Westwood Home Development Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Today I had the pleasure to speak on behalf of the Westwood Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new town home development on Queen City Avenue. Mayor Mark Mallory and City Manager Milton Dohoney were on hand to preside over ribbon cutting ceremony. I have to say, Mark Mallory does a great job at these events. His comments about Westwood and development within the city were right on the mark.

It wasn't too long ago that I was at this same site for the groundbreaking ceremony. This site is known as the Bluffs of Woodcrest and is the companion site to Woodcrest Park ( the 2005 City-rama site in Westwood). MI Homes made the decision to build these town-homes in Westwood after the success of Woodcrest Park. Woodcrest Park was the fastest selling new home site in the state of Ohio for MI Homes and this site is no exception; of the ten units under construction, eight sold!

Mt. Washington Community Council Float Build

Last night I helped the good people of the Mount Washington Community Council build their float for the upcoming American Legion Fourth of July Parade. I marched in the parade two years ago and I'm looking forward to being part of this years parade. It is one of the few campaign events that my children love to attend. They love passing out candy to kids sitting along the parade route. I love shaking hands and meeting new people. There are two great parades on the Fourth of July, Mt. Washington and Northside. My campaign will be in both and I hope to get to meet you along the parade route.

Campaign Stop - Panegyri

“Everyone around” is a literal translation of the Greek word “Panegyri.” Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox church, which will celebrate its 100^th centennial year ably hosted this event inviting all Cincinnatians to experience their Greek culture and religious traditions. Thousands of people gathered around the main stage to watch Greek folk dancing and hear the sounds of the Greek Tycoons. Bouzouki player-singer George Karras was a featured performer. They gathered around the food tent to enjoy lamb, Greek chicken, souvlaki, pasticchio, mousaka, spanakopita, and the immensely popular Gyros. The Taverna, marketplace, Kafenion, and Bakalico gave all the opportunity to “celebrate like the Greeks.” Many people took Baklava and other pastries home with them. Festival patrons also brought non-perishable food items to help feed the hungry. Weekly attending ethnic, religious, or community festivals shows me that we can build a Greater Cincinnati when we share our gifts and stories. I enjoy answering your questions, noting your ideas, and listening to your stories. I hope to meet and greet you at upcoming festivals. Thanks for visiting my website. Keep reading the blog!!!

Campaign Stop - Westside StreetFest

This weekend I visited the Westside Street Festival and as usual the streets of Cheviot were packed. The streetfest is billed as the largest street festival on Cincinnati's westside and after wading through the throng of Westsiders I would have to agree. The festival is organized by the Cheviot Westwood Community Association. The festival featured 20 food booths, 70 merchant booths, numerous beer booths, a pickle eating contest, a car show and live entertainment. The proceeds raised from the festival will help fund various projects in Westwood and Cheviot.

Ward 20 Republican Club Picnic

Last night at Mount Echo Park in Price Hill the Republicans of the 20th Ward held their annual summer picnic. I attended with my daughter Jane and my brother David. I love picnics. They seem to bring the best out in people and there is something therapeutic about cooking over a charcoal fire. Maybe it is the camaraderie or the relaxed atmosphere. I really don’t care what it is I just know that I love a picnic. I also really love Mount Echo Park. The land for the park was purchased in 1908 and the famous pavilion was completed in 1929. The view from the parks overlook is one of the most spectacular in the city. As children, my brother and I used to play in the park whenever we visited our grandparents. To my daughter‘s chagrin my brother and I couldn’t help ourselves and we began to tell stories about growing up in Price Hill. As we reminisced about people and places long gone, others at the picnic began to share their own stories about Price Hill. It goes without saying my daughter received quite a history lesson about Price Hill and our great city last night

AFL-CIO Trade Show

Today I attend the AFL-CIO 2007 America @ Work trade show. The event was held a the Duke Energy Convention Center and was a showcase of union made goods, services and talents. The show had interactive exhibits that featured the talents of union brick layers, electricians, glass engravers, Iron workers and a host of other proud union trades professionals. One of the most interesting exhibits was the modular, steel ,hurricane-proof home. The show began in Cincinnati in 1937 and moves from city-to-city every year. The show was last in Cincinnati in 1990.

Community Event - Invest In Neighborhood

The annual meeting of Invest In Neighborhoods was held on June 14th at the LeBlond Community Center. Nine new community leaders were elected to the board of Invest In Neighborhoods. Invest In Neighborhoods is a non-profit organization that was formed in 1982 to assist and promote the 52 community councils in Cincinnati. Invest helps community councils through a number of programs and activities like The Neighborhood Support Program, NBD Support Program, the Neighborhood Fund, and the Merit Grant Program. I was elected to a three year term in 2006 and my experience on the board has been a good one. Everyone on the board is dedicated to making the city a better place to live.

