Jake, it is disappointing that you have bought into the mantra that all wealth is inherited in this country. Yes, about 10% of the country are trust fund babies, but the rest of wealth is all first generation, which means people are earning it in their life times

 

I'm not talking about trust funders.  I'm talking about people like the Koch Brothers who inherited companies worth well in excess of $100 million who instead of enjoying a life of leisure have dedicated their lives to expanding those companies at the expense of the public's interest and our country's legacy.  They and others have built networks of lobbyists, think tanks, etc. who work tirelessly to change the law, influence who holds elected office, and even the character of school textbooks in their favor.  A mere millionaire can't do all of those things -- you need over $100 million in order to have millions to blow on these at-times speculative and often long-term activities. 

Cincinnatians absolutely suck at dealing with change and I'm sure that's what brought Cranley to the foreground.

 

 

This sums up the entire perspective of the average Cincinnatian.

 

Well done neilworms.

Wish there were more people around in the city like those on UO that actually gave a damn whether or not the city is thriving in 5-10 years.

^Guys, it's not about this.  There are several reasons why the Mallory administration made such progress in the City: (1) He was elected directly because of the poor race relations in the City.  Black folks have different priorities than the conservative white folks who are smaller in number but always come out for elections.  Check out the results of the 2003 Council elections and read some of the newspapers from 2001-2005 and you can see how that was the primary issue.  Remember when Damon Lynch ran for Council?  Once Mallory was elected, the present feeling of the need for changed subsided considerably, and more conservative councils were elected (the exception being 2011, when Senate Bill 5 drove a ton of Democrats to the polls that cycle).  Even with Mallory's election there was still this slight bit of anger and frustration that remained in the black community, and Smitherman has used that to propel himself.

 

(2) Milton Dohoney as City Manager.  Dohoney understood what was freaking obvious to all- a City lives and dies by its payroll tax receipts.  He inherited several projects that were in existence- the Findlay Market revitalization, the Banks project, 3CDC (which nobody on this forum remembers that Mallory opposed 3CDC while running and then subsequently dropped any opposition to it immediately after taking office) and the numerous transportation plans that had been in existence.  Aside from taking the Collaborative Agreement seriously (which Luken's administration hadn't), Dohoney clearly understood that all these disparate projects that were in differing stages would all be connected by the downtown-OTR loop streetcar, which was, at least in part, a plan sitting on the shelf when he moved into his office.  And, unlike MetroMoves, it was something the City could build simply by working with the Feds, no other government's cooperation was required.

 

(3) Let's not forget that there were a couple of dumb things the Malllory administration did.  #1 is not building the Downtown-OTR loop as soon as possible.  Huge mistake that wasted tons of years and money.  It's so obvious that people aren't going to be able to appreciate a new project until they actually see how it works.  Also, being involved in the Queen City Square Building was a bonehead play.  It totally wrecked the downtown real estate market.  Ever wonder why, all of the sudden there are tons of hotels being built downtown when prior to 2005 not a single new hotel had been constructed in God knows how long? It's a combination of the increase in outsourced consulting work for major corporations like P&G (the Phelps Residence Inn exists because P&G is across the street) and Kroger and the massive increase in empty office space downtown.

Moved the general hotel discussion to the State of Downtown thread (not sure that's the best place for it, but it's better than this thread).

Cranley's budget shenanigans today are a perfect example of his need to dominate and unwillingness to compromise. He is splitting up the budget that a council supermajority put together, so that he can veto individual items. Follow @ChrisCincyBiz and @JayHanselman on Twitter for the up-to-the-minute.

 

Jay Hanselman: "Seems like there are a lot of odd things happening with this city budget."

 

Chris Wetterich: "In other words, Cranley intends to roll over the Democrats."

I find the Mayor's plan really inspirational. Lots of great things being eliminated! Who uses bike lanes anyway? Why put a grocery store back where there was one before when there are campaign contributors that can just put in condo's?

Paving lanes = massive economic development, just look at Newport!

 

Such great vision! Such bold moves! 

 

:drunk:

Captain Dumbass' work at its finest.

