent my entire professional career John McManus – No reply during warmer weather. I am excited the southern part of Warren County ANSWER 2: to be an advocate for them. from Loveland to Maineville. I would Jim Butler – Along with our parks and encourage more investment both arts community, our trail network is ANSWER 3: private and public to further develop among the best attraction we have to Niraj Antani – No reply the trail system and expand it into as offer. We need to do more with our Zachary Dickerson – Absolutely, as I many communities as possible. state’s marketing to emphasize these said in my answer to the first question, assets. In an economy when attracting we need smart urban planning. It ANSWER 3: talent is so important, our trails need to benefits the safety of our people and P. Scott Lipps – No reply be emphasized. the economy of our state. Jim Staton – I do support funding and John McManus – No reply planning geared toward dedicated bike ANSWER 4: lanes. I believe a biking and pedestrian ANSWER 3: Niraj Antani – No reply friendly infrastructure is just the type Jim Butler – Absolutely. I agree with Zachary Dickerson – My father was a of forward looking and progressive the statement. The more separation wildlife biologist. When I was growing policy that can make Ohio more we have with our bike trails and roads, up, my family spent most of our free enjoyable for our citizens and more the better. time camping and hiking. I have a deep attractive to folks considering moving John McManus – No reply appreciate for nature and a desire to into our State. protect it. I want to be an advocate for ANSWER 4: smart policies that encourage green ANSWER 4: Jim Butler – I am a member of the Ohio energy and promote Ohio’s P. Scott Lipps – No reply Jim Staton – I respectfully suggest that Legislative Trails Caucus because I extraordinary natural wonder. If you’re people who are knowledgeable and firmly believe that great trails, along looking for a candidate that will passionate about walking and bicycling with parks and support for libraries support cycling, walking, and hiking, I and the arts, are key drivers of a high issues should vote for me because I would appreciate your support! standard of living and a wonderful and share their desire to improve and healthy lifestyle. 43rd Ohio House Candidates modernize our roadways and John McManus – No reply Vote for 1 infrastructure to not just accommodate Dan Foley – No reply but to enhance bicycling and walking 42nd Ohio House Candidates Jeffery Todd Smith – No reply as a greener, more healthy and more Vote for 1 communal means of local transport and *Indicates incumbent 62nd Ohio House Candidates recreation. ANSWER 1: Vote for 1 rd Niraj Antani* – No reply *Indicates incumbent 73 Ohio House Candidates ANSWER 1: Zachary Dickerson – We need to Vote for 1 encourage urban planning that creates P. Scott Lipps* – No reply *Indicates incumbent safe bike routes. That happens at the Jim Staton – I support restoring the ANSWER 1: local level though, so I will work with funding to the local governments which Kim McCarthy – No reply local government to make it happens. has been slashed by fifty percent under Rick Perales* – I will continue to the current State Legislature. As you Lots of people would prefer to use a encourage my colleagues to incentivize are aware, local communities bear bike instead of a car. But they won’t do safer roadways for all users. This can much of the responsibility for local include stricter penalties for safety it unless we create a safe environment surface street maintenance and for to commute. Smart urban planning can developing and maintaining biking infractions, as well as incentives to put help us do that. trails and hubs. In my community of in special bike paths on roads. Safety Springboro we enjoy some very should be the utmost priority of the ANSWER 2: modern bicycling hubs and lanes. legislature when it comes to issues Niraj Antani – No reply such as these. Zachary Dickerson – If elected, I plan ANSWER 2: to join the Legislative Trails Caucus! It ANSWER 2: P. Scott Lipps – No reply was formed in March 2017 as a Jim Staton – I do absolutely see the Kim McCarthy – No reply bipartisan group committed to Miami Valley Trails as an economic Rick Perales – Absolutely, the trail developing our existing trails and asset. In Warren County I have seen network is a huge asset for the Miami planning for future networks. I use the increase of trail use by citizens of Valley. As a founding member of the these trails all the time for exercise all ages including several personal House Parks and Trails Caucus, I take friends who have taken up bicycling in this issue very seriously to ensure the appropriate upkeep and promotion of 415 forces the State of Ohio to use 1/2 80th Ohio House Candidates these treasures of the state. Many of any surplus in the future to fund Vote for 1 people come from all over to utilize the road paving throughout Ohio for ANSWER 1: trails in the Miami Valley. To help