A lullaby for Mr. Streetcar:

 

 

Chris Smitherman just resigned as NAACP Pres.

 

I believe FakeCinEnquirer may be referring to this announcement re: Smitherman and the NAACP last June; read this:  http://citybeat.com/cincinnati/blog-4767-smitherman_temporarily_stepping_down_from_naacp.html

Chris Smitherman just resigned as NAACP Pres.

 

I believe FakeCinEnquirer may be referring to this announcement re: Smitherman and the NAACP last June; read this:  http://citybeat.com/cincinnati/blog-4767-smitherman_temporarily_stepping_down_from_naacp.html

 

No.  Smitherman resigned for good.  There's a lot speculation as to why.  Well find out soon

 

Smitherman also said today:

 

"This is not over.  These streetcar supporters are gloating but, as well all know in politics, things can change in an instant"

Chris Smitherman just resigned as NAACP Pres.

 

I believe FakeCinEnquirer may be referring to this announcement re: Smitherman and the NAACP last June; read this:  http://citybeat.com/cincinnati/blog-4767-smitherman_temporarily_stepping_down_from_naacp.html

 

No.  Smitherman resigned for good.  There's a lot speculation as to why.  Well find out soon

 

Smitherman also said today:

 

"This is not over.  These streetcar supporters are gloating but, as well all know in politics, things can change in an instant"

 

So he admits he isn't doing what is right for Cincinnati.  He's playing politics.  Nice.

Chris Smitherman just resigned as NAACP Pres.

 

I believe FakeCinEnquirer may be referring to this announcement re: Smitherman and the NAACP last June; read this:  http://citybeat.com/cincinnati/blog-4767-smitherman_temporarily_stepping_down_from_naacp.html

 

No.  Smitherman resigned for good.  There's a lot speculation as to why.  Well find out soon

 

Smitherman also said today:

 

"This is not over.  These streetcar supporters are gloating but, as well all know in politics, things can change in an instant"

 

So he admits he isn't doing what is right for Cincinnati.  He's playing politics.  Nice.

Over and over again, Smitherman's proven himself to be Cincinnati's most deranged and dangerous council member.  He contributes absolutely nothing to meetings except trouble.  Remember how Alicia Reece continually kept city council in turmoil with all her destructive grandstanding?  Smitherman's far worse.  After all--she was sane, he's not.  He's simply got to be watched at every moment.

Chris Smitherman just resigned as NAACP Pres.

 

I believe FakeCinEnquirer may be referring to this announcement re: Smitherman and the NAACP last June; read this:  http://citybeat.com/cincinnati/blog-4767-smitherman_temporarily_stepping_down_from_naacp.html

 

No.  Smitherman resigned for good.  There's a lot speculation as to why.  Well find out soon

 

Smitherman also said today:

 

"This is not over.  These streetcar supporters are gloating but, as well all know in politics, things can change in an instant"

 

So he admits he isn't doing what is right for Cincinnati.  He's playing politics.  Nice.

 

Chris Smitherman does what is right for Chris Smitherman. That may actually be a quote of his from years ago on WLW, now that I think about it. John Cranley seems to be in the same boat as of late.

Dec 19, 2013, 9:40pm EST

Here's how the Cincinnati streetcar deal got done

Chris Wetterich Staff reporter- Cincinnati Business Courier

   

 

Sometime before noon on Thursday, as the Cincinnati City Council was hearing from KPMG about its analysis of streetcar cancellation costs, Councilman Kevin Flynn left council chambers, got into an elevator with Mayor John Cranley’s chief of staff, Jay Kincaid, and took a ride to City Hall’s first floor.

 

Flynn was headed to Cranley’s office to deliver some bad news. He would be the sixth and deciding vote on council to restart the streetcar project, the one both he and Cranley had campaigned against for the better part of 2013.

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/12/19/heres-how-the-cincinnati-streetcar.html

While council passed the restart ordinance with six votes, because Cranley declined to sign it it cannot go into effect for four days, blowing the FTA’s midnight deadline. Flynn asked for a written promise that funding would not be yanked.

 

“He said, ‘I can’t give you anything in writing,’” Flynn said, but Rogoff indicated that the FTA would be very pleased with the result.

 

A quote from the last page of the above article, Cranley still wouldn't sign the ordinance.

While council passed the restart ordinance with six votes, because Cranley declined to sign it it cannot go into effect for four days, blowing the FTA’s midnight deadline. Flynn asked for a written promise that funding would not be yanked.

