^haha, which is the reason I wouldn't put to much stock in that poll on 19.  Journalism in this town keeps getting better and better.

Good job Brad. Unfortunately, Ch 19 poll at the moment is 87-13% against at the time of the report.

 

Here is the wording of the poll question: "Do you think the successful future of Downtown Cincinnati requires the presence of a streetcar system?"

 

That is a horrible poll question

 

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.

^I was watching the 10 O'clock news on Fox 19 and heard the $128 million figure.. when were you watching? 

 

I second that the poll question was worded horribly.. hell I would have said no.  Downtown will be successful with or without the streetcar, the streetcar will help spread amplify and spread that success. 

 

And on a side note, 19 or 5 are the only news broadcasts I'll watch.  I can't stand 12.. 9 is alright.

The poll on the Fox 19 website (I can't find it now) was something to the effect of, "Will you be a regular user of the streetcar if it is built?"

^I was watching the 10 O'clock news on Fox 19 and heard the $128 million figure.. when were you watching? 

 

I second that the poll question was worded horribly.. hell I would have said no.  Downtown will be successful with or without the streetcar, the streetcar will help spread amplify and spread that success. 

 

And on a side note, 19 or 5 are the only news broadcasts I'll watch.  I can't stand 12.. 9 is alright.

 

I heard 200 million at 10pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

 

CINCYSTREETCAR.COM RE-LAUNCHES WITH NEW FOCUS, DESIGN

 

 

Two years after its initial launch the website www.cincystreetcar.com has been re-launched with a new focus and design.  The new site features expanded multi-media content, links to the various studies on Cincinnati Streetcar, updated route maps, and a gallery of supporters.

 

 

“We wanted to broaden the scope of the site,” says Brad Thomas, the founder of cincystreetcar.com.  “Initially this project began as an initiative of the Mayor’s Young Professional Kitchen Cabinet, but we want to make clear that the streetcar benefits all the residents of Cincinnati, everyone from young families to the elderly.”  Charles Schaser, a Price Hill resident who has been involved in the streetcar effort agrees streetcars are an important part of the City’s future.  “Around the country, streetcars are proven tools of economic development.  Where the tracks go, new development follows,” Schaser says.

 

 

The new site features links to the numerous studies that have been conducted on the streetcar and details the benefits of investing in the Cincinnati Streetcar.  “Tom Luken, one of the leaders of the Anti-Passenger Rail Charter Amendment, speaking to the Enquirer about streetcar advocates said ‘They’ve got an answer for everything,’” says Thomas, “He’s right, the streetcar has been thoroughly studied and you can find the answers at Cincystreetcar.com.”

 

 

Cincystreetcar.com would like to thank all those who have donated their time and resources to the streetcar campaign, especially The Hodges Law Group and Mr. & Mrs. Charles Prince & Family for providing financial and technical support.

 

 

I found the "slide show" feature annoying.  So much so, that I closed the site without reading much.

I like the new site, i was a little confused by the "support" tab...i would have expected to learn about ways of supporting the plan, rather than a list of people that are supporting it.

 

I'll assume that some of the links under volunteer just aren't live yet...that is, they don't currently have anything behind them by design.

i agree, the way the slideshow transitions hurts my eyes.  Its too sharp.  Is there an easy way to make the change smoother?  Otherwise, great job on the site!

The slideshows can be paused by pressing the "video" button

Byron: I am going to a football game later today.  I want to show my support for the Cincinnati Streetcar and the football team.  What garment shall I wear?

thomasbw: Good News.  Market Wines in Findlay Market has new Cincinnati Streetcar T-Shirts in gameday colors.

Byron: Wow that is great.  I think I will buy one of each. Where did you say I could find these?

thomasbw: Market Wines at 128 W. Elder St. in historic Findlay Market. Here is their website: http://www.marketwines.net/

Byron: That's swell! Do you have any pictures?

thomasbw: Sure,

[/scene]

i agree, the way the slideshow transitions hurts my eyes. Its too sharp. Is there an easy way to make the change smoother? Otherwise, great job on the site!

 

I thought the same thing.  It probably cycled through five or six times before I even finished reading a paragraph.

There's a sign on Norwood lateral (by Paddock close to the 75 side) that is some shop's wooden homemade propaganda sign says:

 

Police                    Yes

 

Fire Dept            Yes

 

Streetcars          No

 

ohh man, how long till november...

^ 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've seen that sign...they also have a Brad Wenstrup sign up.  I think it's that rock/stone place.

 

I'm not an advocate of businesses expressing their political views.  It makes me not want to do business with them.

 

Also, are they even in the City?

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

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

Bond Hill

i agree, the way the slideshow transitions hurts my eyes. Its too sharp. Is there an easy way to make the change smoother? Otherwise, great job on the site!

 

I thought the same thing. It probably cycled through five or six times before I even finished reading a paragraph.

Displaying the image longer would be nice and a cross fade transition would be less jarring.

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

Bond Hill

 

Auditor's site says Bond Hill

Appraisal Area  BOND HILL &nbsp02600 BOND HILL

 

I'm not an advocate of businesses expressing their political views. It makes me not want to do business with them.