 

And a great reminder that in a real democracy, there is no such thing as compromise.

Or at least the Cranley and Frank Underwood version of it.

Honestly, I can't see any reason for what Cranley is doing with this budget than simply pretending that he's the President of the United States.  All this crap that the majority wants is such small potatoes there's absolutely no reason for this fighting.  He's like a child who thinks he's more powerful when he puts on a cape- he thinks he's more prominent than he is when he engages in these types of fights.

Even when he says something positive, he has to frame it by pitting Downtown against the neighborhoods...

 

“This is really a game-changer for parks,” Cranley told The Enquirer. “One of the greatest reasons we’ve seen a renaissance Downtown and in Over-the-Rhine is Washington Park and the riverfront park. This is using what worked Downtown in our neighborhoods.”

 

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/politics/2015/06/25/citywide-parks-levy-ahead-parks-get-re/29263561/

I disagree that he was pitting them against each other. He was holding up Downtown/OTR as an example to follow.

I don't like the man but that actually sounded more like a compliment and using a good example of neighborhood building in parts of the city that need it. It was holding up OTR and Downtown as a good example of the benefits of major park infrastructure investment.

^Not to mention that the proposal includes funds for Smale, Lytle, and Zeigler Parks. This does a good job of spreading serious park/recreation projects throughout the city. You can look at it cynically or take it at face value. Probably worth doing a little of both.

The program itself looks good... What I am complaining about it his constant use of the term "neighborhoods" to refer to 50 neighborhoods of the city, excluding OTR and the CBD.

Tons of political payback in these plans: Lytle = W&S, Riverfront = Castellini, Wasson Way = Wym Portman (also wasn't this supposed to be privately funded), Westwood Town Hall???, bike trails instead of bike lanes, urban campsite in Roselawn?, King Records in Evanston?, etc.

 

25% of funds for maintenance. 75% for debt service?

 

Who decides what to fund after the parks are renovated and debt service is paid off if this is a permanent levy?

 

Why not combine with the county? The county folks didn't even know this was coming... why the blindside? So many questions.

The county would never back a levy that gives money to the city parks department.

 

Hopefully it's entirely up to the Park Dept what gets funded after the initial round of projects.

Cranley no doubt did the same thing with this as he did with the Anthem money -- promise everyone the money before the formal process even began. 

The county would never back a levy that gives money to the city parks department.

 

I wish we were in a situation where we could pass a county-wide parks tax where a portion would go to Cincinnati Parks and a portion to Hamilton County Parks. This would greatly benefit non-city residents, since some of the revenue generated within city limits would likely flow out to Hamilton County Parks that are not in the city. Unfortunately that is impossible since the city and county hate eachother.

Residents: White in Winton Terrace? Probably buying drugs

 

...Cranley acknowledged he didn’t have an answer yet, but he pitched an idea: installing a gated entrance to Winton Hills’ public housing developments, complete with armed guards.

 

“If you had an armed guard and you lived there or had permission, you’re allowed in,” suggested Cranley, who said the guards would turn away people wanting to enter who weren’t invited. “It’s something worth exploring.”

 

---

 

For some reason, I find this suggestion hilarious as it's probably the worst idea Cranley has ever had. I'm curious how he will play this from here. It's such a dumb idea on so many levels.

Winston Terrace: Cincinnati's newest gated community!

 

What an asinine idea. As if the huge cluster of public housing in the side of Winton hill, surrounded by literally nothing but woods, isn't isolated enough from the rest of the city. Let's put guards out front and a gate around the complex to literally make Winton Terrace an us vs them situation. God, Cranley is such a moron. In an age where best practice regarding crime and public housing is to integrate affordable and market rate housing, and to break up the huge public housing clusters, Cranley is advocating the exact opposite approach.

 

Fits right in with his 1960s American view.

Christ.

 

New lead singer for the band, Travis?

 

Not a fan of Cranley, but I'll give him credit for sticking his neck out there with this one.  :clap:

Those Mick mannerisms aren't half bad.

Gary Low is still better.

