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A new study ranks the Cincy metro area as the 9th safest in the country. Maybe they didn't get the memo about OTR being the most dangerous neighborhood in the country. Interestingly, Cincy's traffic death rate is 20 compared to NYC, which is 2. Think this might have something to do with the cities' public transit systems? http://www.forbes.com/2009/10/26/safest-cities-ten-lifestyle-real-estate-metros-msa_chart.html

I emailed Barry Horstman at the Enquirer about the NAACP media release, and he replied that he was just as surprised by the release as I was. The politics team at the Enquirer is planning on running a story on it in the near future.

Any idea of how polling is going on the issue? Very good question. I havn't heard any numbers, and don't even know that any organized polling effort has taken place. Every day new people or organizations come out against the issue and I start to feel good about it, then I remember where I live and get worried again. I'd love to see some polling data.

I sent them an email a couple weeks ago saying that I will no longer support the party or look to them for advice when voting. I sent it to the local SW OH Green party, and copied the OH and National Green Parties. It is absolutely absurd that the Green Party of all political groups would endorse a measure that would expand transportation options through poor neighborhoods. Especially those that would reduce greenhouse emissions. Only in Cincinnati...

Somebody took a knife to my "No on 9" sign last night. This appeared to be an equal opportunity slashing though, as other signs in the neighborhood also took a beating including "Yes on 7" (library), and "Yes on 52" (CPS). Was that ***redacted*** I saw lurking in the shadows as I went to bed?

Are there plans for any of these videos to be on television? They are very good, but are probably not reaching the right people on the internet. More preaching to the choir, rather than converting the skeptics.

Brad Wenstrup endored Issue 9 on the Enquirer's live chat today at 1:00. At the same time he said he would be open to an additional vote after Issue 9 passes to ammend the language. If he doesn't like the language, why doesn't he vote against it the first time?

The blog's author was beaten by Tom Brinkman (founder of COAST) in the second round. Also, just to show there is no favoritism, Mayor Mallory was beaten in the first round by Paul Daugherty.

^ The writer was in the field in the earlier rounds, but he was beaten out (I forget who beat him). I think Wenstrup's place in the field is based on his policies, not necessarily his personality.

Chris Finney and Christopher Smitherman are both in the "Elite Eight" in the "Biggest A--hole in Cincinnati" contest on a local blog. Help vote them into the Final Four! Looks like a close race between Finney and Bill Cunningham: http://thecincinnatiman.com/2009/10/can-you-call-it-an-elite-eight-biggest-asshole-in-cincinnati/

^ Haha. Gotta hand it to you Dan, that's pretty funny.

^ Bingo. The actual slogan is "Say Yes on Issue 9. Stop the Streetcar" http://thephonyconey.blogspot.com/2009/10/coasts-yard-signs-more-nonsense.html By the way Cygnus, I picked up my sign earlier this week and you are quite right. The area is looking great!

I'm a little annoyed at the speed in which CFP is moving concerning yard signs. I know the signs aren't the biggest game-changers, but I signed up for one as soon as the online request form opened up and I have yet to recieve one. I've only seen 2 or 3 anywhere in the city. I plan on stopping by the Vine Street office to get it myself in the next few days, but why hasn't it been delivered? Not enough volunteers? Fund-raising events are all well and good, but where is that money going exactly? About the only time I hear from CFP is when they're requesting money.

While this article doesn't specifically mention the streetcar, it does trash COAST and the NAACP, and the stereo-typical mindset of the native Cincinnatian: http://victorianantiquitiesanddesign.blogspot.com/2009/10/cincinnati-naysayers-dont-let-that-door.html

^ Okay, thanks. I havn't noticed any yet, and I signed up for one through their website, but maybe my information got lost somewhere along the way.

Anyone know when CFP plans to put out yard signs? It's less than a month until the election... Time is fleeting. I noticed COAST is putting out their signs this weekend.

^ "Any chance we can get something like this going at XU?" Isn't Xavier in Norwood? I'm sure lots of students actually live in the city of Cincy, but being located outside the city limits might explain why they are slower on the draw.

^ Cincinnatians for Progress has started collecting designs to choose a yard sign. You can sign up at the link below to receive a sign once a final design is chosen: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dEhaR3l3RmRGMUtvMDRHeTlhcjRpdnc6MA..

That's also fair. In my email I specifically noted that I supported their right to free speech but took issue with the misleading way the sign was posted, suggesting that having a streetcar would lead to less police and fire funding.

Fair enough. How about sending an email and telling them so? (By the way what were Acme's bumper stickers regarding?) mailto:[email protected]

I see what you are saying, but I wouldn't even mind it so much if they presented it accurately. I'm all for free speech, but the sign is completely misleading since police and fire service will not be affected one way or the other because of the streetcar. If they had a simple "Yes on 9" sign, it wouldn't bother me as much. I still wouldn't do business with them, but they have the right to free speech as well.

^ I thought that was Norwood, but I suppose it could be in Bond Hill.

^ I saw that too. It makes my blood boil everytime I drive by. They are not inter-connected! It's not one or the other!!! The business is Atkins & Stang, Inc., a telecommunications and electrical contractor. I'd boycott their business if I had any need for contractors. As it is, I've sent an email to them saying their sign is misleading and I won't be using their services in the future, etc... http://www.atkinsandstang.com/Contacts.htm

I saw a segment on Fox news last night on the streetcar open houses. Overall it was a pretty fair report, other than the anchor making a specific point that the cost was "$200 million". Also, they had "interviews" with people on the street downtown asking their opinions. There were 4 people interviewed. 1 was in favor. 1 was unintelligible (but I think he said he was in favor). 1 was against. 1 didn't know what she was talking about, and wasn't old enough to vote anyway. She said the streetcar would be bad for downtown Cincinnati because it would cause more traffic. She looked about 16. I was unable to find a clip online.

It's being reported the anti-rail ammendment will be Issue #9. Get the word out: NO on 9!!!