osogato

Also, I just read the Enquirer's endorsement of Cranley. It's ridiculous. They criticize Qualls for not standing up to the "controlling" Mayor Mallory, and in the same breath, state that Cranley has control issues. Not to mention they state that it may not be possible to stop the two main issues separating the candidates (Streetcar, Parking Plan), and criticize him for not admitting that it may not be possible to stop them. What is this about? This is probably the most scathing "endorsement" I have ever read. If you skip the headline and the early fluff, you would think this was an endorsement for Qualls... Also, it's (hopefully) worth noting that at the poll at the end of the article, 872 disagree with the endorsement, while only 39 agree. http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artikkel?NoCache=1&Dato=20131027&Kategori=EDIT01&Lopenr=310270033&Ref=AR

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know what Cranley's opinions were on the redevelopment of Fountain Square and Washington Park? I know he now trumpets "his" TIF districts as making those projects possible, but I was just wondering if he opposed those projects that ended up being wildly successful when they were being debated, and how that might help discredit his views on the Streetcar.

The City is correcting some information in the Enquirer's latest hack job. Also, the Sierra Club has named the Cincinnati Streetcar as one of the 50 best transportation projects in the country (the Eastern Corridor is named as one of the worst). http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/streetcar/news/enquirer-article-facts-about-the-citysorta-iga/ http://www.sierraclub.org/transportation/downloads/2012-11-Best-Worst-Transportation-Projects.pdf

I spoke to Sittenfeld when he was running for council to try to figure out where he stood on a variety of issues. He gave me no straight answers and wouldn't take a stand on anything. His main argument during our conversation was that a vote against him was a vote for Smitherman, so if I didn't want Smitherman on council, I better vote for him. Since he wouldn't give me any clue as to how he would vote on anything, I did not vote for him. I think it is very interesting that he has been voting so closely to Smitherman, and on other issues than just the streetcar. The guy is just a demagogue. He's afraid to take a solid stand because it might hurt his political career down the road.

So, is that it? It passed with the amendment in tact?

Cincinnati has notified the FAA that it will close the Blue Ash Airport within 90 days. I'm wondering how this affects the money from the sale of the airport that was originally supposed to go toward the streetcar. I know there was a problem with the money having to go toward further air operations of some kind. Would the closure of the airport circumvent this regulation? http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2012/03/13/cincinnati-intends-to-close-blue-ash.html

^ You are correct on the environmental work. It was done with the entire route in mind, from the Banks to Uptown (near Kroger).

Full disclosure, I also had a bad feeling in 2009, so maybe that's a good thing!

Pretty heavy turnout at Nativity in Pleasant Ridge this morning. There was a guy there handing out literature to vote "Yes" on 48, standing next to several Democratic council candidate volunteers ("A Yes on 48 means No on the Streetcar"). I informed him I would definitely be voting NO on 48 and he was very polite about it. Hard to tell how the voters were going, but I did hear two people laughing about the streetcar on their way out. I didn't leave with a particularly good feeling, but we shall see. I have seen a lot of "No on 48" signs in areas like Walnut Hills and Evanston. Hope they help.

Park + Vine at 12th and Main downtown www.parkandvine.com/ Thanks! Got it this afternoon and will plant it in my yard after work.

Anyone know where I can pick up one of those snazzy "No on Issue 48" yard signs? I'd like to get it in the ground soon so as many eyeballs as possible see it.

^ I also like how the only quote from a regular citizen is someone from Madeira, who lives outside the city limits. That's why she hasn't voted on it. Those of us who actually do live in Cincinnati will have voted twice come November.

We saw Charlie Winburn in the Ridge Day parade last weekend, riding a horse. Based on his stance on rail projects, I can only assume this is his preferred method of alternative transportation. My dog started barking and my wife assumed it was at the horse, but I'm pretty sure he was barking at Charlie Winburn. Good dog.

If anyone is interested, the Business Courier is running a poll on their homepage asking how you would vote on Issue 48. At the moment the "Yes" vote is winning pretty handily: http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/

http://www.soapboxmedia.com/features/0607streetcarcomparison.aspx Streetcar Facts, Figures and Fights Mirror Other Cities Matt Cunningham | Tuesday, June 07, 2011 - Soapbox Media Streetcar. Few words can spark a debate in Cincinnati better than a mention of the proposed Cincinnati Streetcar. Whether the issue is funding, the proposed route or the projected benefits - or argued lack thereof - of a streetcar line in the city, this is a contentious issue and an often-hyped political football. But it's not all that unique.

His facebook page, and website are basically fluff, with very little real information on actual issues. I don't know where his wild support is coming from. He must have a great personality and charisma. I would like to hear him actually talk about the streetcar or other issues before I make up my mind. At least a couple people have asked him about the streetcar on his facebook page, without response. He sure is quick to respond to people praising him though.

There's a survey on News5's website if anyone is interested in voting. They are asking if the project should be abandoned now that the state has pulled its funding: http://www.wlwt.com/index.html

^ I believe the argument is that Mariemont is not within the City of Cincinnati, so this woman's opinion is not really all that relevant. No one is building a streetcar in the Village of Mariemont, and she is not paying Cincinnati taxes, so what is her gripe?

What's his deal? So if he changes his votes and doesn't accept those grants, pools will still be closed, that nurse will still go unfunded. Is this the same guy who put together that powerpoint of his "bus trolley" system as an alternative to the streetcar? No, I think that was Charlie Winburn. Thomas has been a supporter throughout his time on council. Hopefully, it is just political posturing and nothing more will come of it. Hopefully, he is just using this as a way to voice his displeasure over potential cuts, but will not end up voting against the streetcar. He is an intelligent man. I'm sure he realizes those grants cannot be used for pools, nurses, etc.

"Councilmember Thomas Could Change Vote on Streetcar Project": http://www.wvxu.org/news/wvxunews_article.asp?ID=8597 email: [email protected]

Just sent my letters in. Hope it helps... Certainly can't hurt.

^The idea that the streetcar would harm the historic aspects of OTR is utterly adbsurd, considering there were streetcars along the route historically. Reintroducing tracks and catenaries won't hurt the characteristics that make the neighborhood historic.

^ Stupid NEPA...

I assume Kasich's response to the Streetcar questions was "I don't. No.", rather than "I don't know". Right?

http://wtop.com/?nid=30&sid=1950931 "WASHINGTON -- It's hard to pass up something that's free, right? Well, that may be part of the thinking behind the D.C. Department of Transportation's new streetcar system." Looks like DC is looking at a "fareless zone" similar to Portland. I had no idea DC's streetcar plan was so huge. 8 lines, 37 miles.