Those Mick mannerisms aren't half bad.

 

They aren't half good, either.

^ Still one of my all time favorite moments.

I've been away for a couple weeks and surprised to return to no discussion on:

 

Recall Mayor John Cranley : Town Hall Meeting

 

Please join us for our first Citizens for Reform Cincinnati - Recall Mayor John Cranley citizens town hall meeting. Our first meeting will take place on TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2015 from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM at the Clifton Branch Public Library located at 3400 Brookline Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45220

Also, is anyone planning on attending his second State of The City Address?

 

 

Please Join Me at the State of The City Address

Monday, October 5 at 6:00 p.m.

Great American Ball Park Champions Club

 

Dear Friends,

 

I am writing to invite you to join me for the State of the City Address. It will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, October 5 in the Champions Club at Great American Ball Park. To get to the Champions Club enter GABP through the Fan Zone located at the intersection of Joe Nuxhall Way and Freedom Way.

 

Please feel free to invite your friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues. The more the merrier!

 

In order to reserve your seat, please fill out the form here or call my office at (513) 352-3250.

 

I hope to see you soon.

 

Sincerely,

 

Mayor John Cranley

 

Recalls outside of a MASSIVE scandal are a horrible idea.  They often turn previously neutral people into supporters of the person being recalled. You need a ton of money and press (in your favor) and a very week candidate (who can't fight back well) and a real scandal that is seriously affecting people.

 

One of the only successful recalls in modern times was that of Governor Gray Davis.  The Recall was championed by Arnold Schwarzenegger who then became governor.  And the scandal was the "energy crisis" which was energy providers mad at regulations and browning out service to the utilities and public (simplifying). It was all blamed on a fairly weak and feeble governor and led by a movie star.

 

Recalling Cranley would be closer to recalling Scott Walker.  Which made him stronger than ever.  Raise money for current council members you like, plan to donate to mayoral challengers, etc.  get active in politics and your community today.  Don't lead a recall effort unless a real scandal comes out (clear abuse of power, etc.).

 

My 2 cents.

Recalls outside of a MASSIVE scandal are a horrible idea.  They often turn previously neutral people into supporters of the person being recalled. You need a ton of money and press (in your favor) and a very week candidate (who can't fight back well) and a real scandal that is seriously affecting people.

 

One of the only successful recalls in modern times was that of Governor Gray Davis.  The Recall was championed by Arnold Schwarzenegger who then became governor.  And the scandal was the "energy crisis" which was energy providers mad at regulations and browning out service to the utilities and public (simplifying). It was all blamed on a fairly weak and feeble governor and led by a movie star.

 

Recalling Cranley would be closer to recalling Scott Walker.  Which made him stronger than ever.  Raise money for current council members you like, plan to donate to mayoral challengers, etc.  get active in politics and your community today.  Don't lead a recall effort unless a real scandal comes out (clear abuse of power, etc.).

 

My 2 cents.

 

Couldn't agree more.  It's also a bit late in the game. Better to focus on ensuring there isn't a second term.

The Gray Davis "energy crisis" wasn't an event over which he had any control.  The whole scheme was masterminded by Enron/Bush to enrich Enron and soften a D governor for a Republican challenger and could have never been carried out if Al Gore had been elected President in 2000.  If you watch the "Smartest Man in the Room" documentary, you will see the "nutty" SF protesters who were spot-on in identifying Enron and Bush as the perpetrators of the artificial energy crisis who the mainstream media quickly made out to be "typical west coast liberals", or whatever Rush Limbaugh advertised them to be at the time. 

 

The fact is that Cranley is pulling the exact same sort of crap in Cincinnati (not energy, but all sorts of other realms, and using the same techniques).  So the big difference is that the recall here would be much more of a Walker-type event than a Davis-type event.  And Walker's clout in the Republican party has completely collapsed in 2015 and is unlikely to recover. 

 

 

 

 

The problem with Cranley is that he's always going to be the most conservative Democrat in the city. He's going to beat out most challengers from his own party in a general election because he's going to get the conservative leaning Democrats as well all the Republican votes within city limits (which is actually a large number, remember Wenstrup took 46% of the vote against Mallory).

