Monday, October 17, 2011
Gruesome Playground Injuries at Know Theatre
See this show! I saw it on opening night and it a great cast, great director, great staging, awesome use of video, and tremendous story. it's playing Thursday to Saturday until November 5th. Go to www.knowtheatre.com for more information.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Leslie Ghiz Was NOT Endorsed by CincYPAC
If you read my blog a few weeks ago, you'd know that Leslie Ghiz was not endorsed by CincYPAC this election season.
If you read Leslie Ghiz's detailed list of alleged endorsements (Pictured above) on the current League of Women Voter's website, Smartvoter.org, then you would find the false information indicating she was endorsed by the YP policital action committee.
I don't know if Leslie is mistaken about who endorsed her or if she's just not running a serious campaign that would take the time to update her candidate page on the LWV web site from the prior election, with just over three weeks before the next election. She also lists an endorsement from POWR PAC, which I can't find published anywhere. The POWR PAC website isn't coming up and they've not posted anything on their Twitter account for months, so I think they've not issued any endorsements yet this year.
Ghiz has got a more up-to-date endorsement listing on her website, one would think she could get a staffer to update the LWV page. I guess all of the time she's been spending coming up with a detailed Republican plan to avoid police layoffs while still eliminating the $33 Million budget deficit has prevented her staff from this type of simple house-keeping item. I'm sure we'll all get to see that plan any day now.
I don't know if Leslie is mistaken about who endorsed her or if she's just not running a serious campaign that would take the time to update her candidate page on the LWV web site from the prior election, with just over three weeks before the next election. She also lists an endorsement from POWR PAC, which I can't find published anywhere. The POWR PAC website isn't coming up and they've not posted anything on their Twitter account for months, so I think they've not issued any endorsements yet this year.
Ghiz has got a more up-to-date endorsement listing on her website, one would think she could get a staffer to update the LWV page. I guess all of the time she's been spending coming up with a detailed Republican plan to avoid police layoffs while still eliminating the $33 Million budget deficit has prevented her staff from this type of simple house-keeping item. I'm sure we'll all get to see that plan any day now.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Chaos Headed to Ohio in the 2012 House Election
Ohio may have election chaos of its own making in 2012. The Enquirer has an in-depth story on the repercussions on the Ohio Supreme Court 7-0 ruling on Friday that requires Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted to accept a ballot initiative to overturn the gerrymandered Republican plan to draw Federal Congressional districts.
In case anyone was thinking this was not a bullshit plan, take in a simple fact: each district must contain 721,032 residents. Hamilton County's 2010 Census population is 802,374. There is no reason the 1st District, where the law starts off, should not have been created entirely inside Hamilton County. That's Fair. Sure part of the county would need to be in another district, but only around 80,000 people. Instead the 1st District, as set by Republicans, includes parts of three counties. That's the bullshit.
Sure, Republicans could claim that Democrats have done the same thing in the past. I don't care about the past. We are in the present. If you are going to say this plan is "Fair", as a quote in the Enquirer article from Ohio House Speaker William Batchelder (R) did, then you the purveyor of bullshit that deserves opposition and a little scorn in the form of a blog post like this.
In case anyone was thinking this was not a bullshit plan, take in a simple fact: each district must contain 721,032 residents. Hamilton County's 2010 Census population is 802,374. There is no reason the 1st District, where the law starts off, should not have been created entirely inside Hamilton County. That's Fair. Sure part of the county would need to be in another district, but only around 80,000 people. Instead the 1st District, as set by Republicans, includes parts of three counties. That's the bullshit.
Sure, Republicans could claim that Democrats have done the same thing in the past. I don't care about the past. We are in the present. If you are going to say this plan is "Fair", as a quote in the Enquirer article from Ohio House Speaker William Batchelder (R) did, then you the purveyor of bullshit that deserves opposition and a little scorn in the form of a blog post like this.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Aja Roberto Appears To Be A COASTer
I'm perplexed that someone would go from being the Treasurer of CincYPAC to a supporter of COAST. Ben at Cincyvoices has a very good article describing what I would characterize as the bizarre and unprofessional actions of Aja Roberto in how she resigned from the CincYPAC board and made unclear and unsubstantiated claims against the organisation, then went on to be a host of the COAST fundraiser supporting Issue 48 and against all passenger rail projects in Cincinnati.
It made her appear to just be a Republican pissed that most of her Republican candidates who don't agree with CincYPAC issues didn't get endorsements. Something to be shocked over, I'm sure....
What the evidence of this situation points to in my opinion is that a hardcore Republican confused the stated issues of CincYPAC with the anti-city stances of Suburbanite Republicans and was pissed that more people were not as confused as she was, so she created a spectacle. Classy, I know.
That's what I'd call a shit show. It's also radioactive for any political candidate who allows her into their campaign on a significant level. She'd fit in well with Chabot or Winstrup, I'd surmise. I hope she stays out of City politics, of which she's greatly mistaken on where YP's stand.
It made her appear to just be a Republican pissed that most of her Republican candidates who don't agree with CincYPAC issues didn't get endorsements. Something to be shocked over, I'm sure....
What the evidence of this situation points to in my opinion is that a hardcore Republican confused the stated issues of CincYPAC with the anti-city stances of Suburbanite Republicans and was pissed that more people were not as confused as she was, so she created a spectacle. Classy, I know.
That's what I'd call a shit show. It's also radioactive for any political candidate who allows her into their campaign on a significant level. She'd fit in well with Chabot or Winstrup, I'd surmise. I hope she stays out of City politics, of which she's greatly mistaken on where YP's stand.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Where's the Full List of FOP Endorsements?
I've read the Smartvoter.org website listing details about Cincinnati City Council candidates and their campaigns. These details include endorsements. I see at least two candidates that I am surprised are listing an FOP (Fraternal Order of Police - the Cincinnati Police Union) endorsement. One of those two I am down-right shocked at reading. I've not seen a press release or posting on the FOP website listing the candidates. I'm wondering why. Reading this candidate's Facebook pages makes me think I've figured out the litmus test that got this candidate an endorsement, but without the full list, I can't pieced it all together.
I already commented on the Mike Allen's reported endorsement from a local media outlet, but I've not found any other mentions than candidate's listing on the page linked above or shout-outs on their own pages. I don't want to comment on one of the alleged endorsements without some official confirmation.
This candidate appears to have transformed from something they were into something the FOP would endorse. I don't see how the past can be forgotten.
I already commented on the Mike Allen's reported endorsement from a local media outlet, but I've not found any other mentions than candidate's listing on the page linked above or shout-outs on their own pages. I don't want to comment on one of the alleged endorsements without some official confirmation.
This candidate appears to have transformed from something they were into something the FOP would endorse. I don't see how the past can be forgotten.
Over-the-Rhine to Headline The Emery Theatre 11-11-11 Kickoff
Soapbox Cincinnati happily broke the story this morning that famed local band Over-the-Rhine will headline the 11-11-11 benefit event for the Emery Theatre restoration project. Details on the event are here.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Wayne Lippert Is a REPUBLICAN, Don't Forget That
If you have seen Cincinnati Council member Wayne Lippert's political TV commercial (search for it on YouTube) then you can conclude many things about him, but the one that stands out to me is that he is a hardcore national REPUBLICAN. I put that in capital letters to draw extra attention to it. He's not a Cincinnati Republican running for City Council, he is a RNC inspired candidate pushing a National REPUBLICAN agenda. That is not good for the city.
His commercial could have been written by REPUBLICAN House Speaker John Boehner. It is like he knows nothing more about the City than a West Chesterite listening to 700WLW knows. If you use national political GOP talking points like "Job Killing" in your local TV Ad, then I dismiss your participation in City Politics as nothing more than a prelude to moving to the suburbs to run for the U.S. Congress. It is clear to me that Lippert is going through the motions before he runs for higher office, not actually working to unite and better the city. You don't say we are on the wrong track without telling us what we should be doing, but doing that doesn't get votes. Using rhetoric that preaches a contradiction, (refusing to cut police while not rasing taxes), is evidence that you are ALL about getting votes, not about having a plan to improve the city.
I don't know why he did not move to Anderson Township and plan for higher office from there? In the city he is doing nothing but pushing a national GOP agenda that is bent on the destruction of cities and the protection of the wealthy. Lippert is carrying that water so far without any variance.
His commercial could have been written by REPUBLICAN House Speaker John Boehner. It is like he knows nothing more about the City than a West Chesterite listening to 700WLW knows. If you use national political GOP talking points like "Job Killing" in your local TV Ad, then I dismiss your participation in City Politics as nothing more than a prelude to moving to the suburbs to run for the U.S. Congress. It is clear to me that Lippert is going through the motions before he runs for higher office, not actually working to unite and better the city. You don't say we are on the wrong track without telling us what we should be doing, but doing that doesn't get votes. Using rhetoric that preaches a contradiction, (refusing to cut police while not rasing taxes), is evidence that you are ALL about getting votes, not about having a plan to improve the city.