 

“He said, ‘I can’t give you anything in writing,’” Flynn said, but Rogoff indicated that the FTA would be very pleased with the result.

 

A quote from the last page of the above article, Cranley still wouldn't sign the ordinance.

I think I saw earlier on this thread that the actual construction would have to wait until Christmas eve to get started again.  I presume this is the reason.

Smitherman has benefited from the constant exposure he gets on talk radio and public access TV channels.  I guess we'll find out before long just what kind of mischief he intends to cause.  It's hard for sane people to get inside of the mind of someone who's so irrational and willing to perpetuate the ignorance of low-information voters of all races.  There's no denying that politics in this town have a peculiar mix of strange bedfellows. 

I think we should all be thankful to Mayor Cranley for his graciousness in defeat yesterday. While, he was a thorn in the side of supporters for that past 6-8 weeks, the project is not done and will ultimately need his reluctant support over the next 4 years to ensure it is a continued success. Please be graceful and respectful of the Mayor

More press from outside Cincy...

 

 

Cincinnati Will Complete Its Streetcar

by Angie Schmitt

 

“We’re gonna have a streetcar.”

 

That was the announcement, met with cheers, from Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley this afternoon.

 

With an active proposal in the City Council to resume construction on the streetcar, Cranley said he “would not sign the legislation because” he “thinks it’s wrong.” But he was flanked by Council Member Kevin Flynn, the crucial vote on the City Council needed to override a mayoral veto.

 

Major institutions like the regional transit authority SORTA and the Haile U.S. Bank Foundation had been working behind the scenes to convince Flynn — formerly a streetcar opponent — that the streetcar’s operating costs would not hurt city services. Five other members of Cincinnati’s City Council voted in committee this morning to put forward a recommendation for legislation that the project be resumed. A City Council vote will take place at a meeting beginning at 2 p.m.

 

http://dc.streetsblog.org/2013/12/19/cincinnati-will-complete-its-streetcar/

It's too bad that Ryan Messer was out of the country and couldn't be in council chambers yesterday during the vote.  He deserves a huge thank you for not only his organizational skills but his ability to influence The Enquirer's editorial board at a critical time.  Even WLW'S BC called him a "reasonable guy" when he was a guest on his radio show.  We're really really lucky he came on the scene when he did.

I think we should all be thankful to Mayor Cranley for his graciousness in defeat yesterday. While, he was a thorn in the side of supporters for that past 6-8 weeks, the project is not done and will ultimately need his reluctant support over the next 4 years to ensure it is a continued success. Please be graceful and respectful of the Mayor

Why should he care about what someone says on a  forum????

^ well, people also discuss things on Facebook and twitter which are a bit more public...

I think we should all be thankful to Mayor Cranley for his graciousness in defeat yesterday. While, he was a thorn in the side of supporters for that past 6-8 weeks, the project is not done and will ultimately need his reluctant support over the next 4 years to ensure it is a continued success. Please be graceful and respectful of the Mayor

 

Um, he may have told Keven Flynn to vote his conscience as he claimed yesterday but I wouldn't be surprised if he added that he'd do everything he could to make the guy's life miserable if he did.  Mr. Flynn, who is after all a newly-elected first term council member, performed the job that the mayor should've in seeking and securing the help of the private sector in light of John Deatrick's and KPMGs predicted costs to cancel.  And never forget the ELEVEN ordinances he pushed through to prevent a referendum.  In hindsight, we can now see that it could be the case that Flynn and Mann, coupled with their lack of information about the streetcar, may have been indulging a new mayor during his "honeymoon" period when they voted yes on those.  I'll have more respect for the mayor if and when he demonstrates a sense of fair play and serves Cincinnati instead of his political ambitions. 

I think we should all be thankful to Mayor Cranley for his graciousness in defeat yesterday. While, he was a thorn in the side of supporters for that past 6-8 weeks, the project is not done and will ultimately need his reluctant support over the next 4 years to ensure it is a continued success. Please be graceful and respectful of the Mayor

 

Not that it really matters, but I don't agree that Cranley has been gracious in defeat.  He was defeated and he admitted it without insult.  That doesn't mean he is being gracious. 

