Benjamin Tipton is seeking election to Kent City Council - Ward 1. View his responses to our candidate endorsement questionnaire below:
1. Why are you running for office, and what previous experience makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?
I call Kent home and I'm highly committed to the success of this community. You may see me walking to work at Kent State University every day, rain or shine. My kids attend Kent City Schools. My family is deeply rooted in this place and we seek to serve and support all the amazing people and progress of this city.
I've been very involved with City of Kent volunteer boards over the past 8 years, having served for 6 1/2 years on the Board of Zoning Appeals, 3 years on the Fair Housing Board, and most recently on the Salary Review Committee. I've learned a lot from these experiences and have also seen what issues need addressed in our fair city.
2. If elected, what do you hope to accomplish in this position?
I am running for City of Kent Ward 1 Council to help ensure that the town the I live and work in continues to develop in a positive way. The changes to our town over the past 15 years have improved many facets of life in Kent and I look to support similar activities.
3. What are three policy initiatives you plan to focus on if elected?
No response provided.
4. What can local governments do to encourage young adults to stay in Northeast Ohio?
Affordable housing, good jobs and dynamic cultural activities are three key ways to encourage young adults stay in NE OH. There are many things that a city can do to help support right-sized development to ensure these three key areas remain at the forefront.
5. Will you support nondiscrimination policies that protect individuals regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, veterans status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression? If so, how?
No response provided.
6. Do you support reasonable regulations on firearms in the United States? Please explain in detail.
No response provided.
7. What will you do to actively engage young adults in local government?
No response provided.
8. Describe your vision on public safety and your plans for crime prevention?
No response provided.
9. What should your locality be doing to ensure racial equity and eliminating bias in community policing?
No response provided.
10. The Environment
Experts agree that a key to reducing the effects of climate disruption is to reduce our dependence on, and use of, carbon-based fuels, including oil, natural gas and coal. Please answer the following questions related to the environment in detail:
10-A. Should local governments play a role in phasing out the use of fossil fuels by our municipalities? If so, what role should a local legislator play?
No response provided.
10-B. Do you support the use of "Fracking" (hydraulic fracturing) to extract oil or gas within your city, or would you support a ban on Fracking?
No response provided.
11. In June of last year, the United States Supreme Court overturned the landmark case Roe vs. Wade, which guaranteed a persons right to safe and legal abortion access. What role should local government play in advocating for access to safe and legal abortion services?
No response provided.
12. The state of Ohio has continually cut funds to local governments over the last decade. How do you plan on operating within the confines of an already reduced local budget, without cutting critical services to tax payers?
No response provided.
13. What can be done to create and/or attract new businesses with good paying jobs and benefits in the City? How can we encourage new businesses, and existing businesses, to become an active part of our community?
No response provided.
14. Should the City reduce the cost of services by contracting out or privatizing government services? Why or why not?
No response provided.
15. Do you feel that housing in your City is affordable and available for young people and families? If not, what will you do to address this issue?
No response provided.