I don't know why he did not move to Anderson Township and plan for higher office from there? In the city he is doing nothing but pushing a national GOP agenda that is bent on the destruction of cities and the protection of the wealthy. Lippert is carrying that water so far without any variance.
Friday, October 07, 2011
County Cutting Police Protection, Not Attacked For Funding Sports
So, I find it funny, yet not surprising that when the County leadership is working to cut police coverage (Sheriff's patrols) in some suburban townships, we don't have a circus screaming about the impending increase in crime that would follow. That's what we get when anyone in the City dares state that we should cut our police force. We hear that most from the FOP, the police union. How many of those police officers live in the townships (outside of the city) that are affected by the possible cuts to the Sheriff's patrols?
Chris Monzel, current County Commissioner and former member of Cincinnati City Council, is part of the leadership looking to cut the police. Why is he not cutting funding for the Bengals Stadium? Why would we subsidize a professional sports team instead of funding police protection? Why can't he just do what people like him claim should happen in the City, which is tap restricted funds? COAST, members of Westwood Concern, and the FOP all tried to make various forms of this argument. Monzel played to that crowd and won the County race based in part on his pro-police antics. We don't hear the circus attacking him or fellow commissioner Greg Hartmann for doing the same thing the City administration wants and should do, cut the police force.
I really don't like hypocrisy, but I really hate it when the hypocrisy is enabled. The media enables it by giving a voice to the crazies, who are surprisingly (or not really surprisingly) silent on this.
Chris Monzel, current County Commissioner and former member of Cincinnati City Council, is part of the leadership looking to cut the police. Why is he not cutting funding for the Bengals Stadium? Why would we subsidize a professional sports team instead of funding police protection? Why can't he just do what people like him claim should happen in the City, which is tap restricted funds? COAST, members of Westwood Concern, and the FOP all tried to make various forms of this argument. Monzel played to that crowd and won the County race based in part on his pro-police antics. We don't hear the circus attacking him or fellow commissioner Greg Hartmann for doing the same thing the City administration wants and should do, cut the police force.
I really don't like hypocrisy, but I really hate it when the hypocrisy is enabled. The media enables it by giving a voice to the crazies, who are surprisingly (or not really surprisingly) silent on this.
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Finney Takes In Big Money From Suing Governments
Once of COAST's main agitators, Chris Finney, regularly sues local governments. It is my opinion he does this to punish his political foes. However, there's another reason he does it: money. The Enquirer is reporting that Finney and another attorney have collected over $150,000 in legals fees after suing local governments over the last seven years.
If this was about civic duty, they wouldn't have collected a dime.
Now to point out the obvious: Why this matters? COAST is against any 'additional spending.' Their efforts have been targeted against selected government officials and organizations, not consistent and balanced against all municipalities and political parties. What's funny is that Finney stated the following in the article:
If this was about civic duty, they wouldn't have collected a dime.
Now to point out the obvious: Why this matters? COAST is against any 'additional spending.' Their efforts have been targeted against selected government officials and organizations, not consistent and balanced against all municipalities and political parties. What's funny is that Finney stated the following in the article:
"We want everybody to play by the rules," Finney said. "I want them to be fearful that if they do something like this, they'll be sued."The funny part is that when he says 'everybody' I wonder if he means 'everybody I don't like' instead? I'm wondering if Finney is putting the same scrutiny on Republican politicians. Did he do the same type of check on the Anderson Township administration and board of trustees? Did he do that on the County's two Republican Commissioners' staff? I would bet no and no.
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
COAST Fundraiser Has Nearly Undetectable Turnout
For all of the swagger behind COAST's efforts to ruin the city of Cincinnati, one would think they could get a big crowd to show up for a Fundraiser to support Issue 48, which would ban all rail projects in the city for at least 10 years.
The Cincinnati Monocle had a blogger on the scene to cover the event and reports, with just a hint of being aghast, that the COAST fundraiser attracted no more than 25 people to the event, not counting the media. Yes, they had one TV news crew there, along with local bloggers, so the level of coverage is slightly odd for the turnout, but it was FOX19, so....
The only thing not reported was how many donations were mailed in to COAST from the suburbs and exurbs and the Governor's Office. People to busy to attended, but rich enough to help COAST destroy the city for kicks.
The Cincinnati Monocle had a blogger on the scene to cover the event and reports, with just a hint of being aghast, that the COAST fundraiser attracted no more than 25 people to the event, not counting the media. Yes, they had one TV news crew there, along with local bloggers, so the level of coverage is slightly odd for the turnout, but it was FOX19, so....
The only thing not reported was how many donations were mailed in to COAST from the suburbs and exurbs and the Governor's Office. People to busy to attended, but rich enough to help COAST destroy the city for kicks.
Sunday, October 02, 2011
More Evidence COAST seeks to Hurt the City
In case you were wondering, as I know you do, there was more evidence reported by the Enquirer last week demonstrating the lengths that COAST's minions will go to hurt the city. Left with lots of spare time, Chris Finney went fishing and caught Cincinnati City Council Member Laure Quinlivan's staff from accessing and updating a website from a city owned computer. The cost to the tax payers for this trivial infraction: $0.13. Yes, that would thirteen cents.
The cost to taxpayers for the investigation brought by Finney and COAST, "several thousand dollars." Yes, that is thousands of dollars. The sense of proportion and sense of justice will go out the window when ever a COAST lawyer walks into a courtroom again.
Don Quixote would be proud, except that Don Quixote character was a man of honor and there is no honor in anything COAST does. They are bent on destruction of the city at all costs, and that costs us, the taxpayers, more in the process.
The cost to taxpayers for the investigation brought by Finney and COAST, "several thousand dollars." Yes, that is thousands of dollars. The sense of proportion and sense of justice will go out the window when ever a COAST lawyer walks into a courtroom again.
Don Quixote would be proud, except that Don Quixote character was a man of honor and there is no honor in anything COAST does. They are bent on destruction of the city at all costs, and that costs us, the taxpayers, more in the process.
Friday, September 23, 2011
MidPoint Music Festival Day TWO!!!
Day One of MidPoint was a huge success! Yes, those who missed out still have two full days to hit great shows and really amazing events. If you have not been to the MidPoint Midway, then you are missing out on heart of the festival. The Box Truck events are a fun augmentation to the music, but there is still plenty of music there too. Tonight my shows of choice include:
Toror y Moi at 9:30 at the SCPA Corbett Theater
Deerhoof at 11:45 PM at the Know Theatre
STRFKR at 12:30 at MOTR
According to Twitter the live.mpmf.com should be fixed, so Tweet on.
Toror y Moi at 9:30 at the SCPA Corbett Theater
Deerhoof at 11:45 PM at the Know Theatre
STRFKR at 12:30 at MOTR
According to Twitter the live.mpmf.com should be fixed, so Tweet on.
CincyPAC Endorsements Announced
CincYPAC has annoucned their 2011 Cincinnati City Council election endorsements. The list is:
It says much when no other Republican running has anything in common with the mainstream issues put forth by CincYPAC. The Republicans in this Council race are nearly uniformly running an anti-city platform, which entails enacting policies that benefit people living outside the city more than inside.
Chris BortzThe Republicans have only 1 candidate on that list, Catherine Mills, and her YP connections, I believe, were more the cause of her getting the support of enough people at CincYPAC than her positions on the group's issues.
Kevin Flynn
Nicholas Hollan
Catherine Mills
Roxanne Qualls
Jason Riveiro
Chris Seelbach
Yvette Simpson
P.G. Sittenfeld
It says much when no other Republican running has anything in common with the mainstream issues put forth by CincYPAC. The Republicans in this Council race are nearly uniformly running an anti-city platform, which entails enacting policies that benefit people living outside the city more than inside.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
MidPoint Music Festival Day One!!!
One of the best times of the year has arrived and I am more than excited, I am ecstatic with the prospects of what awaits over the next three days. Tonight my shows of choice include:
The Seedy Seeds at 7:30 at the SCPA Corbett Theater
The Watson Twins at 9:30 PM at the Know Theatre
Jessica Lea Mayfield at 11:45 at the Know Theatre
Be sure to keep tabs on live.mpmf.com for Tweets and texts from all over the festival.
The Seedy Seeds at 7:30 at the SCPA Corbett Theater
The Watson Twins at 9:30 PM at the Know Theatre
Jessica Lea Mayfield at 11:45 at the Know Theatre
Be sure to keep tabs on live.mpmf.com for Tweets and texts from all over the festival.
Chamber Of Commerce 'Endorsements'
The Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce released a scorecard of candidates for Cincinnati City Council. As would be expected, the endorsed Republicans got a uniform high score, along with Charterite Chris Bortz. Vice-Mayor Roxanne Qualls also got a mostly high score.
The Cincy FOP Likes Sexual Harassers
I always wondered why the Cincinnati FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) would stand behind police officers who abuse their power, fighting to keep bad cops on the force. Well, it just may be a fetish they have. The FOP have reportedly endorsed disgraced former Hamilton County Prosecutor Mike Allen for Cincinnati City Council. Allen settled a lawsuit with a former staffer for sexually harassing her. Abuse of power by the top legal man in the county is alluring to some people. The police union leadership likes to play it kinky, at least in politics.
