"The only way to (get rid of private septic systems) is to get the sewers out here," said retired judge David Grossmann, the Republican who is challenging Democratic incumbent Todd Portune.

Portune agreed the Metropolitan Sewer District needs to build lines to replace failing septic systems, which can leak untreated sewage into streams and groundwater. However, he said the fee structure needs to be changed so the owners of modest homes aren't forced to pay $20,000 to $30,000 to connect to new sewers.

Grossmann and Portune spoke at the Western Economic Council's candidate forum Friday at Western Hills Country Club. The two candidates to replace Commissioner John Dowlin - Cincinnati Councilman Pat DeWine and former county recorder Eve Bolton - also talked about the sewer district.

Westward expansion of sewers is a charged issue here. Without sewer lines, developers can't launch wide-scale construction of new homes and businesses.

Bolton, a Democrat, said updating sewers and other infrastructure would be a priority. Control of the sewer district, she added, needs to be renegotiated. Under a 1969 agreement, the city of Cincinnati runs the sewer district but county commissioners control its budget.

Dewine, a Republican, agreed that arrangement has led to a sewer district that is inefficient and unresponsive to its customers. He went further than Bolton, though, in calling for management of the district to be bid out to a private operator.

"No one seems to be in charge, and no one's responsible for anything," DeWine said.

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