municipalities. In 2018, this would D.J. Byrnes – If elected, I will promote, I have issued proclamations have been $385 million in new funds immediately move to return local at a number of ‘trails’ related events, that is divided up by centerline miles. I municipalities to pre-Recession plus I sponsored a “Year of the Trails” believe that will help improve the level funding levels, at minimum. With this of safety on public road, while State Resolution this year. . Having the money, I will advocate for the accommodating all users. state draw attention to these assets as investment in infrastructure, which Amanda Finfrock – No reply will allow cities to create more tourist attractions will also boost bike/public transit paths and dedicated usage. ANSWER 2: lanes on roads. We should be moving Kyle Koehler – We recently helped ANSWER 3: away from cars and towards bicycles fund the improvement of two bike Kim McCarthy – No reply and public transportation as a society. stops along the bike paths in my Rick Perales – Yes, designated spaces Jena Powell – No reply district. With more jobs opening up in for bicyclists ultimately decrease the 79th District, the bike paths in our competition for the roadways, ANSWER 2: inherently decreasing risk of accident area have become a selling point when D.J. Byrnes – I have spent many hours between a bicyclist and a motorist. It is new workers are deciding to live and on the Miami Valley Bike Trails very important we keep all users of the work in our district or just commute to absolutely see it as an economic asset. roadways safe. I obtained 2018 capital work. The bike paths help us attract One idea I have to promote the region funding to help accomplish the Yellow tax-paying residents. is the creation of a "Tour de Ohio" Spring – Clifton connector design. This Amanda Finfrock – No reply featuring amateur/professional connector will make this portion of the individual/team races throughout the ANSWER 3: trail more enjoyable and safer. I will region. We could also promote an "Ale Kyle Koehler – While I will not have keep looking for opportunities like Trail" featuring local craft much say over the design of roads these that make our great trails even breweries/wineries in proximity to the within our city, I have attended City better. trail and encourage people to drink and Commission meetings where changes dine at each establishment along the ANSWER 4: to Derr Road in Springfield are being way. Kim McCarthy – No reply proposed to accommodate bike lanes. I Jena Powell – No reply Rick Perales – I am a huge advocate cannot direct what municipalities will for our bicyclists and walkers utilizing do with their roadway design, ANSWER 3: the assets of the Miami Valley. As the however, I do understand how bike D.J. Byrnes – I 100% support policies founding member of the Ohio lanes improve safety. and bills that provide innovative road Legislative Trails Caucus, we continue Amanda Finfrock – No reply design. As mentioned above, it's to work hard for our constituents that imperative we move away from cars in hold this as a top priority. ANSWER 4: the near future. And to do that, we will Kyle Koehler – I have served the 79th th need to have a plan to service rural 74 Ohio House Candidates District for four years now. My wife is Vote for 1 residents. The Miami Valley region an avid cyclist and a member of the *Indicates incumbent could be on the forefront of that and Road Fish Cycling Club. Her input Bill Dean* – No reply could economically boost the entire helps me judge my decisions when it Anne Gorman – No reply region. comes to how a vote will affect cyclists Jena Powell – No reply in Ohio. Above all, I am known for 79th Ohio House Candidates listening to all sides before making a Vote for 1 ANSWER 4: *Indicates incumbent decision. I look forward to your input D.J. Byrnes – I have almost been run ANSWER 1: as I start my 3rd term in the Ohio off the road by a car while riding a Kyle Koehler* – I recently helped pass House. bicycle. I am an advocate in the and voted for House Bill 415. There Amanda Finfrock – No reply expansion of biker rights and has been much talk about road protections and think society would be conditions and funding of the Local better if everyone owned and rode a Government Funds in Ohio. House Bill bike. If elected, I will advocate and fight for pushing Ohioans in that direction. provide an avenue to better health. the safety of a sidewalk into the street. Together, we could build something This fact should be added to literature To putting barriers between bike lanes great. aimed at recruiting new business. and streets to insure greater safety for Jena Powell – No reply Companies seek healthcare initiatives cyclists. I would also advocate for that are low-cost to free and our trail messages to explain bike lanes on our Clark County Commission networks provide that opportunity. local channels and on social media. It is Candidates Promoting paved trails also attracts clear there are many ways our Vote