I've not found a full listing of endorsements from the FOP, but I would feel really embarrassed to be listed along side Mike Allen if I were any candidate.
NOTE: The Fire fighters reported endorsed him too. That's just sad.
I've not found a full listing of endorsements from the FOP, but I would feel really embarrassed to be listed along side Mike Allen if I were any candidate.
NOTE: The Fire fighters reported endorsed him too. That's just sad.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Waiting on COAST's Casino Sidewalks Causing Deaths Tweet
I am waiting, totally on pins and needles, for the latest Tweet from COAST. I'm expecting it to read something like "$16.8M Casino sidewalks cause brownouts to all fire houses for a week, thousands to die."
Hold on, you say? That's not fair? Sidewalks are funded by the capital budget and the Fire Department is funded via the Operating budget? Hmm, that's crazy Streetcar talk! Everyone knows that via magical (and illegal) means, the City could violate the law and use that Sidewalk money to save cops jobs! We all know that, right? Right???
The four Republicans on council wouldn't vote to spend money $16.8M to fund sidewalks to promote a private endeavor when that money could be spent on saving police and fire jobs, would they? Especially when that endeavor is gambling. Isn't that a sin in Charlie Winburn's eyes?
Is my snark getting through to everyone? Yes, today the city is set to approve spend $16.8M in funds to build street and sidewalk construction around the new casino and if the committee vote there is no one against it. Only Chris Bortz is questioning where the funding is coming from, which is a fair question. The Republicans on council are not questioning it, yet they play into the lies that anti-Streetcar forces put forth, claiming that capital funds in the budget could be used to prevent police or fire layoffs (or "brownouts".) For the record, I am for the new streetscape, but I would like the source of funding of it to have some help, like from the State. The people of the State of Ohio voted to put the Casinos in, so if there is public funding needed for any part of it, the State should pony up for it, not just the localities.
None of the those anti-streetcar forces are screaming about $16.8M in street work that will actually redirect traffic. They I guess like to gamble and are not doing anything to prevent the city to spend money on the Casino. Again, COAST (the Coalition Opposed to Additional Spending and Taxes) seems to be rather subjective on the "Spending" part of their name. I've seen others call them "COA T" in comments on other blogs and on the Enquirer's website. Well, here's another example to fit the hypocrisy of that group. It fits well with all of the lies they spew.
Hold on, you say? That's not fair? Sidewalks are funded by the capital budget and the Fire Department is funded via the Operating budget? Hmm, that's crazy Streetcar talk! Everyone knows that via magical (and illegal) means, the City could violate the law and use that Sidewalk money to save cops jobs! We all know that, right? Right???
The four Republicans on council wouldn't vote to spend money $16.8M to fund sidewalks to promote a private endeavor when that money could be spent on saving police and fire jobs, would they? Especially when that endeavor is gambling. Isn't that a sin in Charlie Winburn's eyes?
Is my snark getting through to everyone? Yes, today the city is set to approve spend $16.8M in funds to build street and sidewalk construction around the new casino and if the committee vote there is no one against it. Only Chris Bortz is questioning where the funding is coming from, which is a fair question. The Republicans on council are not questioning it, yet they play into the lies that anti-Streetcar forces put forth, claiming that capital funds in the budget could be used to prevent police or fire layoffs (or "brownouts".) For the record, I am for the new streetscape, but I would like the source of funding of it to have some help, like from the State. The people of the State of Ohio voted to put the Casinos in, so if there is public funding needed for any part of it, the State should pony up for it, not just the localities.
None of the those anti-streetcar forces are screaming about $16.8M in street work that will actually redirect traffic. They I guess like to gamble and are not doing anything to prevent the city to spend money on the Casino. Again, COAST (the Coalition Opposed to Additional Spending and Taxes) seems to be rather subjective on the "Spending" part of their name. I've seen others call them "COA T" in comments on other blogs and on the Enquirer's website. Well, here's another example to fit the hypocrisy of that group. It fits well with all of the lies they spew.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
More COAST Bigotry
Are we just numb from the bigotry and veiled racism that flows from the people behind COAST? I starting to think we are heading that way, but Kevin Osborne of CityBeat has a strong blog post outlining what the latest incident entailed. The surprising source of the bigoted graphic came from a black UC student who, according to Osborne, has volunteered on local GOP political campaigns, including Council member Amy Murray.
Si Leis To Retire At End of Current Term
Hamilton County Sheriff Simon Leis announced last week that he will not seek reelection after the end of his current term.
The Enqurier reports that Leis stated his Chief Deputy, Sean Donovan, plans to run for Sheriff next year. I know nothing about Donovan, but I would think there would be many possible candidates considering running. I am not sure a Leis supporter would get a lot of Republican primary support, since Leis broke with the party on many issues recently, namely with his belief that the county needs funding and can't be starved to death by Monzel and Hartmann.
The Enqurier reports that Leis stated his Chief Deputy, Sean Donovan, plans to run for Sheriff next year. I know nothing about Donovan, but I would think there would be many possible candidates considering running. I am not sure a Leis supporter would get a lot of Republican primary support, since Leis broke with the party on many issues recently, namely with his belief that the county needs funding and can't be starved to death by Monzel and Hartmann.
Don't Tell Leslie Ghiz, But She's Ignorant on Issue 48
I am just not sure if Leslie Ghiz has read the text of of Issue 48, the anti-rail charter amendment, but she's in favor of banning all rail projects in Cincinnati for a generation. Well, she likely will claim otherwise, but she seems to think Issue 48 only covers the Streetcar, but as the Enquirer reported, all six experts consulted for the story agreed that the Issue could ban the City from enacting any type of rail project. I guess her prior "not right now" position on the streetcar really means never, which I believe is what it was all along.
At this point, Ghiz seems more about defeating the Mayor and anyone who criticizes her, than she is about improving the City. She's starting to sound more like a COAST member every time she makes a public statement. I can't find a Republican running for office in Cincinnati who doesn't sound like a COAST flunky.
It is so disappointing that the local Republican party has chosen to run all of its candidates on the same tone and strategy as National Republicans. It does nothing more than divide us, but alas, that's the point.
At this point, Ghiz seems more about defeating the Mayor and anyone who criticizes her, than she is about improving the City. She's starting to sound more like a COAST member every time she makes a public statement. I can't find a Republican running for office in Cincinnati who doesn't sound like a COAST flunky.
It is so disappointing that the local Republican party has chosen to run all of its candidates on the same tone and strategy as National Republicans. It does nothing more than divide us, but alas, that's the point.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
If anyone can find me at the event and you dressed in German-esque garb, then I might buy you a beer. Note the word "might" in the last sentence.
Oh, and Prosit!
If Chiquita Moves, Blame COAST, Winburn, and Smitherman
An Enquirer article reports that Chiquita Brands International, headquartered in Downtown Cincinnati, is being courted by other cities, mainly Charlotte, to move the company. In the article, Council member Charlie Winburn is quoted in the article:
Why does rail matter? Well, ask Charlotte, they have rail transportation and they stand poised to take a major headquarters from our city. Destroying the city may be COAST's and Smitherman's goal, but surely Winburn doesn't want this to happen. If he wants to get "serious," then he should rethink his stance on the streetcar and stop pointing fingers at others and get on board with those try to make this city a better place.
The solution is rather simple: don't shill for the FOP and don't think making the city into another suburb will solve any problems. All of the endorsed Republicans running might gain some respect and maybe even some votes if they took that to heart and lived it. That action would lose many Conservative votes and Suburban contributions, however, which leads me back to my cynical default stance, where Winburn's opportunism lives and keeps progress back, as long as he and other Republicans are in power.
Added Winburn: “Anytime 400 jobs are at stake, I take that serious. If the city loses this company, then we need to call for an evaluation of city administration.”No, Council Member Winburn, don't shirk your duty and point to the Administration. Point to yourself. If you want to keep Chiquita then you need to do several things to keep them here. It starts with voting on a budget that would free up money to add to an incentive. Then go to the Governor and get him of his ass and do something for Cincinnati. Finally, start acting like you want to make this city into a progressive community that will attract news people and new businesses here. Work to build the Urban Core of the city and agree it must be a vibrant success if the rest of the City and metro area are going to have sustained growth and prosperity. The article goes on about the air service. Well, that's quiet frankly a tough thing for a city or even the metro area to transform. It will take years to attract more direct flights. A more simple and immediate way to improve the city is to support rail projects, like the streetcar or light-right or the East Side commuter-rail. None of these will happen if COAST and Smitherman's anti-rail charter amendment passes. So, if nothing else, don't support the anti-rail forces.
Why does rail matter? Well, ask Charlotte, they have rail transportation and they stand poised to take a major headquarters from our city. Destroying the city may be COAST's and Smitherman's goal, but surely Winburn doesn't want this to happen. If he wants to get "serious," then he should rethink his stance on the streetcar and stop pointing fingers at others and get on board with those try to make this city a better place.
