Ohio Disability Vote Coalition Candidate Questionnaire

Candidate Jarrod Martin
Republican, HOUSE District 70
Greene County/Beavercreek area

Healthcare: What steps would you take to ensure the people with disabilities have access to affordable, quality healthcare that is responsive to their individual needs?

Reliable, affordable, and quality healthcare is an issue that crosses political lines and is a problem we all must address. I believe one step in addressing this national issue is making healthcare transparent to the consumer and introducing competition in order to drive down costs. Patients and their doctors should be making medical decisions, not bureaucrats and insurance companies.

Long term services and supports: What steps would you take to expedite Ohio's implementation of the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision and help address the institutional bias in Ohio? (In 1999 the Supreme Court ruled in Olmstead v. L.C. that confinement in an institution is a violation of civil rights, when life in a more integrated setting in the community is possible through reasonable accommodations in supports and services. They mandated states to develop a plan to address this issue.)

I will work with the local agencies that deal with this issue on a daily basis to help in the development of the plan to address this issue.

Housing: Would you support "Visitability" legislation that ensures that all single family, new construction is built with "Visitability" standards? (Visitability standards consist of one, zero step entrance, first floor hall and doorways wide enough to be passable by people in wheelchairs and one usable bathroom allowing an individual in a wheelchair to enter and to close the door. See www.concretechange.org for more details)

I have a personal policy to not comment on any legislation without first reading it so I can't give a solid yes or no. I can say that after reading the website, I believe it to be a worthy and noble goal.

Transportation: What would you do to expand access to affordable, accessible transportation for people with disabilities, especially in rural areas?

This is difficult because so often times this issue would fall to the local leaders. In my district in Greene County, we have the Greene CATS program that addresses this issue. I believe the Greene CATS program can serve as a positive model for other districts in the state.

Other: Do you have personal experience with disability or any related information for your constituents?

I do have members of my family that have disabilities and I also have worked with people with disabilities in some of my previous volunteer work. Because of my experience, I believe that I have a better understanding of the needs of this constituency and more importantly, the difficulties and hardships that those with disabilities face everyday.

Candidate Randy Cole
Republican, HOUSE District 41
Summit County/Akron area

Healthcare: What steps would you take to ensure the people with disabilities have access to affordable, quality healthcare that is responsive to their individual needs?

The public's concern over access to care is real and needs to be addressed. We must move patients out the emergency room and into the offices of primary care physicians to reduce costs, reduce pressure on the system and improve health. The responsibility of providing health insurance and meeting mandates for coverage have to be removed from employers. It is currently a hidden tax and overwhelming expense that is driving up the cost of production and reducing our competitiveness. Our long term goals have to be ensuring access to care, eliminating employer responsibility for coordinating benefits, and instilling personal choice and preventative care into individual health decisions. Persons with disabilities need individualized plans that meet the needs of their conditions and future needs.

Long term services and supports: What steps would you take to expedite Ohio's implementation of the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision and help address the institutional bias in Ohio? (In 1999 the Supreme Court ruled in Olmstead v. L.C. that confinement in an institution is a violation of civil rights, when life in a more integrated setting in the community is possible through reasonable accommodations in supports and services. They mandated states to develop a plan to address this issue.)

I look forward to meeting with you to discuss your suggestions for addressing this.

Housing: Would you support "Visitability" legislation that ensures that all single family, new construction is built with "Visitability" standards? (Visitability standards consist of one, zero step entrance, first floor hall and doorways wide enough to be passable by people in wheelchairs and one usable bathroom allowing an individual in a wheelchair to enter and to close the door. See www.concretechange.org for more details)

What a great idea. One of my closest personal friends and campaign supporters is a paraplegic utilizing a wheel chair. When he visits, it takes three people to hold open doors, make adjustments to assist him through the easiest entrance to our home which was built in the 1950s. It's time to update our building codes to improve access for all.

Transportation: What would you do to expand access to affordable, accessible transportation for people with disabilities, especially in rural areas?

I would support flexible Transportation Vouchers which allow individuals and families to purchase or modify their own transportation, could be used to stimulate private transportation companies to offer services or could be used to offset costs of public transportation.

Other: Do you have personal experience with disability or any related information for your constituents?

