Thank You for your support

To the 13,684 people that gave me their support on election day I would like to say thank you. Thank you for your trust, belief and faith in my campaign platform. I didn't win a seat on city council - this time - but my campaign message resonated with you and helped focus the debate on the real issues that face Cincinnati. Clean/safe streets, Great schools and market-rate affordable housing are the three big issues that must be dealt with in the coming years. I pledge to you to keep city council focused on these issues. When council begins to chase rainbows or takes their eye off the prize in Cincinnati I will be there to gently remind them of their first, most important duty - the business of Cincinnati first.

Thank you and God bless you all!

On November 6, Vote for John Eby

Alexis de Tocqueville stated ,” The health of a democratic society may be measured by the quality of functions performed by private citizens.” On Election Day the greatest of these functions-Voting- will decide the health of Cincinnati as a new city council will be elected. Like all of the candidates I strongly encourage each of you to exercise this right and privilege that keeps the “democratic experiment” and the American Dream vibrantly alive. It was President John F. Kennedy who urged us “ to seek not the Republican or Democratic answer, but the right answer.”

My campaign has stressed that many of our issues are not democratic or republican issues. They are human issues. I utilize and believe in words like opportunity, inclusion, and diversity. I have promoted building bridges not only on the business/economic level but more so on the human level. All council candidates talk about development. I stressed the most important of all development- human development. What do our decisions do for our citizens? How do they support and promote the general good? Fifteen years ago I chose to live in the city because I wanted a diverse community for my children. I wanted them to experience the greater Cincinnati that I did when I was growing up.

I’ve challenged you to imagine a Greater Cincinnati . A Cincinnati where clean safe streets are the norm. A Cincinnati where quality educational opportunities are there for all children. A Cincinnati where market rate affordable housing can create a higher quality of life for our citizens. A Cincinnati where better jobs lead to better pay and better services for all our citizens.

The great communicator, President Ronald Reagan, reminded us that “Freedom is the right to question and change the established way of doing things. Freedom is the understanding that allows us to recognize shortcomings and seek solutions.” The Cincinnati Enquirer endorsed me as a “doer.” The endorsement further said,” Eby may be the hardest-working and best prepared candidate out there. Eby has advanced specific, well thought out proposals. Eby is collaborative. Eby studies issues thoroughly with an engineer’s eye for detail and function.” I am honored by such words. I’m willing to do the best that I can do in seeking solutions to the shortcomings of Cincinnati . It’s time to stop imagining and start realizing our dreams. I’m John Eby and I’m running for city council. Exercise your freedom to vote. Be part of those seeking solutions.

Common Sense Cincinnati Email Response

John and Greg,

As a staunch, lifelong Independent*, I am always glad to see signs of bi-partisan cooperation. Your Bi-Partisan Plan for Cincinnati's future is a refreshing and welcome change of pace from predictable campaign harangues, soapbox pontificating, and insinuations that candidates of The Other Party are airheaded, malevolent, or both. The Plan's well thought out strategies demonstrate a wonderful combination of boldness and common sense.

Living in Green Township, I will be unable to vote for either of you, but you would each have my vote if I were able. I wish you both success in your run for Council.

Sincerely,

Jim Auer

* I voted for Goldwater in '64 and McGovern in '72, about as far-right and far-left respectively as we've had in many, many decades. Thought they were both a little over the edge in ideology, but nevertheless the more honorable candidate. Given the record of their opponents, I believe I was right.

Street cars in Cincinnati

We must develop a multi-generational vision that focuses on Building Bridges across three “rivers” that divide our city. I-75/I-71/ and Ft. Washington Way. How can this be accomplished? We must build the Banks. We must connect the Banks to the vaults of the city center. The city center must be creatively connected to our neighborhoods by restoring our heritage of streetcars and inclines.

EPHIA - Concert in Mount Echo

On September 24th I was invited to attend the East Price Hill Improvement Associations free concert in Mount Echo. It was cool and pleasant evening near the shelter house. The crowd was great and the music was good. It was nice to see so many families out enjoying quality time together. If you ever get the chance drive by and visit Mount Echo park. You won't be disappointed.

Campaign Email

I received this email response to my Blog Entries on the Enquirer Blog "Today at the Forum".

My daughter attended St. Catherine with Jane ( my daughter ) until we moved
to Green Twp. a few  years ago.  I've been reading your responses in the Enquirer
and I have to say this is the only time I've regretted not residing in the city because
now I am unable to cast a vote for you (even though the happenings within the city
still  affect us).  Your responses seem right on with what the city needs right now. 
I wish you the best of luck at the polls! 

Thank you for those kind words of encouragement.

14 years and 14 minutes

14 years ago, on October 2, 1993 my wife Susan and I were wed. I often tell my kids that in my lifetime I have had some really memorable days, but none will compare to the day that I married their mother. We were married on a beautiful autumn afternoon, in a small church surrounded by our family and our closest friends. It is odd to me that I can still remember the smallest details about that day. What a great day that was.

Now, I am so busy campaigning that sometimes I can't remember what neighborhood I was in the day before or what candidate forum I had attended. You cannot imagine how much time a well run campaign consumes. The schedule is demanding ( brutal really ) and unforgiving. Something or someone always needs attention. Candidates have to remain focused, determined and single minded in purpose. Mostly candidates need support.

I am a very lucky man. My wife Susan has always been my biggest supporter. Even when I could I only devote 14 minutes to her for our anniversary dinner. Susan suggested that we celebrate our anniversary in November, after the election. I wept on the way to Pleasant Ridge Community Council candidates night. Thank you Susan for your love, understanding and devotion. I am indeed a lucky a man.