The solution is rather simple: don't shill for the FOP and don't think making the city into another suburb will solve any problems. All of the endorsed Republicans running might gain some respect and maybe even some votes if they took that to heart and lived it. That action would lose many Conservative votes and Suburban contributions, however, which leads me back to my cynical default stance, where Winburn's opportunism lives and keeps progress back, as long as he and other Republicans are in power.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Is Frey Pleading Guilty?
The Enquirer has an in-depth article about the property sales and purchases Diana Frey and family have made over the last few years. Frey is the former president of the CODE union who has been indited on charges that she embezzled over $700,000 worth of union funds.
What is news to me is that the article reports that a guilty plea is allegedly in the works. The deal is not known, but Frey faces 20 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine. A deal would likely bring down both the jail time and fine, assuming restitution of the stolen money is made in some capacity.
What ever the deal, significant jail time must be part of it. Frey, if convicted, deserves at least a decade behind bars. The other question the Enquirer article brings to mind: who else in her family could be charged with a crime? Will a plea from Frey keep the rest of the family from jail time?
What is news to me is that the article reports that a guilty plea is allegedly in the works. The deal is not known, but Frey faces 20 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine. A deal would likely bring down both the jail time and fine, assuming restitution of the stolen money is made in some capacity.
What ever the deal, significant jail time must be part of it. Frey, if convicted, deserves at least a decade behind bars. The other question the Enquirer article brings to mind: who else in her family could be charged with a crime? Will a plea from Frey keep the rest of the family from jail time?
Monday, September 12, 2011
COAST Goes To The Extreme, Even For Them
5chw4rtz has the best response to COAST comparing 9/11 terrorism to the Streetcar in a Twitter post. Here is a pictorial version of the tweet:
Yes, the anti-city group went there and did it on the tenth anniversary of 9/11, and they tweeted more about terrorism and the streetcar beyond this single tweet. They lied and are totally full of shit, but they went there. That says miles about their lack of character and willingness to lie and slander others. Sure, they'll call it a joke and maybe they'll take the offending Tweet down. They will not admit they were wrong. They really need some counseling. Beyond a public apology from the group's leaders, the person or persons running the twitter feed should be replaced, if any attempt to show dignity exists within that group.
If there are elected officials who support COAST, even in the slightest, and they don't PUBLICLY condemn this and the other similar tweets from COAST, then they are going to be called out as tacidly supporting it. As the maxim goes "Qui tacet consentire videtur" (he who is silent is understood to consent), which holds true doubly here for the political climate of the times.
Yes, the anti-city group went there and did it on the tenth anniversary of 9/11, and they tweeted more about terrorism and the streetcar beyond this single tweet. They lied and are totally full of shit, but they went there. That says miles about their lack of character and willingness to lie and slander others. Sure, they'll call it a joke and maybe they'll take the offending Tweet down. They will not admit they were wrong. They really need some counseling. Beyond a public apology from the group's leaders, the person or persons running the twitter feed should be replaced, if any attempt to show dignity exists within that group.
If there are elected officials who support COAST, even in the slightest, and they don't PUBLICLY condemn this and the other similar tweets from COAST, then they are going to be called out as tacidly supporting it. As the maxim goes "Qui tacet consentire videtur" (he who is silent is understood to consent), which holds true doubly here for the political climate of the times.
Thursday, September 08, 2011
CityBeat Website Gets Big Makeover
I can't tell you when, exactly, but Citybeat.com has undergone a much needed make-over. It is a great improvement, but is moving slow this morning, at least for me. The mobile version is a bit different, but mostly structured the same. I am not pleased that on my iPad I wasn't able to open the regular site, just the mobile version. I am hoping that's a kink that can be worked out.
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Downtown Cincinnati As Safe or Even Safer than Exurbs
The Cincinnati Enquirer had an excellent article about crime in the CBD/Downtown area as compared to several of the Cincinnati area's most populated exurbs, like West Chester, Florence, and Mason. I really hope people read this and understand what it means. Far too many people I've talked with can't tell the differences amongst Downtown, Gaslight, Northside, OTR, or even in a few instances Hyde Park. Therefore, I am not going to hold my breath that an understanding that crime happens everyone mixes with how safe the CBD area has become.
Monday, September 05, 2011
Desperate Candidates Lead to Misleading Press Conferences
If you are going to claim something to be true, like Republcian Council Members Wayne Lippert and Amy Murray, both appointees to council, then you better have facts, not misleading allegations that come close to out right slanderous lies, if they had named an individual.
I understand both council members are up for election and neither have actually won a council election. That tends to lead to desperation. They may have all the Suburban GOP money that is possible, but they don't have the loyal Suburanite GOP voters to go with those dollars, since they aren't city residents. Instead they have to resort to stunts like this and as far as stunts go, this is one of the most dishonest ones I have ever seen. They make a claim and can't prove it.
Yes, that is like calling some a cheat, but not being able to back it up.
That's something people can be sued over and made to pay damages, under the right circumstances.
Here, Lippert and Murray chose to assume that the people of Westwood are ignorant fools. Westwood is the place they chose to hold their press conference and that is the city neighborhood they both need to place in 4th or 5th place in if they hope to get elected. So, lying to their prospective voters is worth the dishonor, as long as they can fool enough people into believing their unsubstantiated and unprovable claims.
Candidates who do more than appeal to the far extreme of their base are those who have a much easier time getting elected. Neither Lippert or Murray are looking like leaders for the majority of the City, just the small extreme GOP Base, looking to leave for the suburbs as soon as they can sell their house.
I understand both council members are up for election and neither have actually won a council election. That tends to lead to desperation. They may have all the Suburban GOP money that is possible, but they don't have the loyal Suburanite GOP voters to go with those dollars, since they aren't city residents. Instead they have to resort to stunts like this and as far as stunts go, this is one of the most dishonest ones I have ever seen. They make a claim and can't prove it.
Yes, that is like calling some a cheat, but not being able to back it up.
That's something people can be sued over and made to pay damages, under the right circumstances.
Here, Lippert and Murray chose to assume that the people of Westwood are ignorant fools. Westwood is the place they chose to hold their press conference and that is the city neighborhood they both need to place in 4th or 5th place in if they hope to get elected. So, lying to their prospective voters is worth the dishonor, as long as they can fool enough people into believing their unsubstantiated and unprovable claims.
Candidates who do more than appeal to the far extreme of their base are those who have a much easier time getting elected. Neither Lippert or Murray are looking like leaders for the majority of the City, just the small extreme GOP Base, looking to leave for the suburbs as soon as they can sell their house.
Political Nonsense From Sittenfeld
P.G. Sittenfeld has a well organized and well financed campaign for Cincinnati City Council. He also has quickly learned how to make nonsensical statements on important political issues. Here's his answer to the Enquirer's question on where he stands on the Streetcar:
I personally call Sittenfeld's statement political cowardice. I don't know who is advising him, but it sounds like a professional who is well schooled in how to be for and against everything, simultaneously. That is the most shallow and worthless manner a politician can exhibit and it leaves a bad taste in the mouth of anyone with a brain.
Since far too many people lack functioning brains, P.G. stands a good chance of becoming yet another bad member of city council, one more focused on getting elected than actually doing anything for the City.
What's even worse, P.G. appears to not want to get involved with the anti-Rail ballot initiative, based on his "in the hands of voters" line. What P.G. now needs to first realize is this isn't just an anti-streetcar issue, this is an anti-rail issue. Then he must take a stand on it. Is he part of the anti-rail delusional fringe of Cincinnati politics or is he with the majority of sane people who are NOT looking to ban all rail from Cincinnati for another generation?
P.G. Sittenfeld: The city's focus right now needs to be on basic services ahead of streetcars, but the reality is, this project is now in the hands of the voters, and I will respect the direction they give us in November.Yes, experts of all political views would agree that this answer is a prime example of "bull shitting." That's the act of pretending to take a stand on something, but actually saying things in such a confusing way that you can deny to supporters of both sides of the issue that you are not against their side. Does my definition come across like double-talk? Well, that's the point.
I personally call Sittenfeld's statement political cowardice. I don't know who is advising him, but it sounds like a professional who is well schooled in how to be for and against everything, simultaneously. That is the most shallow and worthless manner a politician can exhibit and it leaves a bad taste in the mouth of anyone with a brain.
Since far too many people lack functioning brains, P.G. stands a good chance of becoming yet another bad member of city council, one more focused on getting elected than actually doing anything for the City.
What's even worse, P.G. appears to not want to get involved with the anti-Rail ballot initiative, based on his "in the hands of voters" line. What P.G. now needs to first realize is this isn't just an anti-streetcar issue, this is an anti-rail issue. Then he must take a stand on it. Is he part of the anti-rail delusional fringe of Cincinnati politics or is he with the majority of sane people who are NOT looking to ban all rail from Cincinnati for another generation?