 

He still wouldn't sign the legislation, delaying construction by one day.  Again, not a big deal, but I'm sure that the one day delay is costing the city some small amount of money.  Cranley has shown in his short time as mayor, that he doesn't care about the costs.  He doesn't care about facts.  He only cares about winning.  Any time Dietrich addressed counsel on cancellation cost, Cranley would disappear.  He didn't care what Dietrich had to say.  He already made up his mind.  He would still cancel it in a second if he had the ability to do it.  The only thing that has changed about Cranley is that he now knows that he doesn't have the ability to cancel it. 

 

Cranley took the opposite approach of  fellow streetcar opponent, Kevin Flynn.  Flynn wasn't a true believer in the streetcar, but he wanted to the best thing for the city.  He tried to get as much accurate information as he could so that he could make an informed decision and work out a deal that would make the project more palatable for streetcar opponents.  He worked his tail off in the last week trying to sweeten the deal for the city and was successful in sweetening it significantly.  COAST and the WLW crowd are busy thanking Cranley, Smitherman and Murray for being closed minded obstructionists.  They should be thanking Flynn for saving the city money. 

 

I agree that everyone should be respectful of Cranley, but not because he deserves our thanks.  We should be respectful of him because he still in a position to harm progressive projects in Cincinnati and it isn't smart to insult people that have the power to harm your agenda.

My perception after actually watching video of his presser was that it caused him literal physical pain to concede.  His expression and tone were of genuine disgust.  That, or he is a skillful actor.  Calling it graceful is generous. 

 

Albeit, the project will need his continued support.

My perception after actually watching video of his presser was that it caused him literal physical pain to concede.  His expression and tone were of genuine disgust.  That, or he is a skillful actor.  Calling it graceful is generous. 

 

Albeit, the project will need his continued support.

 

I gotta give Cranley credit.  That speech must have been really really difficult for him.  On top of that, he was true on his promise not to veto.  I hope they are all sincere on his promise to do his best to make it successful.  I fully expected him to be Smitherman-like & go back on his word...making construction as difficult as possible. 

 

Cranley said they would hold fundraisers.  We'll have to hold him to that.  Cranley said he'd do his best to talk to private investors and try to secure more federal funds in the future.  We'll have to hold him to that. 

 

I'm still annoyed he didn't sign it so the emergency clause didn't take effect immediately(wasting thousands more)...But in the grand scheme of things that's just nitpicking

I think we should all be thankful to Mayor Cranley for his graciousness in defeat yesterday. While, he was a thorn in the side of supporters for that past 6-8 weeks, the project is not done and will ultimately need his reluctant support over the next 4 years to ensure it is a continued success. Please be graceful and respectful of the Mayor

 

Not that it really matters, but I don't agree that Cranley has been gracious in defeat.  He was defeated and he admitted it without insult.  That doesn't mean he is being gracious. 

 

He still wouldn't sign the legislation, delaying construction by one day.  Again, not a big deal, but I'm sure that the one day delay is costing the city some small amount of money.  Cranley has shown in his short time as mayor, that he doesn't care about the costs.  He doesn't care about facts.  He only cares about winning.  Any time Dietrich addressed counsel on cancellation cost, Cranley would disappear.  He didn't care what Dietrich had to say.  He already made up his mind.  He would still cancel it in a second if he had the ability to do it.  The only thing that has changed about Cranley is that he now knows that he doesn't have the ability to cancel it. 

 

Cranley took the opposite approach of  fellow streetcar opponent, Kevin Flynn.  Flynn wasn't a true believer in the streetcar, but he wanted to the best thing for the city.  He tried to get as much accurate information as he could so that he could make an informed decision and work out a deal that would make the project more palatable for streetcar opponents.  He worked his tail off in the last week trying to sweeten the deal for the city and was successful in sweetening it significantly.  COAST and the WLW crowd are busy thanking Cranley, Smitherman and Murray for being closed minded obstructionists.  They should be thanking Flynn for saving the city money. 

 

I agree that everyone should be respectful of Cranley, but not because he deserves our thanks.  We should be respectful of him because he still in a position to harm progressive projects in Cincinnati and it isn't smart to insult people that have the power to harm your agenda.

 

I understand all the frustration, however I am chosing to look at it this way. 

This whole process, while unpleasent at times reinvigerated my (and no doubt others) passion for this city and the people that live here.  This resolution showed that government works and we have an opportunity to participate in that process (often not pretty).  Think about all of the new people we met, bonds we created and a renewed sense of vested interest in the streetcar and our great city.  We are better off now than we were 2 months ago.

