Three of nine Councilmembers, one third of the entire Council, will be running for other elected positions by January 2010 while the City faces the biggest financial crisis in its history. Think about that as the new members of Council are being sworn in today.

December 1, 2009

Cincinnati NAACP

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Today at 11:00 a.m. in City Council chambers, the new Cincinnati City Councilmembers will be sworn in for a two-year term. On November 3, 2009 citizens had the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.  Some did, some did not. Either way, the table is now set; Councilmembers have been selected and will begin governing. 

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The Cincinnati NAACP issued report cards on the Mayor's and Councilmembers positions on public policy as it relates to our community in the City of Cincinnati.  Prior to the election, the general membership identified basic core functions for which City Council is responsible, especially with the huge budget deficit that looms. Basic core functions that are part of the City's general fund include health centers, recreation centers, and swimming pools.  The city manager has recommended massive cuts to all of these areas in relation to balancing the budget. The mayor has approved the cuts and passed the final decision to the nine members of Council who are being sworn in today. 

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What citizens will learn very quickly is that deals have already been made. This is consistent with the years of corruption at City Hall which is controlled by the business community. For example, it has already been decided that current Councilmember, Roxanne Qualls, is back on track to become the mayor, again. This will be reflected today when Mayor Mallory announces her as vice mayor of the City. County Commissioner David Pepper is stepping down from his current position in order to campaign to be the State Auditor. His departure will create a domino effect at City Hall.

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During the middle of the City's financial crisis there will be several Councilmembers who will be dividing their attention between City matters and personal ambition.  Councilmember Leslie Ghiz will announce her intent to run for county commissioner--the position David Pepper is leaving. However, by charter, Ghiz does NOT have to give up her Council seat WHILE running for the county commissioner position. 

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Councilmember Jeff Berding is preparing to run against Jean Schmidt. Ghiz and Berding do not mind dismantling the City by voting in the interest of the County because they view City Council as a stepping stone to their aspirations for County and State offices. Councilmember Laketa Cole is preparing to run for State Representative Tyrone Yates' seat as he finishes his term in the Ohio House.

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Three of nine Councilmembers, one third of the entire Council, will be running for other elected positions by January 2010 while the City faces the biggest financial crisis in its history. Think about that as the new members of Council are being sworn in today.