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Half a Budget Plan is No Budget Plan at All
The Enquirer's Jane Prendergast has a blog post that discusses Cincinnati Council Member Chris Bortz stating he is tired of 'Democrats' saying he and the 'other side' don't have a plan to balance the budget. Jane then outlines a list of steps from Bortz that would cut half of the $33 million city budget deficit.
I hate to point out the obvious and I don't have any other way to say this but: half a plan is no budget plan at all. If Joey Votto hit the ball half way to the fence at GABP and wanted to call it a home run, I think everyone, including Bortz, would call that a joke.
Leslie Ghiz said Republicans have a plan, or at least are working on one. Bortz is not endorsed by the Republicans, but has been voting with that 'side' on budget issues, so whether these are the same issues Ghiz is taking about, then Ghiz has no more of a plan than Bortz. She should keep working on it. I thought Amy Murray, Charlie Winburn, and Wayne Lippert were spending the August recess working on issues like the budget, no?
The bottom line is a simple number: zero. The budget deficit has to be zero after cuts are made. I can't find anyone who thinks that both unfilled budget jobs and current staff working must be eliminated from the 2012 budget to reach the legally mandated zero number. If Chris Bortz or Leslie Ghiz can make those staff cuts without cutting police or the fire department, then that means they are cutting some other departments, heavily, reducing city services. The details on that should be made public an put forth now. In case anyone forgot, Cincinnati is having an election and voters should know where the candidates stand and what services they would cut to balance the budget if elected (or re-elected). That kind of knowledge is something that means candidates have to make political choices. They have to either take on the FOP or be their shill. It is a crappy choice, but that is the box the FOP and it's supporters have forced the Republicans and Bortz into and I for one am not going to give them a pass on making that choice.
I hate to point out the obvious and I don't have any other way to say this but: half a plan is no budget plan at all. If Joey Votto hit the ball half way to the fence at GABP and wanted to call it a home run, I think everyone, including Bortz, would call that a joke.
Leslie Ghiz said Republicans have a plan, or at least are working on one. Bortz is not endorsed by the Republicans, but has been voting with that 'side' on budget issues, so whether these are the same issues Ghiz is taking about, then Ghiz has no more of a plan than Bortz. She should keep working on it. I thought Amy Murray, Charlie Winburn, and Wayne Lippert were spending the August recess working on issues like the budget, no?
The bottom line is a simple number: zero. The budget deficit has to be zero after cuts are made. I can't find anyone who thinks that both unfilled budget jobs and current staff working must be eliminated from the 2012 budget to reach the legally mandated zero number. If Chris Bortz or Leslie Ghiz can make those staff cuts without cutting police or the fire department, then that means they are cutting some other departments, heavily, reducing city services. The details on that should be made public an put forth now. In case anyone forgot, Cincinnati is having an election and voters should know where the candidates stand and what services they would cut to balance the budget if elected (or re-elected). That kind of knowledge is something that means candidates have to make political choices. They have to either take on the FOP or be their shill. It is a crappy choice, but that is the box the FOP and it's supporters have forced the Republicans and Bortz into and I for one am not going to give them a pass on making that choice.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
What Type of Math is Joe Deters Using?
The County Department heads, including County Prosecutor Joe Deters, issued a report of what they state will happen if cuts are made to the county budget. The results are not good, but Joe Deters seems to be using some type of new math or really has a internally top heavy salary range and high overhead. I say this because he claimed that if he had to bear $1.9M of cuts of his $10.4M budget, he will have to cut 50 of his criminal attorneys. The Enquirer reports that 50 is 41% of his staff attorneys. That works out to an 18% budget cut, which Deters claims equates to a 41% cut to his number of attorneys? What the hell kind of cut is he making to his staff? Is he just picking the 50 lowest paid attorneys and staff and laying them off? The average cost comes out to $38,000 for 50. That's expense for the employees, not salary. Salary would have be something much, less. I don't know what the starting wage is for a county lawyer, but something in the low 30K seems really low.
I am guessing that 50 would include attorneys and support staff combined and it doesn't include expenses for benefits.
Therefore, either Deters is lying, or the Enquirer is mistaken, or both.
This is disappointing because the County is in horrible shape and the Republican majority is not willing to do anything to prevent these types of cuts. Reports like these issued by the department heads are helpful to the public understand the type of impact we face because of the failure of Hartmann and Monzel to maintain the services required by the state. It would help department heads' cause if Deters would be more straight forward with the facts.
UPDATE: Yeah, someone is not adding correctly. If you read page 41 of the impact statement you find that the very half-assed report from the Prosecutor's office assumes $3M in cuts and base 50 attorneys at $50K, plus 10K for benefits, totaling $60K each. So, the question is where does the $3M vs. $1.9M of cuts discrepancy come from? A million+ dollar difference is a big one.
I am guessing that 50 would include attorneys and support staff combined and it doesn't include expenses for benefits.
Therefore, either Deters is lying, or the Enquirer is mistaken, or both.
This is disappointing because the County is in horrible shape and the Republican majority is not willing to do anything to prevent these types of cuts. Reports like these issued by the department heads are helpful to the public understand the type of impact we face because of the failure of Hartmann and Monzel to maintain the services required by the state. It would help department heads' cause if Deters would be more straight forward with the facts.
UPDATE: Yeah, someone is not adding correctly. If you read page 41 of the impact statement you find that the very half-assed report from the Prosecutor's office assumes $3M in cuts and base 50 attorneys at $50K, plus 10K for benefits, totaling $60K each. So, the question is where does the $3M vs. $1.9M of cuts discrepancy come from? A million+ dollar difference is a big one.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
CincyFringe Shows Get Noticed Across the Country
CityBeat's Rick Pender reports on the good review the Performance Gallery's IndyFringe performance of Fricative received. The show is a provocative Dadaesque use of vocalisation that played CincyFringe in 2008. Here was my Review on TheConveyor.com.
Also getting some attention for the upcoming Chicago Fringe is Pones Inc whose production The Four Food Groups was the featured photo for this UpChicago Fringe article.
Chicago Fringe also features the amazing Artemis Exchange show Aberrant Reflections on the Barbarism of You & I.
If you happen to be in Chicago over the next week and a half, see both shows, they both were Conveyor.com award winners and are rousing fun.
Also getting some attention for the upcoming Chicago Fringe is Pones Inc whose production The Four Food Groups was the featured photo for this UpChicago Fringe article.
Chicago Fringe also features the amazing Artemis Exchange show Aberrant Reflections on the Barbarism of You & I.
If you happen to be in Chicago over the next week and a half, see both shows, they both were Conveyor.com award winners and are rousing fun.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Bigotry Wins a Battle in a Local Catholic High School
It is sad, but not a surprise that the Cincinnati Archdiocese bowed to local and national pressure from anti-Muslim groups and parents. Archbishop Dennis Schnurr cancelled a potluck dinner at Mother of Mercy High School in Westwood between students and local Muslims. The dinner was to be Ramadan meal and was meant as a way for students to learn about and meet local Muslims in hopes to better understanding the religion and the people who practice it. Instead, the event at the school was cancelled and a different Catholic group in University Heights will hold the event, without the school's involvement.
Teaching that bigotry wins is the result of this incident. That will create more bigotry. What is worse is that some parents, like Kelly Jennings, are teaching bigotry directly by acting to prevent this event. I just don't understand the fear and ignorance of fools like Jennings. They appear to live in bubble, with just a single tube of information flowing in and scared stiff that adding more sources will pop their mythical safety net. This lingering bigotry is so foolish, yet so hard to break.
Teaching that bigotry wins is the result of this incident. That will create more bigotry. What is worse is that some parents, like Kelly Jennings, are teaching bigotry directly by acting to prevent this event. I just don't understand the fear and ignorance of fools like Jennings. They appear to live in bubble, with just a single tube of information flowing in and scared stiff that adding more sources will pop their mythical safety net. This lingering bigotry is so foolish, yet so hard to break.
Where Is the Conservatives' Budget Plan?
Leslie Ghiz said there was going to be a budget plan, but we still haven't gotten word of one. We get more grandstanding and pandering by the Conservatives on Cincinnati City Council, but no plan. It is a pathetic game. Promise not to fire police officers, but refuse to document and detail whose jobs would be cut is all we get.
Let's be clear, jobs will have to be cut based on current State cuts and the continued low revenue projections. The Conservatives (mostly Republican) on council have the majority and have the responsibility to state before the election what they would cut.
We're not going to get much more than promises made to score endorsements and votes. Elections don't breed honesty, they are about saying what your voting base wants to hear.
Let's be clear, jobs will have to be cut based on current State cuts and the continued low revenue projections. The Conservatives (mostly Republican) on council have the majority and have the responsibility to state before the election what they would cut.
We're not going to get much more than promises made to score endorsements and votes. Elections don't breed honesty, they are about saying what your voting base wants to hear.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Check Out Some Great Aerial Photos of Cincinnati
Check out some great aerial photographs of Cincinnati, including Downtown, the Rverfront, and Kings Island, from QueenCityDiscovery.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Here They Are: AMERICA'S MERCURY ASTRONAUTS!