 

- New passion

- New press toward the city (not great in the beginning, however the results have a shown how far we have come), I have several friends from other cities surprised and impressed with the effort and the city government execution.  All in all its positive.

- It has turned some peoples heads on the impact of the streetcar

- New bonds/networks created

 

Lets look forward to the future and continue to show the passion and engagement with the city and government.  I am very proud of you Cincinnati! 

 

 

^well said.  I think that there is a benefit in the fact that when the Streetcar was really vetted over the past few weeks the process resulted in three counsel members that ran against the project (PG, Mann and Flynn) supporting the project.  Hopefully, that convinces some doubters that it is the right thing to do. 

I was astonished yesterday that #cincystreetcar was trending nationally on Twitter. I was also getting inquiries and questions and comments from friends in rail advocacy efforts in other states, as well as from people and organizations All Aboard Ohio sometimes partners with at the national level. Cincinnati was truly a national story yesterday, and not just in the news media. A lot of rail and transit advocates were watching Cincinnati yesterday. And you inspired a lot of people in a lot of different cities. The ripples from this will be felt for some time and in places not yet anticipated.

Um, he may have told Keven Flynn to vote his conscience as he claimed yesterday but I wouldn't be surprised if he added that he'd do everything he could to make the guy's life miserable if he did.  Mr. Flynn, who is after all a newly-elected first term council member, performed the job that the mayor should've in seeking and securing the help of the private sector in light of John Deatrick's and KPMGs predicted costs to cancel.  And never forget the ELEVEN ordinances he pushed through to prevent a referendum.  In hindsight, we can now see that it could be the case that Flynn and Mann, coupled with their lack of information about the streetcar, may have been indulging a new mayor during his "honeymoon" period when they voted yes on those.  I'll have more respect for the mayor if and when he demonstrates a sense of fair play and serves Cincinnati instead of his political ambitions.

 

My favorite quote was when Flynn said how Cranley was concerned for him.  Because what Cranley was obviously saying was that he was concerned that Flynn would loose re-election because he ended up supporting the streetcar.  And I say obviously because Cranley has been of the opinion from day one that being anti-streetcar was a political winner.

 

I agree that everyone should be respectful of Cranley, but not because he deserves our thanks.  We should be respectful of him because he still in a position to harm progressive projects in Cincinnati and it isn't smart to insult people that have the power to harm your agenda.

 

I'd like to say that being respectful isn't the same as being deferential, as Cranley, Mann, Sittenfeld and others in power would have you believe.  Being respectful is arguing the facts and recognizing that your opponents have the same rights as you do.  That's it.  I think it is ridiculous that a guy like Mann can say with a straight face that the pause was worth it because it allowed him and the others on council to make the right call.  The problem isn't that they didn't make the right call, it's that: (1) they spent nearly a years worth of streetcar operating costs (the very thing that was such an issue!) to get less value than if they hadn't paused; (2) the pause didn't save any money; (3) the vast majority of the information available to them was available prior to this foofaraw; (4) the independant audit numbers confirmed the administrations numbers; which they had no reason but a hunch to disbelieve, and which they didn't disbelieve when it came to other projects or even the cost portions of the streetcar project; (5) invoking the idea that they get to act as they wish because they were elected on an anti-streetcar platform ignores the previous two referendums on the streetcar which passed; and finally (6) all these points were made by plenty of people before the pause and while the pause was being debated.  The pause was an objective mistake.

 

So don't let these people try to high-road you into silence.  They aren't as noble as they like to believe.

I was astonished yesterday that #cincystreetcar was trending nationally on Twitter. I was also getting inquiries and questions and comments from friends in rail advocacy efforts in other states, as well as from people and organizations All Aboard Ohio sometimes partners with at the national level. Cincinnati was truly a national story yesterday, and not just in the news media. A lot of rail and transit advocates were watching Cincinnati yesterday. And you inspired a lot of people in a lot of different cities. The ripples from this will be felt for some time and in places not yet anticipated.

 

The NY Times article, if it appears, might draw a connection between this and Christie's ARC Tunnel hose job.  That's why it was of interest to the NYC area. 

 

Um, he may have told Keven Flynn to vote his conscience as he claimed yesterday but I wouldn't be surprised if he added that he'd do everything he could to make the guy's life miserable if he did.  Mr. Flynn, who is after all a newly-elected first term council member, performed the job that the mayor should've in seeking and securing the help of the private sector in light of John Deatrick's and KPMGs predicted costs to cancel.  And never forget the ELEVEN ordinances he pushed through to prevent a referendum.  In hindsight, we can now see that it could be the case that Flynn and Mann, coupled with their lack of information about the streetcar, may have been indulging a new mayor during his "honeymoon" period when they voted yes on those.  I'll have more respect for the mayor if and when he demonstrates a sense of fair play and serves Cincinnati instead of his political ambitions.

