Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune was one of the three commissioners who voted Wednesday to give $100,000 to the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority. The money will help the transit authority wipe out a deficit racked up by the Access bus service for the disabled. The deficit had prompted the authority to propose raising fares for some riders from 75 cents or $1 to as much as $5 one way beginning Feb. 1. Now the increase will be avoided. Commissioners also made $100,000 available to possibly expand the service next year into other areas of Hamilton County beyond the Interstate 275 beltway.

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Tell us what you think: Did the commission make the right decision in supporting Access? Do you know of a position, vote or statement made by a public official that youíd like him or her to explain? Make a suggestion, and weíll ask. Send ideas to Ray Cooklis at rcooklis@enquirer.com; (513) 768-8525.

Q: Why did you vote to help the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority's Access bus service?

A: Having accessible transportation is a really critical issue, a quality-of-life issue with people with disabilities. If you are not able to drive and get yourself around to where you need to go, you are totally dependent others for your transportation. That has a tremendous impact on issues of confidence and esteem - just your ability to be the person you wanted to be. I thought it was critically important - I have personal experience, having been in a wheelchair the better part of a year - for people to be able to get around and be able to do what they want to do during the day. As I look at Access, it is very important that this service remains accessible and affordable. I think we have a responsibility here in working with others to extend that service elsewhere in the county where it's not being provided. One of the issues on the table will be the question of providing service to areas of Hamilton County that are outside the I-275 beltway.

Do you know of a position, vote or statement made by a public official that you'd like him or her to explain? Make a suggestion, and we'll ask. Send ideas to Ray Cooklis at rcooklis@enquirer.com; (513) 768-8525.