There are a few Cincinnati City Council candidates who need their signatures verified, but everything's been turned in and the list of candidates for the ride of a lifetime are as follows:
Incumbents:
Chris Bortz (C)
Leslie Ghiz (R)
Wayne Lippert Jr. (R)
Amy Murray (R)
Roxanne Qualls (C/D)
Laure Quinlivan (D)
Cecil Thomas (D)
Charlie Winburn (R)
Wendell Young (D)
Previous Candidates:
Kevin Flynn (C)
Nicholas Hollan (D)
Christopher Smitherman (I)
New Candidates:
Jacqueline Allen (I) *
Mike Allen (I)
Kathy Atkinson (I)
Patricia McCollum (I)
Sandra Queen Noble (I)
Jason Riveiro (D)
Chris Seelbach (D)
Yvette Simpson (C/D)
P.G. Sittenfeld (D)
Catherine Smith Mills (R)
Write in Candidate:
Orlando Welborn
More from CityBeat and the Enquirer.
*Please note that CityBeat and the Enquirer have slightly different lists. CityBeat includes Jacqueline Allen, the Enquirer does not. CityBeat indicated J. Allen had turned in enough signatures, but was among those waiting for the signatures to be verified. I am not aware that the verification were completed.
Incumbents:
Chris Bortz (C)
Leslie Ghiz (R)
Wayne Lippert Jr. (R)
Amy Murray (R)
Roxanne Qualls (C/D)
Laure Quinlivan (D)
Cecil Thomas (D)
Charlie Winburn (R)
Wendell Young (D)
Previous Candidates:
Kevin Flynn (C)
Nicholas Hollan (D)
Christopher Smitherman (I)
New Candidates:
Jacqueline Allen (I) *
Mike Allen (I)
Kathy Atkinson (I)
Patricia McCollum (I)
Sandra Queen Noble (I)
Jason Riveiro (D)
Chris Seelbach (D)
Yvette Simpson (C/D)
P.G. Sittenfeld (D)
Catherine Smith Mills (R)
Write in Candidate:
Orlando Welborn
More from CityBeat and the Enquirer.
*Please note that CityBeat and the Enquirer have slightly different lists. CityBeat includes Jacqueline Allen, the Enquirer does not. CityBeat indicated J. Allen had turned in enough signatures, but was among those waiting for the signatures to be verified. I am not aware that the verification were completed.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Help the Streetcar and All Rail Projects: Cincinnatians For Progress Fundraiser - Tonight!
Cincinnatians For Progress is holding a fundraiser tonight,Thursday August 25th, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at The Blue Wisp, 318 E. 8th St.
There will be music by Dave Hawkins. There will be door prizes from Milton's, Iris Bookcafe, Park + Vine, Segway and others. Get there and support progress for Cincinnati.
A suggested donation is $20 to the general public, or $50 to hosts. If you can't make it tonight, you can contribute online here.
A suggested donation is $20 to the general public, or $50 to hosts. If you can't make it tonight, you can contribute online here.
Chabot Hates Open Meetings and is Ignorant About Tax Rates
In case you missed the video, check out what happened when Republican Congressman Steve Chabot's staff directed a Cincinnati police officer to seize cameras of private citizens during a Chabot Town Hall event in Avondale at a publicly owned building.
I feel sorry for the police officer, but he should know better, and should have questioned the validity of "security reasons" when two television station cameras are there. Here is a tape of this from a third camera:
Here is more from the Enquirer's political blog. (If this was Steve Driehaus, this would have been front page news).
In other Chabot News, Steve Benen of Washington Monthly has a great story discussing an exchange, at I believe the same meeting above, where Chabot was advised that Federal Tax rates are the lowest they have been in 50 years.Chabot didn't believe it. He was told this by a voter, not likely one to vote for him, but a voter none-the-less. Benen gives Chabot-the-Ignorant the truth about Federal Tax rates. I understand that in the middle of a meeting, Chabot can't Google this, but as a member of Congress who is talking about tax policy, he should know this simple fact. What I fear is that he knows this, as do most Republican office holders, but he doesn't want any else to know this. They want people to think they pay far more taxes then ever before in hopes that the ignorant public will support cutting taxes, without a worry about how much their lives will change when they are asked to buy why they can't afford, assuming they want the same service the government provided. Republicans like Chabot want to destroy more government services for the public and will lie in order to do so. That's the modern GOP way.
I feel sorry for the police officer, but he should know better, and should have questioned the validity of "security reasons" when two television station cameras are there. Here is a tape of this from a third camera:
Here is more from the Enquirer's political blog. (If this was Steve Driehaus, this would have been front page news).
In other Chabot News, Steve Benen of Washington Monthly has a great story discussing an exchange, at I believe the same meeting above, where Chabot was advised that Federal Tax rates are the lowest they have been in 50 years.Chabot didn't believe it. He was told this by a voter, not likely one to vote for him, but a voter none-the-less. Benen gives Chabot-the-Ignorant the truth about Federal Tax rates. I understand that in the middle of a meeting, Chabot can't Google this, but as a member of Congress who is talking about tax policy, he should know this simple fact. What I fear is that he knows this, as do most Republican office holders, but he doesn't want any else to know this. They want people to think they pay far more taxes then ever before in hopes that the ignorant public will support cutting taxes, without a worry about how much their lives will change when they are asked to buy why they can't afford, assuming they want the same service the government provided. Republicans like Chabot want to destroy more government services for the public and will lie in order to do so. That's the modern GOP way.
The System Works! No Thanks to Republicans on Council
So, no laws had to be changed. No, arms had to be twisted. Instead, the Republicans Grandstanding on a non-issue just needed to waste some time. None of that mattered. The Oakley Skyline Chile Restaurant has approval to expand as it wanted. If you hear any of the Republicans taking credit, ask them to explain what they did, exactly, to get his done. If they don't have anything beyond a B.S. answer, then you can figure out what stinks. If you can't smell what they say, then you have your nose up someone's behind.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Dear Chief Craig, Deters Is an Ignorant Political Hack
Cincinnati Police Chief James Craig was on WDBZ radio recently and reportedly was troubled by the comments made by Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters. I can help Chief Craig here by telling him that Deters is a Republican who gets elected by making people in Hamilton County, mostly Republicans, scared of the City and of black people specifically. That's what he does. He's subtle about it, but he does it on purpose. Case in point is Deter's ignorant comments about the incident on Fountain Square, where he compared it to Times Square and claimed "It's had one gun crime in the last three years..."
Well, let me help some more and do a quick Google Search on the topic:
1. April 5, 2010: 4 Shot, 54 Arrested in Times Square Easter Melee
1. April 5, 2010: 4 Shot, 54 Arrested in Times Square Easter Melee
2. December 10, 2009: Cop kills man in Times Square shootout
3. May 1, 2010: Car Bombing Attempt
4. January 7, 2011: Journalist Found Murdered in Times Square Hotel Room
5. August 21, 2010: Police investigate fatal stabbing near Times Square
6. August 12, 2010: Wizard of Oz Character Stabs Man in Times Square
7. July 17, 2011: Attempted Rape on Time Square
So, after a really quick search, I found two incidents of gun crimes (five dead), one almost tragic terrorist attempt, two fatal stabbings, one non-fatal stabbing, and one attempted rape. All of these happened with the last three years. This is by no means a complete list, just a quick Google Search. So, yes, Joe Deters is full of shit. Times Square is a relatively safe place, far safer than it used to be. I somehow survived walking with my high school classmates through Time Square in 1989 back in the old scary days, and lived to tell about it. Time Square is still far more dangerous that Fountain Square has been or will ever be. You can't find how many muggings or thefts in the news in NYC because those don't make the news. Here in Cincinnati, sometimes it makes the news, on slow news days or when the victim makes for good pictures.
Bottom line, Deters makes stuff up to gain attention and make people scared of the City and Downtown specifically. He does so, in my opinion, to make people scared and more open to his brand of fear politics. Thankfully, I've not seen this from other Republicans in the same manner. I'm still waiting for the next council meeting, where I hope it is not used as a political weapon. Having a police chief that is willing to not ignore the comments of people like Deters and is willing to call them on it is a refreshing spirit that I hopes continues.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Around the Blogs Recently: Things you Might Have Missed
CinAwesome! may have found the cultural incubator that keeps producing douchebags.
Carrie Bradshaw is full of shit stirs up the dating world with a summary of a recent two date night that came up empty.
McCoy on Movies has a take on Ann Hathaway's new movie One Day. Editor's note: I, for the record, find Hathaway hot, but maybe not this movie, so much.
Carrie Bradshaw is full of shit stirs up the dating world with a summary of a recent two date night that came up empty.
McCoy on Movies has a take on Ann Hathaway's new movie One Day. Editor's note: I, for the record, find Hathaway hot, but maybe not this movie, so much.