 

My favorite quote was when Flynn said how Cranley was concerned for him.  Because what Cranley was obviously saying was that he was concerned that Flynn would loose re-election because he ended up supporting the streetcar.  And I say obviously because Cranley has been of the opinion from day one that being anti-streetcar was a political winner.

 

I agree that everyone should be respectful of Cranley, but not because he deserves our thanks.  We should be respectful of him because he still in a position to harm progressive projects in Cincinnati and it isn't smart to insult people that have the power to harm your agenda.

 

I'd like to say that being respectful isn't the same as being deferential, as Cranley, Mann, Sittenfeld and others in power would have you believe.  Being respectful is arguing the facts and recognizing that your opponents have the same rights as you do.  That's it.  I think it is ridiculous that a guy like Mann can say with a straight face that the pause was worth it because it allowed him and the others on council to make the right call.  The problem isn't that they didn't make the right call, it's that: (1) they spent nearly a years worth of streetcar operating costs (the very thing that was such an issue!) to get less value than if they hadn't paused; (2) the pause didn't save any money; (3) the vast majority of the information available to them was available prior to this foofaraw; (4) the independant audit numbers confirmed the administrations numbers; which they had no reason but a hunch to disbelieve, and which they didn't disbelieve when it came to other projects or even the cost portions of the streetcar project; (5) invoking the idea that they get to act as they wish because they were elected on an anti-streetcar platform ignores the previous two referendums on the streetcar which passed; and finally (6) all these points were made by plenty of people before the pause and while the pause was being debated.  The pause was an objective mistake.

 

So don't let these people try to high-road you into silence.  They aren't as noble as they like to believe.

 

 

I agree.  Winburn keeps getting elected because he hardly enter enters the fray or does anything discernible (same with Cecil Thomas before him).  Flynn looked eager to get his name in the paper and be the center of attention.  If he keeps it up people will tire of him in 4 years, like they tired of Ghiz. 

 

So much of this drama could have been avoided if Mann and Flynn hadn't voted for the pause.  They could have just voted for the damn thing and forced operations to be paid out of the operations budget, as had been the plan since 2007.  Instead they went and got the charity money, which sets a bad precedent.  It announces that public transportation is something "special", not a basic service. 

 

 

 

I was astonished yesterday that #cincystreetcar was trending nationally on Twitter. I was also getting inquiries and questions and comments from friends in rail advocacy efforts in other states, as well as from people and organizations All Aboard Ohio sometimes partners with at the national level. Cincinnati was truly a national story yesterday, and not just in the news media. A lot of rail and transit advocates were watching Cincinnati yesterday. And you inspired a lot of people in a lot of different cities. The ripples from this will be felt for some time and in places not yet anticipated.

 

The NY Times article, if it appears, might draw a connection between this and Christie's ARC Tunnel hose job.  That's why it was of interest to the NYC area. 

 

 

It will definitely appear, pehaps as early as Sunday. They were requesting info from me late last night. Wall Street Journal on the case too.

I was astonished yesterday that #cincystreetcar was trending nationally on Twitter. I was also getting inquiries and questions and comments from friends in rail advocacy efforts in other states, as well as from people and organizations All Aboard Ohio sometimes partners with at the national level. Cincinnati was truly a national story yesterday, and not just in the news media. A lot of rail and transit advocates were watching Cincinnati yesterday. And you inspired a lot of people in a lot of different cities. The ripples from this will be felt for some time and in places not yet anticipated.

 

The NY Times article, if it appears, might draw a connection between this and Christie's ARC Tunnel hose job.  That's why it was of interest to the NYC area. 

 

 

Here's a cute example of some of the national interest in the Cincy Streetcar...

______

 

Dear #CincyStreetcar,

 

You're an inspiration. Hope we have the opportunity to swap spare parts with you some day.

 

Regards,

#KCstreetcar

The NYT is nationally distributed and it may be of national interest that a [local] Democrat pandered to the Tea Party and got elected and almost delivered the goods with dispatch. 