As mentioned above, one of my closest personal friends is a paraplegic. My son calls him "Uncle Dave&qout; because of his frequent visits and our close relationship. He drives a car with hand controls and we used to share season tickets to the Cleveland Indians. Our time together gives me a clear understanding of the challenges of access, transportation and the additional costs and burdens our citizens with disabilities share.

Candidate Denise Driehaus
Democrat, HOUSE District 31
Hamilton County/Cincinnati area

Healthcare: What steps would you take to ensure the people with disabilities have access to affordable, quality healthcare that is responsive to their individual needs?

I believe that health care should be accessible to all and would support legislation to this end. I think that this issue is critical to the over all well being of our state and our country and would save money in the long run as we work to address health needs on the front end instead of paying the consequences of poor health care on the back end.

Long term services and supports: What steps would you take to expedite Ohio's implementation of the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision and help address the institutional bias in Ohio? (In 1999 the Supreme Court ruled in Olmstead v. L.C. that confinement in an institution is a violation of civil rights, when life in a more integrated setting in the community is possible through reasonable accommodations in supports and services. They mandated states to develop a plan to address this issue.)

I am not familiar with the status of this plan in the State of Ohio, but would look forward to learning more about what has been done and what still needs to be done.

Housing: Would you support "Visitability" legislation that ensures that all single family, new construction is built with "Visitability" standards? (Visitability standards consist of one, zero step entrance, first floor hall and doorways wide enough to be passable by people in wheelchairs and one usable bathroom allowing an individual in a wheelchair to enter and to close the door. See www.concretechange.org for more details)

I support such standards for public facilities, but would need to learn more about the impact of such a standard on private residences. I am encouraged that the information from you web site is being made available to contractors, builders, architects, etc. so that they can learn more about what can be done to make a home "visitable".

Transportation: What would you do to expand access to affordable, accessible transportation for people with disabilities, especially in rural areas?

I am supportive of an accessible mass transit system for the State of Ohio. Such a system should be constructed to accommodate people with disabilities. We have fallen behind in this area and think that we need to make it a higher priority for the state.

Other: Do you have personal experience with disability or any related information for your constituents?

I served as a volunteer board member on the Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC) for 16 years. CRC has a renowned Therapeutics Division within the department which serves the needs of people (especially youth) with disabilities. CRC just broke ground on a "Miracle Field" so that the kids participating in the adapted baseball program have a synthetic surface to play on – this will allow them to play many more games during the season, as they won't have to worry about wheelchairs and walkers on soggy fields. I fought make this field a reality and am proud that it will open in 2009. My daughter, Sarah, directed one of the CRC therapeutic summer camps for kids with disabilities and I was pleased to stop in a number of times to understand the challenges and needs of the participants and counselors.

Candidate Janice Lanier
Democrat, HOUSE District 2
Franklin County/Westerville area

Healthcare: What steps would you take to ensure the people with disabilities have access to affordable, quality healthcare that is responsive to their individual needs?

Access to affordable quality health care is an issue for everyone. We need to reconfigure our entire health care "system" because it is not sustainable as it is currently configured. While coverage for the uninsured or underinsured is the major tenet of what the State is addressing now, we need to realize that coverage does not necessarily equal access. We need to find ways to address the shortage of nurses, family physicians and others and also find appropriate roles these individuals can and should play in a community health/home health system. We also need to reimburse people providing these services at a level that enables them to earn a decent living and/or stay in business. One of the programs currently being developed is the consumer-directed care model. Finally, we must better educate nurses and physicians regarding the needs and expectations of people with disabilities. The "medical model" is not always the ideal approach, yet it continues to dominate the care delivery system.

Long term services and supports: What steps would you take to expedite Ohio's implementation of the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision and help address the institutional bias in Ohio? (In 1999 the Supreme Court ruled in Olmstead v. L.C. that confinement in an institution is a violation of civil rights, when life in a more integrated setting in the community is possible through reasonable accommodations in supports and services. They mandated states to develop a plan to address this issue.)

Steps are being taken now to find ways to assure that people with disabilities receive the assistance they need to live outside of an institutional setting. It is not acceptable to mandate de-institutionalization, however, without having services in place to assure people do not fall through the cracks as happened with the mentally ill. Consumer-directed care is one step in that direction. As technological innovations are developed, there should be an emphasis placed on meeting the needs of people with disabilities so that they are able to live in an integrated community setting.