 

The only way to oust him would be in the primary, and we would need to have a more liberal Democrat run, in addition to a viable Republican. If the primary would have had a wildcard Republican like Winburn running against Qualls and Cranley, I think Cranley would have finished third.

Cranley can't wait to shower his cronies with the proceeds of this sale:

 

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/money/2015/10/01/blue-ash-airport-al-neyer/73155464/

Cranley can't wait to shower his cronies with the proceeds of this sale:

 

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/money/2015/10/01/blue-ash-airport-al-neyer/73155464/

 

I am shocked that he wants to spend this windfall on "neighborhoods".

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2015/10/02/what-mayor-cranley-wants-to-do-with-money-from.html

$13 million on events programming seems shortsighted. They should use it on some physical improvements like Westwood Square or Walnut Hills two-way street conversions. The city shouldn't get involved in creative event programming IMO.

I agree.  While some of this programming is a noble cause, I think putting it into something like the Avondale grocery project, two way's in Walnut Hills like you mentioned, or business district / infrastructure improvements in Westwood, or College Hill, would do a lot more for the residents than yoga classes.  While those things are important, I think people living in poverty aren't the most concerned about yoga and beer gardens, and would be more concerned about having a safe and secure shopping district in Avondale that they can walk or bus to easily and safely.  $13 million can go a long ways to making some substantial changes, but that is my two cents.

The Minister of Fun will have a field day with this slush fun(d)!!

 

Think of all the neighborhoods in which we can have tomato fights!!!!

Lower taxes.

Someone has FOIA'ed John Cranley to see who he has blocked on Twitter. Here's the list (I'm on it).

What do you think got you blocked?

I've never said anything nasty to him, just level-headed criticism. Apparently he doesn't like criticism.

I've never said anything nasty to him, just level-headed criticism. Apparently he doesn't like criticism.

 

He always folds like a cheap tent.  He obviously didn't get yelled at enough as a kid.  I think he took to the world of adults as a kid since other kids hated him and so as a result can't deal with ordinary, informal social situations.  If there isn't a rigid structured hierarchy, Cranley can't function.  He need to have a formally designated person or group to kiss up to and then a formally designated group of people beneath him who he can ignore or stomp.  When somebody acts out of that order, he locks up.  Ordinary Americans acknowledge social hierarchies but we actually establish comfortable spaces within them with humor and teasing.  Cranley can't do that. 

 

He must have avoided Chuck E. Cheese 'cause that's "Where a Kid Can Be a Kid"

He must have avoided Chuck E. Cheese 'cause that's "Where a Kid Can Be a Kid"

 

I bet other kids threw balls at him in the ball pit when the staff wasn't looking. 

I just watched a Zach Scott interview on PBS. Scott is currently Franklin County Sheriff and is running for mayor of Columbus. Despite his vastly different background from Cranley as a law enforcer and former fireman, Scott's talking points about "neighborhoods" and his delivery is straight out of the Cranley DINO playbook. Undoubtedly, he has been paying attention to how Cranley won in Cincinnati. Cranley won over somewhat-socially conservative black voters. Scott's people keyed in on that important voting bloc and is acting like Cranley in an effort to do the same.

 

The situation here today is quite similar -- a popular black mayor is leaving office and has a preferred white candidate (Ginther in Columbus, Qualls in Cincy). Meanwhile, another white Democratic candidate also seeks the office (Scott, Cranely) and must win over the conservative black vote (Columbus' East Side which has a very large population -- much like Avondale, Evanston, Madisonville and various other parts of Cincy). Clone Cranely = Profit?

 

Frankly, I don't like Columbus' new primary system which locks out all candidates that don't finish 1st and 2nd in the primaries regardless of party. I really wanted to be able to vote for James Ragland. It opened the door to for DINO Vs. D forever.

Here's the Zach Scott interview:

 

Cranley had a commercial during the Bengals game for his parks tax. There's no other way to describe him in his starring role other than "doofus."