 

As far as some recent comments go, FWIW I think it may be a bit naive and idealistic to expect purity of process and flawless execution from council members.  I for one am happy with yesterday's results and don't want to dwell too much on the details of sausage-making.  Council did the right thing in the end and that's what matters most to me.

Congratulations! Good job Cincinnati!

Where is he getting the numbers that phase two alone will cost $250 million???

^His butt

The extension to Corry St. is about $50-60 million, including the purchase of two additional streetcars.  Extending north on Short Vine to Vine at Erkenbrecher is a similar distance, and so will likely cost about the same amount. 

 

Remember three things going forward:

-We already will have the streetcar maintenance facility with a capacity for over 10 streetcars

-Utility relocation will tend to be less expensive outside downtown

-From Corry St. to Erkenbrecker, almost zero curved (expensive!) track

 

 

The extension to Corry St. is about $50-60 million, including the purchase of two additional streetcars.  Extending north on Short Vine to Vine at Erkenbrecher is a similar distance, and so will likely cost about the same amount. 

 

Remember three things going forward:

-We already will have the streetcar maintenance facility with a capacity for over 10 streetcars

-Utility relocation will tend to be less expensive outside downtown

-From Corry St. to Erkenbrecker, almost zero curved (expensive!) track

 

But...But...

 

What about the argument from Smitherman and Brian Thomas saying

 

'There's an oil filled electric line that cannot be moved under Vine street. Phase 2 is impossible because we need specialized professionals from Sweden to take care of that infrastructure'.  That's at least $250billion :laugh:

The extension to Corry St. is about $50-60 million, including the purchase of two additional streetcars.  Extending north on Short Vine to Vine at Erkenbrecher is a similar distance, and so will likely cost about the same amount. 

 

Remember three things going forward:

-We already will have the streetcar maintenance facility with a capacity for over 10 streetcars

-Utility relocation will tend to be less expensive outside downtown

-From Corry St. to Erkenbrecker, almost zero curved (expensive!) track

 

But...But...

 

What about the argument from Smitherman and Brian Thomas saying

 

'There's an oil filled electric line that cannot be moved under Vine street. Phase 2 is impossible because we need specialized professionals from Sweden to take care of that infrastructure'.  That's at least $250billion :laugh:

 

You're forgetting that Vine St. Hill is too steep for streetcars, or have they let that one go already?

 

I had a before and after photo of the old streetcar tracks going up Vine St just north of Clifton. I look forward to the day I can do a before, after, after-after with new tracks running in the same place.

The extension to Corry St. is about $50-60 million, including the purchase of two additional streetcars.  Extending north on Short Vine to Vine at Erkenbrecher is a similar distance, and so will likely cost about the same amount. 

 

Remember three things going forward:

-We already will have the streetcar maintenance facility with a capacity for over 10 streetcars

-Utility relocation will tend to be less expensive outside downtown

-From Corry St. to Erkenbrecker, almost zero curved (expensive!) track

 

But...But...

 

What about the argument from Smitherman and Brian Thomas saying

 

'There's an oil filled electric line that cannot be moved under Vine street. Phase 2 is impossible because we need specialized professionals from Sweden to take care of that infrastructure'.  That's at least $250billion :laugh:

 

There was also a sewer that prevented a baseball stadium from being built at Broadway Commons, but not a casino...

 

 

As far as some recent comments go, FWIW I think it may be a bit naive and idealistic to expect purity of process and flawless execution from council members.  I for one am happy with yesterday's results and don't want to dwell too much on the details of sausage-making.  Council did the right thing in the end and that's what matters most to me.

While I'm certainly pleased with the outcome, I've been pretty shocked at the pettiness from a lot of the politicians involved.  I never thought Cranley would support the streetcar; I also never thought he would disclaim responsibility for the past administration, or casually claim City employees were anything but honest and hard-working.  Your campaign was based on the idea that you can run the show better than the other guys; that means you are accepting responsibility; the responisbility to fix it or get it done right.

 

It's not so much purity of process or flawless execution so much as it is about basic respect.  The level of presumption with this whole debacle was through the roof.  Here's a basic standard I believe we can all get behind:  If you are a public figure, someone who chooses to run for office, expect to be criticized, especially for your motives, and especially when you are applying different standards.  If you are a public figure, don't use the enhanced attention you get to speak poorly of people who don't have instant access to the media.  If you don't have humility, don't expect respect.  This is a freaking democracy.

