MASON — The lack of affordable housing. Bike paths, sidewalks and parks. Financing the Tennis Masters Series Cincinnati.

        The 12 candidates vying for four seats on Mason City Council tackled these and other issues Tuesday during a candidates forum hosted by the Mason Landen Kings Chamber of Commerce.

        The candidates generally agreed on most of the issues before the standing-room only crowd of more than 100 at the Kings Island Resort and Conference Center two weeks before the Nov. 6 non-partisan election.

        The issue of how to finance the purchase of the Mason-based tennis tournament was a hot topic because American Financial Group, owner of the property near Paramount's Kings Island, is seeking about $17 million for the facility.

        Under a deal being negotiated, Mason would buy the property, which includes the Bruin Golf Course, and then lease the tennis center to the Tennis Masters Series Cincinnati, whose lease runs through 2005.

        William Ehrstine, 48, said Mason shouldn't be solely responsible for financing the tournament since the entire region benefits from the event. Last year's tournament generated about $21 million for Greater Cincinnati's economy, according to a University of Cincinnati study.

        Mr. Ehrstine, like several other candidates, said corporate sponsorship should be sought.

        Lee Hamilton, a former Mason councilman and Deerfield Township clerk, says he would use his experience to bring both warring parties together.

        “A person who has been on both sides can get to the root causes more quickly and more sincerely than a person of lesser experience,” said Mr. Hamilton, 57.

        When asked about the lack of affordable housing in Mason, most of the candidates agreed that low-density housing best fits this community.

        “I don't think anybody in this city is ready for high-density housing,” said C. Anthony Bradburn Jr., 50, an ex-Springdale councilman. “The people of Mason do not see it as being an asset to the community.”

        Mason is losing two incumbents this year, as Betty Davis and Tom Muennich decided not to run again. Council member Peter Beck and Mayor John McCurley, however, are seeking new four-year terms.

        Other candidates who attended the forum are: Carl Boltz, Victor Kidd, Joe Boiano, Denise Fath, Tom Grossmann, Cay Steinhauer and John Paquette.

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