Shocking News! - Enquirer Picks Pepper

There's gambling going on at the Enquirer! Are they gambling on our future? Well, no, just the obvious has occurred: the Enquirer had endorsed David Pepper for Mayor. Something that you couldn't have missed every time the Black Fist was given ink-space in the paper.

The funny part about this is that unlike Jean Schmidt’s surprising GOP primary win which was helped by an Enquirer endorsement, this endorsement will not likely matter much. This is a close election, so one could argue that a few vital votes could change hands, but in the big picture, the average city voter doesn't care what the newspaper says, and they in fact might be slight more inclined to vote against who the Enquirer picks for Mayor. Out in Jean’s district, outside the city, the Newspaper still has credibility with many.

The editorial is very well articulated. I myself prefer Mallory for Mayor, but Pepper is not a bad choice, just not the best. I feel Pepper is more of a wonk, and detailed orientated. The city does not need more detail. The city needs a better image. I myself hate that idea. I much prefer to wallow in the details of what to do, instead of crafting PR image that springs a positive perception. That is however what the city needs. The city needs a voice, a leader out front to pull together the city and make people think things have changed are going to get better. Pepper will have a difficult time doing that. He doesn't inspire many. Mallory inspires. Mallory's voice would be heard beyond the city, beyond the suburbs, and beyond Ohio. Pepper is more of the same from council, and will be viewed by the rest of the region as more of the same. Perceptions of the city will not change under Pepper. He will not do a bad job. He will on paper likely do a very good job. Few will care. People will still see city as two things: intolerant and crime ridden. Those two perceptions are what is hurting the city. With Pepper in office, I don't see how they will change.

Hmmmm

I think I almost like this column. Almost.

Miers Out

Miers has withdrawn her nomination for SCOTUS. This seems to be coming for weeks. Who would blink first was the only question.

This clearly shows Bush is now a weak President. He has caved in to part of his party.

A big nasty fight is coming. Bush is going to either appoint Gonzales to say F.U. to the right wing, or he will feel slighted and appoint the worst cave man judge out there, just to show he "ain't no chicken."

Who will get the nomination? Will there even be one this term?

Stephanie Dunlap Leaving City Beat

In what came as a bit of a shock to me, City Beat reporter Stephanie Dunlap is leaving the paper. She is moving on to new things on her own terms. Nothing bad to report. She just wants to move on to something different. What that is, is yet to be determined.

I don't know who will replace her, which will be difficult. She is staying around town, and was just in a Play, and may be in more. Her last day at the Paper will be in November.

Good Luck to Stephanie!

513 Green PAC Endorsements

The 513 Green PAC supports candidates that support issues that are important to progressive, socially-conscious, responsible Cincinnatians. These issues include but are not limited to: open government, electoral reform, arts and cultural investment, appreciation of diversity, environmental protection, mass transportation, wireless internet proliferation, attracting and retaining the creative class and responsible development.

City Council

Christopher Smitherman - (Charterite, http://christophersmitherman.com)
Key endorsements include the AFL-CIO and the Sierra Club. Christopher has shown a willingness to take controversial positions on issues such as the Fountain Square Development and police community relations, as well as his sensitivity to environmental and GLBT concerns.

Nick Spencer (Charterite, http://www.spencer2005.com/)
Key endorsements include the Equality PAC and the Cinergy PAC. Nick is a proponent of center city development and the creative class. He has also taken progressive stances on GLBT issues and remains a supporter of public transportation and electoral reform.

Laketa Cole (Democrat, http://laketacole.com)
Key endorsements include the AFL-CIO and the Sierra Club. Laketa is an ardent supporter of environmental and homeownership issues. She was also heavily involved in the creation of the one-stop housing center.

Jim Tarbell (Charterite, http://jimtarbell.com)
Key endorsements include the AFL-CIO and AFSCME. As a 3 time council member Tarbell has proven himself to be one of the strongest supporters of the arts community in Cincinnati. He also spearheaded the effort to revitalize Over-the-Rhine.

Samantha Herd (Democrat, http://www.followtheherd.org)
Key endorsements include the AFL-CIO and the Sierra Club. Samantha is widely recognized as one of the strongest voices for labor in this council race. Her proposed community jobs program is an innovative way to put Cincinnatians to work.

Damon Lynch, III (Democrat, http://damonlynch.com/)
Key Endorsements include the Cincinnati Women’s Political Caucus and the Sentinels Police Association. Not only does Damon have the endorsement of labor and police organizations, he is also focusing efforts on improving race-relations and living conditions in Over-the-Rhine.

Mayor
We feel that of the remaining candidates, Mark Mallory is the best suited for the position of mayor.

Issues
1 Yes
2 Yes
3 Yes
4 Yes
5 Yes

8 No
9 No

To contact the 513 Green PAC please email 513greenPAC@gmail.com

We are currently seeking volunteers to help distribute literature on election day.

For more information on the issues we support, visit http://cincinnatigreens.blogspot.com and http://cincinnatinews.blogspot.com.

This entry was made by Josh Nelson.

Newport Levee on the Rise

First its down, now the moon rising at the Levee.

Oba Makes Bond

Kabaka Oba, local black separatist was released from jail on bond. His trial is set for January 3rd.