This whole process, while unpleasent at times reinvigerated my (and no doubt others) passion for this city and the people that live here.  This resolution showed that government works can work and we have an opportunity to participate in that process (often not pretty).  Think about all of the new people we met, bonds we created and a renewed sense of vested interest in the streetcar and our great city.  We are better off now than we were 2 months ago.

 

I agree with 99% of what you said, but I slightly altered your sentence above because it's important that we realize how lucky we were this week.  This could have easily gone the other way.  We're very fortunate that we ended up with 3 council members that are supporters and 3 that were open-minded.  It's good to know that PG, Mann, and Flynn are willing to make decisions based on facts and on what's valid in the moment, not on what they thought was true a month ago. 

 

I've actually been wondering if 4 year terms saved the project yesterday.  That gives Flynn enough time to make a reputation for himself, as well as for the streetcar to be operational prior to the next election.  If he had to be in campaign mode 18 months from now with the project still under construction, a new councilman who got elected on his third try may not have been willing to stick his neck out for this.

We're very fortunate that we ended up with 3 council members that are supporters and 3 that were open-minded.  It's good to know that PG, Mann, and Flynn are willing to make decisions based on facts and on what's valid in the moment, not on what they thought was true a month ago.

 

The fact that politicians made a decision based on facts is (sadly) refreshing out of this whole ordeal. In today's political climate, it seems as most on both sides of the aisle are planted in ideology instead of thinking critically and giving the other side some credit where it's due and making a decision based on that.

 

What happened yesterday took courage and for that, my respect has been earned.

 

I've actually been wondering if 4 year terms saved the project yesterday.  That gives Flynn enough time to make a reputation for himself, as well as for the streetcar to be operational prior to the next election.  If he had to be in campaign mode 18 months from now with the project still under construction, a new councilman who got elected on his third try may not have been willing to stick his neck out for this.

 

Someone very close to the politics of City Hall said just the same thing to be a couple of minutes ago.

As far as the current mayor goes.... respect the office, not necessarily the man.

I've actually been wondering if 4 year terms saved the project yesterday.  That gives Flynn enough time to make a reputation for himself, as well as for the streetcar to be operational prior to the next election.  If he had to be in campaign mode 18 months from now with the project still under construction, a new councilman who got elected on his third try may not have been willing to stick his neck out for this.

 

Maybe you're right, but your assessment still presumes that campaigning is a bad thing in and of itself.  If the Cranley win over Qualls tells us anything (or the We Believe in Cincinnati peition drive), it's woe to those who think they are above campaigning.

I've actually been wondering if 4 year terms saved the project yesterday.  That gives Flynn enough time to make a reputation for himself, as well as for the streetcar to be operational prior to the next election.  If he had to be in campaign mode 18 months from now with the project still under construction, a new councilman who got elected on his third try may not have been willing to stick his neck out for this.

 

Kevin Flynn mentioned that he may not even run for re-election in four years. Who knows what his motivations are/were.

 

You do make a good point regarding four-year terms. The streetcar will be up and running by the next election. I'm not sure if it will still be a polarizing issue then, but at the very least, Flynn, Mann, and PG can say they "made the best of a bad situation" and kept it on budget.

Today on 700WLW Cranley called for a return to 2-year terms. 

Update!

 

STREETCAR PROGRESS UPDATE: DEC. 20, 2013

 

Happy Holidays from the Cincinnati Streetcar Project Team!

 

Here’s what’s coming up over the next two weeks:

 

Thursday, Dec. 26

 

Rail delivery on Elm Street (Findlay to McMicken). Elm Street will be closed from 11am-4pm.

Friday, Dec. 27 & Saturday, Dec. 28

 

Rail installation resumes north of Findlay Market

Monday, Dec. 30

 

Rebar installation resumes on Elm Street, north of Findlay Market.

Building wood forms for trackwork resumes north of Findlay Market, with concrete placement expected Jan. 2-3.

Work resumes on traffic signals and poles for overhead power.

Water main work resumes on Walnut & Main streets.

Thursday, Jan. 2

 

Excavation for trackwork resumes at Findlay & Elm streets. This intersection will be closed for several days.

Also, please be aware that utility work along the route will be gearing back up.

 

Traffic Alerts

As noted above, Elm Street will be closed between Findlay Street and McMicken Avenue from 11am-4pm on Thursday. Dec. 26 for a rail delivery.

Prus will be excavating for trackwork at Findlay and Elm streets. The intersection will be closed for several days -- but detours will be clearly posted!

