Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Thank You!
Thank you to all who helped during my campaign for City Council. Whether you had a sign, donated, passed out literature, made phone calls, talked to others or voted, I very much appreciate everything. It will be an excting 2 years with lots of work. Keep me in your prayers. I am so grateful to have good friends and supporters in this town that I call home. Again, thanks to all from the bottom of my heart.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Questions & Answers with Donna Laake
Recently, the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area asked candidates a series of questions to assist voters with the very important decisions that will be made as ballots are cast on November 3. Below is a re-cap of questions & answers submitted by Donna Laake:
1. What are your Qualifications for Office? (50 word limit)
First woman elected to city council in 1979, I served four years during the bleakest financial times in Norwood. As health commissioner at the Health Department for over 13 years, I became very familiar with how the city functions and will continue "working for the good of the city."
2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit)
Budgets should be discussed/prepared much earlier than at present. All departments should be involved in the process and be prepared to defend their requests for funds. Council should know the financial impact of every spending request or union contract that is approved. Strategic planning is imperative for street resurfacing, waterpipe replacement and park improvements. Council must be open and honest with city employees and citizens and keep the people of Norwood informed throughout the year, not just at election time. Strategic planning for marketing Norwood opportunities should be a priority to attract and maintain businesses within the city.
3. What two actions would you promote to enhance city revenue or decrease city expenditures in order to balance the city budget, given the current economic conditions? (100 word limit)
1. Expect that all who SHOULD pay Norwood income tax are paying. This requires working closely with the Treasurer's Office to continue collecting taxes from those who fail to file. I was known in the City as "grant queen" because of receiving tens of thousands of dollars in grants. I believe that the city should take full advantage of grants: local, state and federal.
2. Begin preparing budgets much earlier to allow time for review by all departments and council members. Expect that each department will adhere to their budget by having department heads involved in process.
4. What steps should the local government take to ensure that the quality of rental property meets minimum legal standards? (100 word limit)
Norwood currently inspects rental property every two years and enforces property maintenance codes. However, we need to respond to problems/complaints in a timely manner and follow up on orders that are issued. We should assure that we keep our local court system so that offenders can be cited and dealt with quickly and firmly in Norwood. We need to make the permit system easier for those who purchase property and fix it up, and consider tax abatements for those who change rental property into owner occupied housing.
For additional information on all candidates, please visit the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area website at www.smartvoter.org.
1. What are your Qualifications for Office? (50 word limit)
First woman elected to city council in 1979, I served four years during the bleakest financial times in Norwood. As health commissioner at the Health Department for over 13 years, I became very familiar with how the city functions and will continue "working for the good of the city."
2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit)
Budgets should be discussed/prepared much earlier than at present. All departments should be involved in the process and be prepared to defend their requests for funds. Council should know the financial impact of every spending request or union contract that is approved. Strategic planning is imperative for street resurfacing, waterpipe replacement and park improvements. Council must be open and honest with city employees and citizens and keep the people of Norwood informed throughout the year, not just at election time. Strategic planning for marketing Norwood opportunities should be a priority to attract and maintain businesses within the city.
3. What two actions would you promote to enhance city revenue or decrease city expenditures in order to balance the city budget, given the current economic conditions? (100 word limit)
1. Expect that all who SHOULD pay Norwood income tax are paying. This requires working closely with the Treasurer's Office to continue collecting taxes from those who fail to file. I was known in the City as "grant queen" because of receiving tens of thousands of dollars in grants. I believe that the city should take full advantage of grants: local, state and federal.
2. Begin preparing budgets much earlier to allow time for review by all departments and council members. Expect that each department will adhere to their budget by having department heads involved in process.
4. What steps should the local government take to ensure that the quality of rental property meets minimum legal standards? (100 word limit)
Norwood currently inspects rental property every two years and enforces property maintenance codes. However, we need to respond to problems/complaints in a timely manner and follow up on orders that are issued. We should assure that we keep our local court system so that offenders can be cited and dealt with quickly and firmly in Norwood. We need to make the permit system easier for those who purchase property and fix it up, and consider tax abatements for those who change rental property into owner occupied housing.
For additional information on all candidates, please visit the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area website at www.smartvoter.org.
Republican Club Halloween Party ~ Monday, October 26
Join us on for a Halloween Party on Monday, October 26 beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Norwood Community Center. Come have a “Spooky” time!
Music, snacks and fun! Tarot card readings by a local witch (we won’t tell you who!) Kids are welcome to attend the party. It will be fun for all! Adults, please bring a small bag of candy so the kids can trick-or-treat. Dress up for the Costume contest: Kid & Adult Categories and a "Wrap the Mummy” Contest!
Music, snacks and fun! Tarot card readings by a local witch (we won’t tell you who!) Kids are welcome to attend the party. It will be fun for all! Adults, please bring a small bag of candy so the kids can trick-or-treat. Dress up for the Costume contest: Kid & Adult Categories and a "Wrap the Mummy” Contest!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Working for the Good of the City...
...as a nurse and Health Commissioner at the Norwood City Health Department for over 17 years, leading the fight to keep this valuable local service.
...as a Tree Board volunteer making our city even more beautiful.
...writing grants to increase recycling and purchasing benches and tables for our city and parks.
Let Donna work FOR YOU!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Norwood Republican Club Campaign Kick Off
Join the Norwood Republican Club for our Campaign Kickoff on Monday September 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Norwood Community Center. Special guest and former Congressman Steve Chabot will be in attendance.
We hope to see you there!
We hope to see you there!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Working for the Good of the City
"Working for the good of the City.” It’s more than just a campaign slogan…it’s been my way of life since moving to Norwood in 1975. You probably know me best as the health commissioner at the Norwood Health Department since I served in that capacity for over 13 years and as a public health nurse for over 3 years. My years serving you at your health department were very rewarding and I saw the need for services in the community every day. That is why I fought so hard to keep the Norwood Health Department open despite attempts by several members of the current Council to shut it down. With your help, we won and the health department continues to serve Norwood residents.I am involved in many activities and organizations in our city. A registered nurse by profession for over 38 years, I was the first woman elected to Norwood City Council in 1979 and served 4 years during some of the hardest financial times in Norwood history. I served as Clerk of Council for 2 years and organized that office from years of neglect. I am a member of the Norwood Tree Board (you’ve probably seen me planting flowers throughout the city each year), Norwood Business & Professional Women’s Club, Norwood City Schools Health Advisory Council, Norwood City Schools Business Advisory Council, Norwood Moose and several other civic/service organizations.
I believe that your councilperson should answer phone calls and emails from constituents and work to help resolve concerns of residents in Ward 3. My only promise is this: to be PROFESSIONAL when representing you and your concerns and to keep you informed, not just during campaign season, but throughout the year. I ask for your vote in November to help me to continue “working for the good of the city.”
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