Housing: Would you support "Visitability" legislation that ensures that all single family, new construction is built with "Visitability" standards? (Visitability standards consist of one, zero step entrance, first floor hall and doorways wide enough to be passable by people in wheelchairs and one usable bathroom allowing an individual in a wheelchair to enter and to close the door. See www.concretechange.org for more details)

On its face this seems to be a reasonable standard to have in place; however, I do have a concern about mandating this expectation through legislation. For that reason I would like more information about the concept. Perhaps, simplistically, one step would be to require architect students to spend a week in a wheelchair to experience first-hand the challenges faced everyday by disabled individuals. They might be more inclined to build into their plans the accommodations—the "visitability" standards disabled people have identified.

Transportation: What would you do to expand access to affordable, accessible transportation for people with disabilities, especially in rural areas?

One of the biggest challenges facing Ohio in its efforts to rebuild its economy is transportation. We have encouraged, through our policies, sprawling, non-centralized developments that almost make the automobile the only means of transportation. Our reliance on the automobile must be supplanted by a mass transportation system that is accessible for people with disabilities just as it is for non-disabled individuals. That system must serve rural, urban and suburban communities. As this system evolves, I would make sure that the needs of disabled persons are factored into whatever transit systems are developed or expanded.

Other: Do you have personal experience with disability or any related information for your constituents?

My six-year-old granddaughter is severely disabled so my daughter and our entire family face challenges each day. Although she is still very young, we realize how complicated it is to enjoy even the simplest things most people take for granted. One of the primary reasons I decided to seek elective office was because I believe we need legislators whose life experiences make them sensitive to the needs of real people, including people with disabilities.

Candidate Marian Harris
Democrat, HOUSE District 19
Franklin County/Columbus area

Healthcare: What steps would you take to ensure the people with disabilities have access to affordable, quality healthcare that is responsive to their individual needs?

We need to reform our current health system so that ALL people have affordable, accessible, quality healthcare. One idea being suggested is a high risk pool program which would insure people who are uninsurable in Ohio's individual health insurance market. Governor Strickland's State Coverage Initiative would potentially cover 500,000 more people and increase the ability of small businesses to cover their workers. Among the proposals under this plan: allow kids up to the age of 29 to get covered under their parents' policy; make a more active effort to enroll those eligible for Medicaid; offer coverage to poor non-medicaid eligible adults; promote medical homes. We must create a system of shared responsibility between patient, provider and insurer and the patient/provider relationship should be sacrosanct.

Long term services and supports: What steps would you take to expedite Ohio's implementation of the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision and help address the institutional bias in Ohio? (In 1999 the Supreme Court ruled in Olmstead v. L.C. that confinement in an institution is a violation of civil rights, when life in a more integrated setting in the community is possible through reasonable accommodations in supports and services. They mandated states to develop a plan to address this issue.)

I will work toward the implementation of the Olmstead decision. I am not aware of what Ohio has done to date, but I will certainly find out. I was involved in the deinstitutionalization process in the late 70's and I know how important it is to provide step by step services and assurances so that a person is able to live in the least restrictive setting with the support necessary to make that a success.

Housing: Would you support "Visitability" legislation that ensures that all single family, new construction is built with "Visitability" standards? (Visitability standards consist of one, zero step entrance, first floor hall and doorways wide enough to be passable by people in wheelchairs and one usable bathroom allowing an individual in a wheelchair to enter and to close the door. See www.concretechange.org for more details)

At first glance I would not support this kind of legislation. I would support encouraging developers to consider this and perhaps have a certain number of houses constructed under these standards –some form of tax credit perhaps as an incentive. But the market should govern this not government.

Transportation: What would you do to expand access to affordable, accessible transportation for people with disabilities, especially in rural areas?

I would consider subsidizing public transportation to provide appropriate transportation for people with disabilities.

Other: Do you have personal experience with disability or any related information for your constituents?

I worked for Senator Metzenbaum in the late 70's and early 80's as a caseworker and became very involved in the human services arena, particularly in the area of people with disabilities. I advocated on both a Federal and State level both for individuals and advocacy groups. I convinced the Senator to co-sponsor, with Gov. Rhodes, a conference on deinstitutionalization that attracted over 600 attendees. I served on the Franklin County Mental Health (648) Board during this period as well. I also worked closely with parents of children with disabilities who were concerned that schools were not providing the education they were required to under the law.