A Triumph for Transit in Cincinnati Could Mark Major Policy Shift

BY KEITH BARRY - WIRED

 

After much deliberation, a controversial streetcar project will move forward in Cincinnati. It’s a major step for the city, and for advocates of expanded urban public transit.

 

Despite electing a mayor whose platform included canceling the Cincinnati Streetcar, Cincinnati’s City Council voted 6-3 to restart construction on the project. So far, $34 million had already been spent on building the line, and audits showed that canceling it may have cost almost as much as completing it.

 

“We’re going to have a streetcar,” Mayor John Cranley announced at a press conference yesterday, just a little more than a month after he made a declaration that the streetcar project would be scrapped in favor of funding other city services. Supporters of both sides in the streetcar debate made public statements saying that it was time for the city to move past the debate and accept the City Council’s vote.

 

Cont

<<From:FakeCinEnquirer on: Today at 05:08:31 am>>

Smitherman also said today:

 

"This is not over.  These streetcar supporters are gloating but, as we all know in politics, things can change in an instant"

 

I get the feeling that COAST may again try to collect signatures to force yet another vote on the Streetcar.  Does anyone else on this forum think at this point COAST will really bother to go to all that trouble?

 

When is enough, enough? How many times can they force a referendum on the same issue before it's considered a settled matter?

okay, here's a little diversion: Today on the Brian Lehrer show on WNYC radio (public) a listener originally from Cincinnati called in response to an on-air news quiz and mentioned the streetcar. Lehrer, an New Yorker who went to grad school at Ohio State, then mentioned the "regressive politicians" of Cincinnati (he must read urbanohio). The caller later said something about "regressive racial politics" in Cincy. But for anyone still stinging over the southern Ohio "accent" controversy on another thread earlier this year, I would advise them not to listen to the clip :laugh:--for all others, just skip to 20:04-23:40 on the audio feed on the link--

 

2013 News Quiz! (Rep Your Region)

http://www.wnyc.org/story/the-brian-lehrer-show-2013-12-20/

Maybe you're right, but your assessment still presumes that campaigning is a bad thing in and of itself.

 

No it doesn't. You can recognize there are pros and cons to both ways. Recognizing that commitment to long-term investments is harder with shorter election cycles is not a statement that campaigning is bad.

 

If the Cranley win over Qualls tells us anything (or the We Believe in Cincinnati peition drive), it's woe to those who think they are above campaigning.

 

It also tells us that when politicians are in campaign mode it is advantageous to play fast and loose with the facts. The greater amount of time politicians spend campaigning while in office is likely to be proportional to a decrease in the significance of the role of facts in informing their policy decisions.

<<From:FakeCinEnquirer on: Today at 05:08:31 am>>

Smitherman also said today:

 

"This is not over.  These streetcar supporters are gloating but, as we all know in politics, things can change in an instant"

 

I get the feeling that COAST may again try to collect signatures to force yet another vote on the Streetcar.  Does anyone else on this forum think at this point COAST will really bother to go to all that trouble?

 

When is enough, enough? How many times can they force a referendum on the same issue before it's considered a settled matter?

 

Folks, learn to enjoy your victories. How can you move forward when you spend so much time looking over your shoulder?

 

Want to do something nice? Go take some coffee and doughnuts to the workers on Tuesday morning or whenever it is they start working again. Be sure to thank them for their labors in making Cincinnati an even greater city.

A Triumph for Transit in Cincinnati Could Mark Major Policy Shift

BY KEITH BARRY - WIRED

 

After much deliberation, a controversial streetcar project will move forward in Cincinnati. It’s a major step for the city, and for advocates of expanded urban public transit.

 

Despite electing a mayor whose platform included canceling the Cincinnati Streetcar, Cincinnati’s City Council voted 6-3 to restart construction on the project. So far, $34 million had already been spent on building the line, and audits showed that canceling it may have cost almost as much as completing it.

 

“We’re going to have a streetcar,” Mayor John Cranley announced at a press conference yesterday, just a little more than a month after he made a declaration that the streetcar project would be scrapped in favor of funding other city services. Supporters of both sides in the streetcar debate made public statements saying that it was time for the city to move past the debate and accept the City Council’s vote.

 

Cont

 

Always fun when you click on a link that somebody else posts, and find they've used your photos.

 

(Not being sarcastic -- I am OK with anyone using my streetcar photos to accompany posts about the streetcar.)