College Hill

I'm interested in feedback on this year's election results. At this time (7:14am) it's difficult to predict the turn out. Missy and I were at the poll at 6:20am. There were about 20 in front of us. That seems about normal.

I think the most profound items on the ballot are Issues 8 and 9 even though there is no doubt that Issue 3 is getting all the attention. Whether Issue 3 passes or not will not affect the economic health of this community as much as taking decision making empowerment out of the hands of our elected officials. On one hand it might be a vote against the confidence we have in our elected officials. That may be self inflicted. On the other hand this could be reflect a community that seems to be mired in doing nothing but dismantling any hope of moving forward.

Issue 3 will likely pass due to the heavy lobbying by the gaming industry and those who believe the tax revenue will alleviate our budget shortfalls. Should either Issue 8 and/or 9 pass one this will pave the way for more lobbying to the people on economic development or lack thereof. Based on the comments surounding Issues 3, 8, and 9 it will be ugly.

I read quite a few racist comments against Chris Smitherman this morning after he encouraged the African-American community to vote for Issues 8 and 9. The public showed its ignorance and bigotry by focusing on race as opposed to the real issues in question. People react to issues with emotion and prejudice as opposed to common sense and intelligence.

We saw recently in College Hill that 130 people came together to effectively vote down the ERH application for building a senior residence on the Eastern Star property. My question here is: do these 130 people represent College Hill with a population of 22,000? If a significant issue comes before the people such as street car, light rail, the Banks, or water works, who will make the best decision for the city; the outspoken and minority population or educated, in-the-know folks who we have elected to serve us?

This will be interesting.

Response after the fact............... Good points Tom, but I can feel some of your frustration with the lack of peoples interest. The fair weather participants syndrome. Unfortunately this apathy is wide spread nationally. The Enquirer reported that the vote Tuesday was done by a more conservative group with an average age in their 60's. Even with that breakdown of voters, the good outcome for Cincinnati is that "all " of the needed tax levy's passed. During these difficult times, I am proud of Cincinnati's effort to protect the Culture and Social fabric of this city. Nobody wants to pay more taxes, but the majority voted to keep these programs and support the city. Hurray for Cincinnati. And with the Casino going in downtown, the streetcar will more likely be a positive. That positive will mean "more jobs". Finally a vision to move forward.

As for the Council, no big surprises............ the most recognized names were selected. The majority of the population do not follow the candidates. I personally am not looking forward to the Ghiz versus Cole outburses or Cecil Thomas's inability to explain subject matter, or now, Winburns anti everyone else that was so disrupting in the previous council he was apart of. I believe that the new council will be even less effective than the last one. But, even with all of these preceptions, I do believe with Mallory's agenda, the city will more forward instead of backward.

There were definite lows and highs in the voting (for me). I am thankful that people can see beyond the "TeaParty" logic and support the programs threatened by endless cuts and a tough economy.

I can live with the casino vote but it was indeed interesting to find out that the parking lot at Broadway Commons had already been sold. Wow! That's quick.

Last week on newsmakers, Mallory said the wording of issue 8 made it completely useless.
Reading the comments in the Cincinnati Enquirer is extremely disheartening in that so many people are so ignorant of what is going on. It really makes me respect the role of a legislator - to be the one who figures stuff out. Of course, some of those guys are idiots, too. I really see a loss in swapping Winburn for Harris. Hopefully Quinlivan works out.
Issue 2 - Now is the time to contact your state legislators & tell them what you want from this new board. The AR side said it woud lead to ruining small, organic, free range, whatever family farms. I think these farms are vital, too. Maybe these guys can bring back raw milk.

Great point, Quimbob, on people's ignorance and/or apathy. It is sad that people want to sidestep our legislature with referedums and additional commissions. I thought people wanted smaller government. Geesh! Now we'll have a new farm commission and a gaming commission. Go figure that. Where are all of the so-called libertarians?!