I went on to be Chief of the Office of Family Support Services for the ODMRDD, where we implemented a statewide system of support services for families who chose to keep there family member with a disability at home. The program provided respite care, ramps, other house modifications – whatever made it possible for the family member to remain in their home.

As a consultant I worked on projects for the ARC of Ohio, writing a legislative and lobbying handbook as well as doing some development events. I most recently worked for Mental Health America of Franklin County.

Candidate Robert Hagan
Democrat, HOUSE District 60
Cuyahoga County/Lakewood area

My 22 year record in the legislature supporting the Ohio Disability Coalition on every issue, is available as public record and I believe an adequate way of determining what way your members should vote.

Candidate Seth Morgan
Republican, HOUSE District 36
Montgomery County/Huber Heights area

Thank you for this survey.

The issues you are addressing are ones that I need more information on. I cannot at this time return a completed survey but do look forward to working with you on these issues.

Candidate Mary-Louise Kirk
Republican, HOUSE District 13
Cuyahoga County/Lakewood area

Healthcare: What steps would you take to ensure the people with disabilities have access to affordable, quality healthcare that is responsive to their individual needs?

Medicaid/care needs to be over-hauled as their "answers" for disabled people who have either Plan just doesn't answer or fulfill enough for ill or disabled people.

Long term services and supports: What steps would you take to expedite Ohio's implementation of the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision and help address the institutional bias in Ohio? (In 1999 the Supreme Court ruled in Olmstead v. L.C. that confinement in an institution is a violation of civil rights, when life in a more integrated setting in the community is possible through reasonable accommodations in supports and services. They mandated states to develop a plan to address this issue.)

Yes, everything in the Ohio House/Senate seems to take forever. Ohio needs Reps who are willing to go to Columbus and WORK for Ohioans. There is more to do with keeping people in their homes.

Housing: Would you support "Visitability" legislation that ensures that all single family, new construction is built with "Visitability" standards? (Visitability standards consist of one, zero step entrance, first floor hall and doorways wide enough to be passable by people in wheelchairs and one usable bathroom allowing an individual in a wheelchair to enter and to close the door. See www.concretechange.org for more details)

Yes, but Builders have to be brought in to the mix. Some single-family homes are condos or cluster's and appearance of the front entrance is critical to them and owner associations and buyers. Am still seeing way too many stairs at home entrances.

Transportation: What would you do to expand access to affordable, accessible transportation for people with disabilities, especially in rural areas?

Better funding for Counties/Cities/Townships for providing more accessible vans or buses that are equipped to handle/facilitate rides for handicapped people. There was a recent problem with the RTA in Cuyahoga County who tried to stop handicapped-accessible Circulators (a jitney type bus) in Lakewood (part of the 13th District) and I went to public meetings to fight this as the new Lakewood Mayor had slashed the Senior budget by almost $800k which immediately reduced the number of the Para-transit fleet to two which couldn't have handled or helped the current number of handicapped Seniors OR any of the handicapped people who are not Seniors. It was successful at least because the Circulators are being reduced to once an hour rather than being cut. RTA will discover that a once an hour bus will not be enough as only 24 people can be seated.

Other: Do you have personal experience with disability or any related information for your constituents?

I have had temporary disability lasting for almost 2 years and a 2nd time for six months because of a knee injury sustained during a somersault down 24 steps and secondly a "mugging" on the street where a would-be thief tried to snatch my purse. He didn't get it. I couldn't drive (right knee) and public transportation was very difficult as some bus drivers wouldn't wait for me to be seated before stomping on the gas pedal! Also, using the handicapped stall in public places wasn't always easy as they weren't always clean or available. It was a reality check for me.
I am a current/founding Trustee/Officer at the George E. Fedor Manor in Lakewood, Ohio and am responsible for Resident Services. They just celebrated their 25th anniversary. This is a Federally-subsidized 143 unit high-rise apartment. We recently borrowed another 1 plus million from The Fed to upgrade the facility and the 14 units that are handicapped accessible and others had new walk-in showers installed so that more residents could stay instead of having to move to different facilities.
Thanks for your good work.

Candidate Andrew Kashmer
Democrat, HOUSE District 81
Ottawa County/Oak Harbor area

Healthcare: What steps would you take to ensure the people with disabilities have access to affordable, quality healthcare that is responsive to their individual needs?

First, I want to say that I believe healthcare is a service and not a business. It should be motivated by service to the public and never by profit. I will work to build a system where all Ohioans are covered for healthcare with no discrimination.