Citirama 2007 Westwood

Today I attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the 2007 Citirama site in Westwood. The City of Cincinnati in cooperation with the home builders association will hold the 8th Citirama show on October 6-14, 2007. 26 new homes in all will be developed for this site and it is surrounded by a five acre natural greenbelt. The new homes will start at $150's and up. The last Citirama site was developed in 2005 at Woodcrest Park ( also in Westwood). This site was the fastest selling new home development for MI Homes in all of Ohio.

Campaign Stop - East Hyde Park

On Saturday, I attended the re-dedication of the East Hyde Park Commons. The Commons is located at the corner of Erie and Marburg avenues. This little park affectionately known as the "mud hole" was transformed into a beautiful neighborhood park by the vision, determination and hard work of a group of Hyde Park residents. One of those residents was the late Fran Naberhaus. During the ceremony, the relatives of Ms. Naberhaus told the story behind the story of the transformation of the "Mud Hole". Apparently, a Grocery store was interested in buying the property where the park now sits. The residents banded together, lobbied city council and raised the money necessary to buy the property from the University of Cincinnati. They saw the need to preserve green space in the city and they acted. In memory of Fran, CRC incorporated a butterfly garden into the design of the park. Fran's son, with his daughter at his side, said of his mother, “To Mom butterflies symbolized a renewal of life and that is why she loved them so much." I didn't know Fran, but after spending thirty minutes in a beautiful garden setting with children playing and Fran's family sharing stories of her life, I think I would have liked Fran very much. Thank you Fran and all those involved for saving and renewing this little plot of green space.

Response to Jeff's questions about the jail tax

Jeff asked...

1. Is it fiscally responsible to raise taxes by $750 million to build a $200 million jail?

2. Since you have chosen to disrespect the choices that voters made in 2006, why should the voters show you any respect in 2007?

3. Did Bob Bedinghaus write this blog for you or do the two of you just happen to believe that huge tax increases are the answer to everything?

Jeff,

Thank you for visiting my website. In my blog I stated that this would be a hotly debated topic. I encouraged people to civilly engage in constructive dialogue. In a representative democracy we elect officials to make decisions based on what they believe is right. Commissioners Portune and Pepper carried out their respective duties in a legal, lawful manner. Every poll taken in recent years has placed safety and security as one of, if not the major issue, that faces Cincinnati. Like all parents, my wife Sue and my top concern is the well being and safety of our children, Jane and Anna. The children and citizens of Cincinnati deserve to have peace of mind and clean safe streets. We have mourned over 500 deaths in this city in recent years. We cannot put a price tag on the lives that have been lost. We must do our best to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future. The new jail is a step in this direction.

Your first question leaves the impression we are "only building a jail." Yes, it will cost $200 million to build a jail, but we have to pay for the cost of operating the jail as well. A detail left out of the last jail tax debate. This is a comprehensive plan to create more jail space, provide funds for the operation of the jail, reduce crime, lower recidivism by providing rehabilitation, re-entry, and educational opportunities. Money will also be used to fund additional safety programs. Follow this URL to the county website for additional information.

As a short term solution I support the tax. As a long term solution it is clear that we must reduce the root causes of crime. Thus we need economic development, educational opportunities, and housing development that create a quality of life that is appealing to keep citizens in the county.

The cost of crime has been far too great for far too long. The middle class is leaving Hamilton County for the safety of other counties.

There are a number of politicians that ALL agree that Hamilton county needs a new jail. (Deters, Leis, DeWine, Portune, Pepper) This is a fact. Perhaps what you may want to ask is where do all the city council candidates stand on this issue. Then you can get a broader perspective of how this issue influences our area. The voters have a right to put this on the ballot if they can raise the necessary signature

Your second question incorrectly implies that I disrespect the voters. Every time I speak to voters I urge them to get out and get involved in the political process. I believe that the public needs to be well informed to vote on the issues. A difference of opinion between people of good will is not disrespect. It is a difference of opinion. I am running my second campaign for city council. I have the utmost respect for the voters I've met at festivals, meetings, life rallies, neighborhood councils, citizens on patrol evenings, and events like Taste of Cincinnati. I respect bloggers who civilly interact to further knowledge on issues. I invite you to join me at upcoming events where we can speak face-to- face.

People can respect that I see four intertwined issues as central to building a Greater Cincinnati: Economic Development, Educational Excellence, Safety and Security, and Housing Development. Young families have three non-negotiables when it comes to living in the city: Great schools, clean safe streets, and market-rate, affordable housing.