for 1 families to move into our Greene roadways and sidewalk designs can Richard Lohnes – No reply County communities because of the make citizens safer. I believe these Seth E. Evans – No reply easy access to bike paths. As a matter issues must be addressed and designs of fact, a recent report stated 90% of developed that best protect all on the Greene County Commission trail users were “residents from street, trails, sidewalks, and protected Candidates communities along the 360-mile trail.” bike lanes. Vote for 1 Our trails should be mentioned in real ANSWER 1: estate literature aimed at new ANSWER 4: Dick Gould – No reply homeowners, those relocating into our Dick Gould – No reply Susan Lopez – The one thing I will do communities, chambers of commerce, Susan Lopez – Because I will listen. I in the region to assure greater safety and especially to the Wright-Patterson will investigate issues brought before for all is to continue to advocate for Air Force Base community. the Board of Commissioners and I will increased funding for connections of Another way to utilize the trail always act and advocate for what is our bike trails. Our area bike paths are network as a resource is promoting best for all of us and all our part of the county, Greene County businesses and activities along the trail communities. I live near a bike path. Parks and Trails, which voters through coordination and collaboration I’ve utilized the bike trail and see its approved a levy in 2015 to invest in the with area Chamber of Commerce value to our community. I know that trails “maintenance, renovation, and offices, the Convention and Visitors the trail is a community connector, a construction projects.” Greene County Bureau, TourismOhio, the Rails-to- healthy outlet within our community, citizens spoke clearly that they value Trails Conservancy, other cycling and as a huge bonus brings money and paved pathways in their organizations, and even Ohio jobs into our community. I have been neighborhoods when passing this levy Department of Transportation. endorsed by Rails-to-Trails (RTC) I will advocate for continuing pathway Further is partner with one of our Conservancy’s Midwest Policy Manager connections throughout our helping organization such as Family Brian Housh. RTC is a nonprofit that communities. This will keep more Violence Prevention Center to hold a works with communities small and people safe, as with easy access and fundraising event or encourage others large to promote the creation of trails availability, more cyclists and walkers to hold events near or alongside the nationwide. As commissioner will work will choose pathways versus roadways. bike trails. to continue promotion of this valuable It provides greater opportunity for safe asset, while providing a better balance areas for people of all ages to ride and ANSWER 3: in budget priorities that put our walk off roadways. It also offers Dick Gould – No reply communities and people first. further opportunity for those with Susan Lopez – There needs to a mobility challenges. cohesive plan for infrastructure that Miami County Commission relieves confusion and makes the Candidates Not a contested race ANSWER 2: sidewalks, trails, and streets a safe Dick Gould – No reply place for all. We lack sidewalks in a Susan Lopez – As reported by WHIO Montgomery County Commission great many neighborhoods in Greene on July 25, 2018, “In 2017, the county’s Candidates County, which does force walkers onto tourism industry generated $47 million Vote for 1 roadways and bicyclists onto roadways in state and local taxes, more than $766 ANSWER 1: where there are not trails. million in sales at local businesses and Carolyn Rice – The most important There are many methods to securing sustained 8,373 local jobs.” It is clearly thing I can do as a County the safety of all, such as a clear an economic asset in our area and Commissioner is to advocate for pavement change from sidewalk to throughout Ohio. appropriate transportation funding street so those who are visually Miami Valley trails are not only an from the State, and then to work with impaired know when they are leaving economic asset in Greene County, they ODOT District 4, Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, and other ANSWER 2: be appropriate for bike traffic or bike partners to advocate for funding for Carolyn Rice – Our nationally ranked lanes. Other roads, such as low-traffic complete streets. We need to ensure trail system is absolutely an economic country roads, may be better served by that all transportation components and community development tool. The sharrows and other devices. Dedicated beyond pavement and concrete -- Convention and Visitor’s Bureau bike lanes are particularly appropriate sidewalks, shared and sole bike lanes, already highlight our trail system, and for urban streets, which are most likely and street furniture) are designed to cities in Montgomery County have been to have a concentration of bicycle ensure that the transportation needs