Monday, August 22, 2011
False Perceptions Are Fueled By the Media, and Build Walls
The events Friday and Saturday are tragic events, but the lingering tragedy is in the fuel that burns the false impressions into the minds of ignorant people from the media coverage of these events. No, there's nothing false about the news, but it's the intensity given the story. The articles are going out of their way to give the truth about crime rates and the exceptions that these incidents represent, but people like Joe Deters are using it and will use it to build fear. All they need are the images and the words describing what happened. The headlines and the pictures are what linger in the minds of the average Joe-Q-Public. When there are three or four different headlines about the same story, an extra importance is perceived.
This results in the false perception of the city and of Downtown. It strengthens the bigotry of some and it puts doubt in the fickled ignorant, who consume news as if they are window shopping for shoes. This is a cultural state that is plaguing the public and I don't know any type of solution, short of driving around every cul-de-sac and neighborhood in the tri-state area, shouting slogans on a megaphone. That still wouldn't get the truth into minds who don't want to know anything that isn't easy and familiar.
What I am bracing myself for is the political onslaught of fear mongering. There was some from Deters in the article above. He's done it so many times I think everyone expects the same and they get the ignorance he puts out, like his ignorance on Times Square crime rates. (Hat Tip to CincyCapell).
What I am really hoping we don't get are Council Candidates using this as political fodder. I encourage council members and candidates issuing comments that are introspective or positive. We need to work together to prevent crime and we need to make people understand that our city is safe. We don't need council candidates claiming this is any type of indication or example of something that should drive future action of government. Here the system worked. No more or no fewer police officers were going to prevent a person from carrying a gun illegally in a public place. It is tragic that a 16 year old put himself into this situation. I also really hope that the police actions are allowed to be reviewed, but not used as a tool to build hate. If there are questions, they can be asked. We don't need to push fear of the police. I am looking right squarely at Chris Smitherman on this. I hope he does not play politics with these incidents. Instead I really hope he helps people understand what happened, not assume they know what happened and create more false perceptions. False impressions build walls. Many of us have tried to tear down all of the walls that separate us into conflicting factions. It is the duty of all public officials, and those trying to become public officials, to help keep those walls down and create open spaces were people and their cultures can freely blend with all others.
This results in the false perception of the city and of Downtown. It strengthens the bigotry of some and it puts doubt in the fickled ignorant, who consume news as if they are window shopping for shoes. This is a cultural state that is plaguing the public and I don't know any type of solution, short of driving around every cul-de-sac and neighborhood in the tri-state area, shouting slogans on a megaphone. That still wouldn't get the truth into minds who don't want to know anything that isn't easy and familiar.
What I am bracing myself for is the political onslaught of fear mongering. There was some from Deters in the article above. He's done it so many times I think everyone expects the same and they get the ignorance he puts out, like his ignorance on Times Square crime rates. (Hat Tip to CincyCapell).
What I am really hoping we don't get are Council Candidates using this as political fodder. I encourage council members and candidates issuing comments that are introspective or positive. We need to work together to prevent crime and we need to make people understand that our city is safe. We don't need council candidates claiming this is any type of indication or example of something that should drive future action of government. Here the system worked. No more or no fewer police officers were going to prevent a person from carrying a gun illegally in a public place. It is tragic that a 16 year old put himself into this situation. I also really hope that the police actions are allowed to be reviewed, but not used as a tool to build hate. If there are questions, they can be asked. We don't need to push fear of the police. I am looking right squarely at Chris Smitherman on this. I hope he does not play politics with these incidents. Instead I really hope he helps people understand what happened, not assume they know what happened and create more false perceptions. False impressions build walls. Many of us have tried to tear down all of the walls that separate us into conflicting factions. It is the duty of all public officials, and those trying to become public officials, to help keep those walls down and create open spaces were people and their cultures can freely blend with all others.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Republican Council Members Are Exploiting Tragedy
A Cincinnati police officer was on his way to work recently and was very seriously injured in a car accident on Columbia Parkway on the East side of the City. This is a terrible tragedy and I believe everyone wishes him a speedy recovery. Four members of Cincinnati City Council hold a press conference, along the side of the road, calling for a study of that road. They don't say how they would pay for such a study or pay for improvements to the road. They don't say why this incident is more important than other car or pedestrian or bicycle accidents that happen during their terms on different roads in throughout the city.
The fact that they held the press conference along the side of the road, likely caused enough commotion that they are lucky they did not cause another accident during the presser.
This accident happened to occur to a Police Officer. That means it will get media attention and get the attention of the type of voter that listens to the FOP (police union) when it makes endorsements for city council. This grandstanding event is designed not to improve road safety, but to increase the voter tallies for Ghiz, Murrary, Lippert, and Bortz (the Charterite of the group). That's explotation, but that is politics and these members are playing politics like conjoined quadruplets.
A functioning mainstream media needs to rip them a new on this issue the same way Kevin Osborne did on the Oakley Skyline faux controversy. Since we live in a culture where criticism of any perceived to be helping a police officer injured, we will not get much. The WLWT article linked about had some hints of reporting when they asked ODOT. Now they need to just dig further and find out how dangerous this road is considered as opposed to other roads. I've driven on it and I have driven on Glenway and Queensgate on the West side. Couldn't they be holding the same press conference over there?
UPDATE: It appears the mainstream media, the Enquirer specifically, did rip them a new one, and handed it to them. It is too bad that more people will watch the TV news clip and not read the article.
UDATE #2: You might ask three of the four (Ghiz, Lippert, Murray) if they oppose COAST's anti-rail issue. That issue would make it impossible to have any passenger rail transportation until well into the next decade. Rail transportation along Riverside/Eastern Avenues would help reduce traffic on Columbia parkway thus taking away at least one factor that increases accidents.
The fact that they held the press conference along the side of the road, likely caused enough commotion that they are lucky they did not cause another accident during the presser.
This accident happened to occur to a Police Officer. That means it will get media attention and get the attention of the type of voter that listens to the FOP (police union) when it makes endorsements for city council. This grandstanding event is designed not to improve road safety, but to increase the voter tallies for Ghiz, Murrary, Lippert, and Bortz (the Charterite of the group). That's explotation, but that is politics and these members are playing politics like conjoined quadruplets.
A functioning mainstream media needs to rip them a new on this issue the same way Kevin Osborne did on the Oakley Skyline faux controversy. Since we live in a culture where criticism of any perceived to be helping a police officer injured, we will not get much. The WLWT article linked about had some hints of reporting when they asked ODOT. Now they need to just dig further and find out how dangerous this road is considered as opposed to other roads. I've driven on it and I have driven on Glenway and Queensgate on the West side. Couldn't they be holding the same press conference over there?
UPDATE: It appears the mainstream media, the Enquirer specifically, did rip them a new one, and handed it to them. It is too bad that more people will watch the TV news clip and not read the article.
UDATE #2: You might ask three of the four (Ghiz, Lippert, Murray) if they oppose COAST's anti-rail issue. That issue would make it impossible to have any passenger rail transportation until well into the next decade. Rail transportation along Riverside/Eastern Avenues would help reduce traffic on Columbia parkway thus taking away at least one factor that increases accidents.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
The Number of City Council Candidates Is Growing
Joe Wessels has a great article reporting on who is officially on the ballot for the Cincinnati City Council election and who among the declared candidates are still working on getting on the ballot.
The big news is that we officially have more than one nutty candidate running (other than Smitherman). Life would boring without conspiracy spouting political candidates. The additional person, who is no stranger to the tin foil hat community is Sandra Queen Noble. "Queen" is joined by 1 official write-in candidate Orlando Welborn, who will not appear on the ballot, but his write-in votes will be counted. Good luck on that.
Other possible candidates, none of whom I've heard of, are:
Jacqueline Allen
Kathy Atkinson
Patricia McCollum
Joe also lists out a group who have taken out petitions, but have yet to turn in any signatures. I'll not mention any of them out of a semblance of respect, except for Theo Barnes, who is on the list and who has been a candidate for council before. I'm not surprised to see him back and he could be in the lead for last place, even with a write-in candidate in the mix.
So, this puts us to maybe a list of 23 running for council, counting the write in candidate and assuming none of they-who-shall-not-yet-be-named actually get their act together. I will predict, for no apparent reason that we will see 21 candidates listed on the ballot, not counting the write-ins.
The big news is that we officially have more than one nutty candidate running (other than Smitherman). Life would boring without conspiracy spouting political candidates. The additional person, who is no stranger to the tin foil hat community is Sandra Queen Noble. "Queen" is joined by 1 official write-in candidate Orlando Welborn, who will not appear on the ballot, but his write-in votes will be counted. Good luck on that.
Other possible candidates, none of whom I've heard of, are:
Jacqueline Allen
Kathy Atkinson
Patricia McCollum
Joe also lists out a group who have taken out petitions, but have yet to turn in any signatures. I'll not mention any of them out of a semblance of respect, except for Theo Barnes, who is on the list and who has been a candidate for council before. I'm not surprised to see him back and he could be in the lead for last place, even with a write-in candidate in the mix.
