JohnClevesSymmes

I understand the question of law, but if I had to vote provisionally, I would rather fill out the info myself and make sure it's right.

I just don't understand the controversy on provisional ballot voter vs. pollworker filling out information issue. Why shouldn't the voter be responsible for filling out his/her own information the envelope? Wouldn't a poll worker be more likely to write down something incorrect?

I keep hearing how difficult it is for developers to get financing for rental apartment buildings but I am honestly surprised this fell through.

Poison? That seems a bit extreme. My guess is he is floating his name this time around so that he can make a credible run for another higher office (or mayor) in a few years.

^ Maybe just watching out for LQ and her film crew looking for more scoops?

There was some discussion of the Port Authority taking over the parking to provide them with funding while also keeping the revenue in the city - keep in mind the Port Authority is a city-county partnership. City hasn't gone for that idea so far.

Cincinnati Herald endorsed a no vote on Issue 4. Their explanation: Cincinnati Issue 4 seeks to change the terms of City Council members from two years to four years. What? We only have to go back a few years to remember several dysfunctional city councils where we went to sleep at night saying, “At least we only have to deal with this group for two years, then we can vote them out.” Issue 4 virtually ensures that the citizens will have less input into their government. Council members are the closest contact voters have with their government. Issue 4 removes the incentive of council members to interact with citizens on a regular basis. Further, it will increase the cost of council campaigns. Proponents of this measure will tell you it will reduce the cost of elections. If true, it would be the first time in recorded history. The fact of the matter is that the cost will increase and the chances for minority candidates will decrease. We find it remarkable that this City Council would put such a measure on the ballot and include themselves. This is the clearest sign that this is a selfserving. Please remember that members of Congress must face voters every two years. Members of the Ohio House of Representatives must face voters every two years. City Councilmembers should continue to face voters every two years. http://www.thecincinnatiherald.com/news/2012-10-27/News/The_Cincinnati_Heralds_Endorsements_for_the_2012_E.html

Who coordinates the income-restricted apartment applications? Do applicants go through a social service agency or directly through the owner or manager of the property?

^Definitely true. I had a buddy in elementary school who lived there with his family - at the time his dad was a grad student at UC.

Cincinnati was an early point of expansion for White Castle. 1927 according to its website.

Yes. Love the podcast. Please keep it up.

Reason for supporting districts/wards: Helps remove "money" from politics because you don't have to cover as much area. I happen to agree with some of Sittenfeld's arguments against 4 year terms - removes accountability and potentially delays changes such as the one voters obviously desired in 2011. With 4 years between elections and continuing our at-large system, council members will be out of sight and out of mind for the electorate. Council actually gets some news coverage during the run up to the election, which I for one appreciate. In a district/ward system, constituents are much more likely to monitor the actions of their member. I also take issue with Quinliven's statement that council "can't get anything done" during an election year and needs more time for "strategic planning". The Mayor has 4 years and the City Manager has no term limit so it seems like they should be able to get things done and plan strategically. I fail to see how 4 year terms will somehow make council members "less political."

^ Where was it parked?

Spotted Justin Jeffre skulking around some shows with a Cincinnati Beacon Press pass. I assume that means we can look forward to some kind of recap, review or commentary of or on the festival from the hallowed pages of the beacon. Oh wait, they haven't had a new post since July 28...

I think we can analyze social phenomena without attacking each other. No one here "hates" hipsters.

Mind = blown. My ex gf and her friends are definitely doing that. It is maddening to say the least. I have been bombarded with her wedding pics at the top of my feed for about a month!

Didn't the Banks get an entertainment district designation as well? Have those new places affected the already established downtown businesses? That said, my initial reaction to this news is to oppose the proposal. I like the entertainment districts when it means places like Django in Northside will open, or Emanu in Pleasant Ridge can get a liquor license, but I don't like them if it means 14 chain restaurants open up in Oakley. I am not comfortable with the state (the state is the ultimate decider, correct?) granting these districts on the behest of a single developer.

I had always heard that the parking garage was profitable and that the owner had been trying (unsuccessfully) for awhile to separate the two properties so it could drop the pretenses of holding on to the mall. I guess the whole "startup mall" concept isn't leading the mall down the path of redemption...

Drove by while it was happening, shocked me.

Deriding bikers who would prefer to ride in bike lanes is silly. Biking meccas such as San Francisco and Amsterdam have serious bike lane infrastructure and I am sure many of those who support and utilize the lanes and paths consider themselves "free" and "authentic" bikers. True, if one wants to free on a bike then one has to learn to ride with traffic, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't seek better and more bike lanes. I ride on Eastern ave. occasionally and am looking forward to the day when I don't have to squeeze between cars going 40-50mph on one side and parked cars on the other. I ride downtown often and deal with the traffic but I would WELCOME bike lanes.

If you are already at Findlay Market then it is definitely worth the trip. Good people watching, interesting stuff for sale.

Well that's it. If USA Today picked up on it then Brooklyn is officially over. I hear Jersey City is really authentic these days...

^ That blog is a blackhole you do not want to go down. I spent the better (worst) part of an afternoon reading back on all their posts about a year ago and then stuck them in my google reader so I could keep track of whatever nonsense they are spouting. It is kind of a sarcastic version of the whistleblower. Edit: An even more sarcastic version of the 'blower

^ Ha! I actually missed that one

http://gawker.com/5935336/coffee-shop-bans-talking-about-annoying-hipster-topics-irony-reflects-back-on-itself-on-and-on-to-infinity