of privileged to host group rides like the users. Additionally, another part of the the entire community are addressed. Great Ohio Bike Adventure (GOBA). In solution is formal and informal training Most funding for transportation comes addition, local rides including the for car drivers and bike drivers to from Federal and State sources and we inaugural Tour de Gem, Tour de become comfortable sharing the road. need to be as innovative as possible on Dayton, and other local fundraisers and Courteous Mass Rides and How We the local level to ensure that the money friendraisers use the trail and street Roll programs of Bike Miami Valley and is used to ensure safety and systems as part of their rides. Our its chapters provide important accessibility for all residents and all designation as part of Bike Route 50 opportunities for increasing safety and means of transportation. means that through-riders may use our comfort of everyone using the roads. Doug Barry – First, I tend to think system as part of their larger rides. Doug Barry – Yes, I believe bike lanes about the most vulnerable among us One way it can become a more add a sense of clarification and would across the region. That means the powerful tool is to continue to enhance like to see more of them. elderly and the impoverished, or those it with amenities like wayfinding signs whose ability to get around is in each community and a camping ANSWER 4: compromised. These are people who options for people on multi-day rides. Carolyn Rice – People that care about rely on RTA service, so the RTA will be These options might be as formal as a bicycling and walking are people that a priority once I’m in office. Keep in campground or hotels along the bike care about their community. I also love mind this is a service that helps over 9 paths or as informal as a list of parks this community and would be proud to million riders throughout the year. I’ve and public or private spaces where take on a new leadership role in it. I am spoken to CEO Mark Donaghy and campers can stay overnight. the best qualified candidate for County much of the RTA’s infrastructure is in Doug Barry – Yes, our trail system is Commission because I have 30 years of disrepair. For instance, the overhead an economic asset. I’ll often hop on a experience that will allow me to make trolley lines need some help. I’m on trail near my home in Miami Twp. for a an immediate contribution. I was born record saying I’ll help them seek quick run and I always see other people and raised in the area; we returned to alternative funding methods and out and about. That means the word is it to raise our children and pursue stretch available funds as far as they’ll out and people are enjoying their careers because we value this go. That said, it’s not just RTA’s experiences on the trails. There’s still community and its amenities. I care infrastructure that’s a concern. Data work to do, however, and that’s where about building community through shows that many of our major roads input from organizations like yours collective problem-solving, which is and bridges are in poor shape – to say comes into the picture. We need to what the biking and walking the least – and upgrades will be bring stakeholders to the table to have community here does every day. Your needed. Reinvesting in the downtown honest discussions. What’s needed? approach has led to a renewed energy Dayton core – bringing more families Are we doing enough to lobby for that's built on Dayton's biking history back into the city to work and go to donations? Is the county doing enough and has laid a foundation for making school – will help alleviate some of the to champion the trails? We need to our community more people-centered pressure on those area roads and assemble the stakeholders and put our in the future. And that is how I intend bridges. In the meantime, we need to heads together. Ideas come through to lead as Montgomery County aggressively pursue all available funds collaboration. And then we need to act. Commissioner. to replace what we can. This was Doug Barry – I want the voters to ANSWER 3: recently accomplished with the know I share their passion. I use these Carolyn Rice – Yes, I support complete completion of the beautiful new trails and have enjoyed them streets, including designated bike lanes Webster Street Bridge. immensely. My wife and teenagers where practical. A few roads, have used them too. They promote an particularly those that are high traffic active lifestyle that adds up to a or which lack sufficient space, may not healthier community. I’ve often said we don’t have an ocean or mountains here in Montgomery County, but we have innovative ideas that accomplish similar things. Our trail system was an innovative idea that has found success. It’s one of the things that sets us apart from other communities and it’s a tangible asset all generations can enjoy. My family and I have experienced these things firsthand.

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