So, this puts us to maybe a list of 23 running for council, counting the write in candidate and assuming none of they-who-shall-not-yet-be-named actually get their act together. I will predict, for no apparent reason that we will see 21 candidates listed on the ballot, not counting the write-ins.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Lippert Is Carrying COAST's Water
When Councilman Wayne Lippert issues a press release demanding that all work on the Streetcar be stopped until the Anti-Rail issue on the ballot in November is voted on, he is helping COAST and its anti-city efforts. The question that will persist about Lippert: Does he support COAST and it's anti-city efforts?This press release goes along way in supporting COAST. In my views it does the following:
What makes this on the surface laughable, is that if you use Lippert's logic, the City, County, and State should not take any action, spend any money, have any discussion of anything that will be affected by a ballot initiative. That therefore means that since we have a statewide ballot issue (anti-healthcare law effort) that will decide if Ohio will knowingly violate constitutional law (supremacy clause) , we should avoid following the U.S. Constitution or any federal laws until the voters speak. Oh, Lippert didn't mention that one in his press release? Hmmm, I wonder why.
- It legitimized COAST's extreme anti-rail effort.
- If signals to COAST voters that Lippert is in full support of the anti-rail issue without having to say it. He may not be in support of the issue, but wants COAST voters to think he is. Tea Party money may be politically toxic to anyone who cares about the City, but it is still green.
- It gives more free press to COAST and Co.
- This solidifies Lippert as desperate to get every far right wing vote he can. He's lost any hope of getting moderate voters that are not just closet Republicans.
- This confirms to me that Lippert is looking not to help the city, but is laying the groundwork to run for higher office and will do so by pushing the agenda he thinks will get him elected at that later time, not what will improve the city. He wants to appease conservative base voters and they are in the suburbs and not in the city.
What makes this on the surface laughable, is that if you use Lippert's logic, the City, County, and State should not take any action, spend any money, have any discussion of anything that will be affected by a ballot initiative. That therefore means that since we have a statewide ballot issue (anti-healthcare law effort) that will decide if Ohio will knowingly violate constitutional law (supremacy clause) , we should avoid following the U.S. Constitution or any federal laws until the voters speak. Oh, Lippert didn't mention that one in his press release? Hmmm, I wonder why.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
MidPoint Schedule Released
In case you still living in a cave, you should know that the 2011 (Tenth annual) Midpoint Music Festival Schedule and line-up was announced. This year there are some new interesting add-ons and what caught my eye was the MidPoint Midway that will close off part of 12 Street and include an Artworks box truck project which sounds very interesting.
For the full details, including the venue listing and showcase times, check out mpmf.com.
For the full details, including the venue listing and showcase times, check out mpmf.com.
SPAETHC Provides Analysis of the CBD Grocery Shopping Options
SPAETHC from Cincyvoices does some research and provides an analysis of the grocery options in the central business district, aka Downtown. He purposely leaves out OTR, which has a small Kroger's and Findley Market.
He brings to mind a big question: how far away is a grocery store away from a non-downtown resident? The Newport Kroger and the Corryville Kroger are 5 to 10 minutes away by car. Is that not how long it would take for most people in Hyde Park, Oakley, and Mt. Lookout to get to the Hyde Park Kroger?
He brings to mind a big question: how far away is a grocery store away from a non-downtown resident? The Newport Kroger and the Corryville Kroger are 5 to 10 minutes away by car. Is that not how long it would take for most people in Hyde Park, Oakley, and Mt. Lookout to get to the Hyde Park Kroger?
Friday, August 12, 2011
Republican Council Members Appease Business Owners, Ignore Public Good
If you left the Republicans on council with total control of the city government, they would let businesses do what ever they want. Instead of discussing why the city law requires what it does, they just attack a city department for DOING ITS JOB. We have a building code. We have a government that enforces that building code. We have a process in place that allows for business owners to appeal or seek exemption from the building code. That is how it works, and has worked well for a long time.
If Ghiz, Lippert and Murray seek to end the building code or the means to enforce it, then they are setting up business owners for long term failure when disaster or crime strikes. Yes, those are reasons for the building code. We have building standards that help buildings during disasters and help prevent massive damage and loss of life in those types of disasters. We, as a society, need building codes to exists because if another building on my block catches fire, my building could catch on fire. We need the building codes to require businesses and building owners keep standards that will help the WHOLE community in times when we need to work together.
If the Republicans want to improve the process for appeals or exemptions, then they could draft legislation to make it happen, unless there are State requirements that they must look to Columbus to address. We don't get that from this effort. Instead we get sound bites that place business as the 'victim' to an evil government, something that appeals to the ignorant fools who think that government is bad, except for the police and fire departments and roads and health inspectors and all of the other services they use. I guess having logic only a mother could love, is better than no logic, but it makes for bad public policy.
Attacking government departments for doing their job is a typical type of grandstanding, but a specialty for Republicans, with Ghiz as it's primary champion on Council. With a press conference you would think the media would ask questions and print answers that question what laws Ghiz & Co. want to change, why Ghiz & Co. would make a spectacle of this issue instead of making motions in a council session to address the issue, and why Ghiz & Co. are using this a political issue instead of acting on it? No we don't get that, we get accomplices for the appeasement of business interests. Business owners give more to Republicans in Cincinnati and business owners buy commercials from the media. Walking a fine line is what makes reporting here extra fluff and no meat.
If Ghiz, Lippert and Murray seek to end the building code or the means to enforce it, then they are setting up business owners for long term failure when disaster or crime strikes. Yes, those are reasons for the building code. We have building standards that help buildings during disasters and help prevent massive damage and loss of life in those types of disasters. We, as a society, need building codes to exists because if another building on my block catches fire, my building could catch on fire. We need the building codes to require businesses and building owners keep standards that will help the WHOLE community in times when we need to work together.
If the Republicans want to improve the process for appeals or exemptions, then they could draft legislation to make it happen, unless there are State requirements that they must look to Columbus to address. We don't get that from this effort. Instead we get sound bites that place business as the 'victim' to an evil government, something that appeals to the ignorant fools who think that government is bad, except for the police and fire departments and roads and health inspectors and all of the other services they use. I guess having logic only a mother could love, is better than no logic, but it makes for bad public policy.
Attacking government departments for doing their job is a typical type of grandstanding, but a specialty for Republicans, with Ghiz as it's primary champion on Council. With a press conference you would think the media would ask questions and print answers that question what laws Ghiz & Co. want to change, why Ghiz & Co. would make a spectacle of this issue instead of making motions in a council session to address the issue, and why Ghiz & Co. are using this a political issue instead of acting on it? No we don't get that, we get accomplices for the appeasement of business interests. Business owners give more to Republicans in Cincinnati and business owners buy commercials from the media. Walking a fine line is what makes reporting here extra fluff and no meat.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Updated List Of Who Is Running For Cincinnati City Council
Not everyone running has turned in their required signatures, but here's the latest listing of who is running for Cincinnati City Council:
Incumbents:
Chris Bortz
Leslie Ghiz
Wayne Lippert Jr.
Amy Murray
Roxanne Qualls
Laure Quinlivan
Cecil Thomas
Charlie Winburn
Wendell Young
Previous Candidates:
Kevin Flynn
Nicholas Hollan
Christopher Smitherman
New Candidates:
Jason Riveiro
Chris Seelbach
P.G. Sittenfeld
Catherine Smith Mills
Yvette Simpson
Likely Running:
Mike Allen
At most there appear to only be 18 candidates. Anyone else not listed above who turns in signatures will not be a significant candidate, unless they have more gold than Midas. Later this month the 'official' list will come out. If it looks different than above, I'll be astonished for all of about 43 seconds.
Incumbents:
Chris Bortz
Leslie Ghiz
Wayne Lippert Jr.
Amy Murray
Roxanne Qualls
Laure Quinlivan
Cecil Thomas
Charlie Winburn
Wendell Young
Previous Candidates:
Kevin Flynn
Nicholas Hollan
Christopher Smitherman
New Candidates:
Jason Riveiro
Chris Seelbach
P.G. Sittenfeld
Catherine Smith Mills
Yvette Simpson
Likely Running:
Mike Allen
At most there appear to only be 18 candidates. Anyone else not listed above who turns in signatures will not be a significant candidate, unless they have more gold than Midas. Later this month the 'official' list will come out. If it looks different than above, I'll be astonished for all of about 43 seconds.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Is Smitherman Running For Council? Maybe An Answer Today
Is Chris Smitherman running for Cincinnati City Council or does he just like pretending he is the President of the United States and is trying to invoke the 25th Amendment? He's been saying he has been running for months, but this latest stunt is the biggest sign he is actually going to do it. His website is not up, but someone has the domain registered.
Is he trying to ride to the wave of anti-City voters with the reported news that his anti-rail charter amendment will be on the ballot?
I've been pondering why there has been a lack of crazy 'independent' candidates running for council this year. I guess later on today, we shall get another crazy one in the mix.
Is he trying to ride to the wave of anti-City voters with the reported news that his anti-rail charter amendment will be on the ballot?
I've been pondering why there has been a lack of crazy 'independent' candidates running for council this year. I guess later on today, we shall get another crazy one in the mix.
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