We need to think in terms of "AND " not "OR". We must build an economic base so we can also offer world class services and address the societal needs of our poorest citizens. We must clearly address the educational issues that impact the economic, social, and political lives of every day citizens. People vote for candidates who can make decisions, who can stand by their convictions, who can do the right thing. Very rarely does a voter agree with elected officials on EVERY issue. Honesty, trust, political affiliation, likes/dislikes, and many other factors play a role in receiving votes in an open field race. I have personally invested much time in trying to make my neighborhood and Cincinnati better. I want the voters to do the same as their elected officials.

I certainly DO NOT believe" that huge taxes are the answer to ever thing." If you look at my platform and previous statements I believe that fiscal responsibility is an issue that council must address. Where there is waste it must be cut. I don't see any waste in providing security for our children and clean safe streets for our citizens. I do favor reducing taxes where they can be reduced or eliminated. I will bring that frame of mind to council.

David Pepper and Peter Bronson wrote excellent articles describing how this issue has brought many differing groups of people together on both sides of the issue. They pointed out some other tools we can use in the fight against crime. As I stated in the blog,' Those opposing the plan must create a new one that has vision, intentionality, and accountability. It must cover the same scope and sequence. It must specifically say how it will be funded. I am open to proposals that can help us build a greater Cincinnati. I look forward to seeing how we will step onto the higher field the commissioners have given us.

Thoughts on the Jail Tax

Rudy Giuliani’s advisor Msgr. Placa stated after 9/11 that ”History forgets the petty fights but not the true acts of leadership.” The May 30th vote by the county commissioners to temporarily raise the sales tax ( 1/2 cent and after 8 years to drop it1/4 cent for 7 more years) to implement a Comprehensive Safety and Security plan will be hotly debated, criticized, and attacked. This vote shows true leadership. I support the decision of the commissioners as a short term solution to a major issue facing Cincinnati today.

We must not see it as the final answer. We must elect a city council that will stress Educational Excellence, Economic Development, and Creating a quality of life that will attract/retain young professionals and their families as the way to sustain our city. This is the only long term solution to greatly reducing crime. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices to achieve a greater good. As a city councilman I will do my very best to keep taxes low.

Safety and security is the major concern for our citizens. We have witnessed high crime rates, increased gang violence, and mourned over 500 lost lives. A perception of fear has kept many of our citizens from living in, or even visiting the city. The commissioner’s vote will be a cornerstone on which we can reclaim, renew, and reinvigorate Greater Cincinnati. I hope that the mayor, city council, public officials, and the citizens of Cincinnati can see this as our beginning to truly confront the high cost of crime. It was Rudy Guiliani who said, ”Leaders need to be optimists. Their vision must go beyond the present.” David Pepper and Todd Portune have well heeded his words.

Crime has driven people out of this city more so than high taxes. Crime has cost us dearly in terms of fees, time, and resources. We cannot put a price tag on the human lives lost. In 2006 Citizen Attitude Survey listed safety as a very high priority. Everyone agrees that we need more jail space. Everyone agrees that we need fewer repeat offenders. Everyone agrees that we need programs to keep our youth from becoming involved in a life of crime. This safety plan encompasses all of those needs.

68% of the people surveyed said they were very to somewhat satisfied with the quality of life in their neighborhood. This is a 10% drop from the previous survey. Satisfaction numbers varied depending on neighborhood crime, security, or lack of services. This plan addresses the apprehensions people have concerning safety and security.

The ”greatest hope” section of the survey stresses stopping/reducing crime as the #1 hope of Cincinnati citizens. Increasing economic development, better educational/employment opportunities, and improving housing are the next three hopes. I address all of these priority issues in my campaign platform. This safety plan will keep offenders off our streets. As important it has key components that will provide for rehabilitation, re-entry, and reduce recidivism. This investment in the human person in the criminal justice system is an excellent part of the plan.

Such a daring decision will demand that we civilly dialogue/debate the merits (or demerits) of the plan. We must remember that this is a long range, visionary plan. The commissioners should be applauded for thinking generationally. The commissioners have done what they were elected to do. They made a decision. They carried out their campaign promise. They have set a tough/aggressive county policy that also recognizes the need for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. We now have the opportunity to make our voices known.

Those opposing the plan must have an alternative plan that contains the vision, intentionality, and accountability of this plan. It must cover the same scope and sequence. It must detail how the plan will be funded. The county commissioners have raised this issue to a higher playing field. No matter what side of the issue you support now is the time to step up and get in the game. Teddy Roosevelt said, “ A typical vice of American politics is the avoidance of saying anything REAL on REAL ISSUES.” Commissioners Portune and Pepper have spoken on a REALLY REAL issue. What do you say?