Long term services and supports: What steps would you take to expedite Ohio's implementation of the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision and help address the institutional bias in Ohio? (In 1999 the Supreme Court ruled in Olmstead v. L.C. that confinement in an institution is a violation of civil rights, when life in a more integrated setting in the community is possible through reasonable accommodations in supports and services. They mandated states to develop a plan to address this issue.)

I am not sure where Ohio currently sits in implementation, or the state's current plan. I would be interested in receiving more information from your organization about this issue.

Housing: Would you support "Visitability" legislation that ensures that all single family, new construction is built with "Visitability" standards? (Visitability standards consist of one, zero step entrance, first floor hall and doorways wide enough to be passable by people in wheelchairs and one usable bathroom allowing an individual in a wheelchair to enter and to close the door. See www.concretechange.org for more details)

I am not fully convinced that all new home builders should have to meet “visitability” standards. However, I would be willing to work on incentives, like tax breaks for builders that do meet your “visitability” standards. I understand what you are trying to accomplish, but I don't think it should be forced on every new home builder.

Transportation: What would you do to expand access to affordable, accessible transportation for people with disabilities, especially in rural areas?

In my county, the county provides transportation to anyone with a focus on the poor, elderly, and disabled. I would support the state funding this type of transportation initiative all over the state. I would also have them offer at least one ride per day and allow pickups to be made within the same day. I know that nearby counties only offer a limited number of trips per individual and need 1 month advanced notice. I want to see both of those changed.

Other: Do you have personal experience with disability or any related information for your constituents?

I am a teacher's aide for students with special needs. I have worked with children that had cerebral palsy, autism, fetal alcohol syndrome, ADHD, and others. My mother worked for the Ottawa County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities when I was growing up. I went to work with her every weekday. The school bus picked me up there. At a very young age, I became familiar with students and adults living with MR/DD. I think it was in 1987, when I was about six years old that I earned a volunteer of the year award for putting together aprons for students to use in the cafeteria.

Candidate Edward Enderle
Republican, HOUSE District 80
Erie County/Huron area

Healthcare: What steps would you take to ensure the people with disabilities have access to affordable, quality healthcare that is responsive to their individual needs?

I agree with the voucher system for Ohioan's with disability. I have a disabled sister - in - law that is mentally disabled that receives a voucher from the state of Ohio that provides for many of her needs, it is working for her.

Long term services and supports: What steps would you take to expedite Ohio's implementation of the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision and help address the institutional bias in Ohio? (In 1999 the Supreme Court ruled in Olmstead v. L.C. that confinement in an institution is a violation of civil rights, when life in a more integrated setting in the community is possible through reasonable accommodations in supports and services. They mandated states to develop a plan to address this issue.)

Vouchers for Ohioans with disabilities would be a great way to address getting folks out of the so called institutions.

Housing: Would you support "Visitability" legislation that ensures that all single family, new construction is built with "Visitability" standards? (Visitability standards consist of one, zero step entrance, first floor hall and doorways wide enough to be passable by people in wheelchairs and one usable bathroom allowing an individual in a wheelchair to enter and to close the door. See www.concretechange.org for more details)

This a legit request.

Transportation: What would you do to expand access to affordable, accessible transportation for people with disabilities, especially in rural areas?

Recipients in rural areas have additional difficulties especially with the high gas prices. Ohio could implement a gas card voucher for those that take time help transport disabled recipients.

Other: Do you have personal experience with disability or any related information for your constituents?

I have a disabled sister - in - law that is mentally disabled that receives a voucher from the state of Ohio that provides for many of her needs, it is working for her.

Candidate Jack Kaffenberger
Independent, SENATE District 12
Darke County/Rossburg area

Healthcare:

Long term services and supports:

Housing:

Transportation:

Other: Do you have personal experience with disability or any related information for your constituents?

Yes, I have experience with people with disabilities. In regard to all of the above, I will do everything within my power to help people with disabilities in each of these areas. At this time, I am not in the state senate. With the budget cuts taking place and the state of the economy, it would be irresponsible of me to tell you that I was going to enact legislation when the money will most likely not be there. I assure you, I will do everything in my power to help people with disabilities, if elected to the state senate.

If elected to state senate, I look forward to your input to help bring about solutions to the problems that face disabled persons, here in the state of Ohio.