 

 

 

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.

regardless of whether or not i agree with a company's take on an issue, i don't think that it's good business practice to display a stance.

 

Now i know that i won't work with them...or with Acme Locks because of bumper stickers on their trucks.

 

Anyway, i wasn't sure if that was Bond Hill or St. Bernard where 75 and the Lateral come together.  Now i know, thanks!

regardless of whether or not i agree with a company's take on an issue, i don't think that it's good business practice to display a stance.

 

 

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

 

mailto:[email protected]

 

regardless of whether or not i agree with a company's take on an issue, i don't think that it's good business practice to display a stance.

 

That's a valid point.  Similarly, Michael Jordan was once grilled for not using his fame to be more politically active.  His response was something along the lines of "hey, Republicans buy shoes, too".  It's often best to appear neutral and not alienate half of your customer base needlessly.

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 could, i tend not to scold others for their political beliefs, though...(except on forums...i like to do it there).

 

I think Acme had stickers supporting the NRA and McCain/Palin.  That's fine...i just won't do business with them.

^

I kinda think Wenstrup had an event there -- maybe even his campaign kickoff.

I could, i tend not to scold others for their political beliefs, though...(except on forums...i like to do it there).

 

 

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.

I agree.  For whatever reason, it's tough to dispell the notion that money marked for one purpose isn't able to pay for something else.

 

For the greater good: Does anyone know if i am imagining things when i believe i saw something on a streetcar website talking about yard signs? and maybe it said something about: contact us here if you want one...that sort of thing?

^ 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..

Not doing business with someone because their political opinions differ from yours is absurd. 

 

Also, misleading and stupid campaign signs are nothing new. 

Not doing business with someone because their political opinions differ from yours is absurd.

 

It's not that absurd, it's the basic concept behind boycotts.  It's why Gaddafi couldn't find a place to stay in New York this week after visiting the UN... hotels wouldn't do business with him because of his political opinions.

^ 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..

 

Good for them. However, it's going to take more than just yard signs. ShermanCahal had a great idea he told me about. How about Cincinnatians for Progress buy a billboard on 75 or 71 with a photo of a traffic jam, the text should read "Do you like sitting in traffic? Neither do we. Vote No on Issue 9. If the supporters don't get out there and do something Issue 9 will pass. Being right about an issue doesn't mean that the issue will go the way you want it. How many times in this country's history have a small vocal minority gotten stupid things passed?

 

If Cincinnati is going to ever have a chance of getting light rail, streetcars, or high-speed rail then Issue 9 needs to be defeated. However, sitting here amongst a majority of people who are for rail transit and discussing how great it is isn't going to accomplish anything.

There's a sign on Norwood lateral (by Paddock close to the 75 side) that is some shop's wooden homemade propaganda sign says:

 

Police                    Yes

 

Fire Dept             Yes

 

Streetcars           No

 

ohh man, how long till november...

 

Put up your own signs along the Norwood Lateral, before and after the opposition's sign. Or, better still, put up a forest of "No on 9" yard signs between that business and the road to distract motorists to look at the yard signs instead.

Not doing business with someone because their political opinions differ from yours is absurd.

 

It's not that absurd, it's the basic concept behind boycotts. It's why Gaddafi couldn't find a place to stay in New York this week after visiting the UN... hotels wouldn't do business with him because of his political opinions.

 

There are "political opinions" and then there's killing hundreds if not thousands of innocent people.  One of these things is okay to boycott over, the other does nothing but enforce partisan agenda and essentially hurt the city in the long run.

There are "political opinions" and then there's killing hundreds if not thousands of innocent people. One of these things is okay to boycott over, the other does nothing but enforce partisan agenda and essentially hurt the city in the long run.

I hardly think that if i choose to not do business with a company because of their public opinion on political matters that it is going to hurt the city or even enforce a partisan agenda.  After all, i am not calling for a boycott, i'm just expressing my opinion as an individual.

 

Besides, it is my view that the stance being taken by this company, in particular, is going to hurt this city in the long run.

ShermanCahal had a great idea he told me about. How about Cincinnatians for Progress buy a billboard on 75 or 71 with a photo of a traffic jam, the text should read "Do you like sitting in traffic? Neither do we. Vote No on Issue 9."

 

This is a great idea.

I like it.

These companies may as well just close up shop!

ShermanCahal had a great idea he told me about. How about Cincinnatians for Progress buy a billboard on 75 or 71 with a photo of a traffic jam, the text should read "Do you like sitting in traffic? Neither do we. Vote No on Issue 9."

 

This is a great idea.

 

I remember being stuck in traffic on a Chicago freeway, and seeing a Metra train zoom by on an overpass and thinking "wow, that's all the advertising they need..."

It's true. CFP has enough in its coffers to purchase a billboard for a time slot running prior to the November vote, so I'm not for sure why they are not pursuing something more dynamic.

 

I've said this in private but not on a public forum, but I'm not exactly a fan of how CFP manages its campaign. The YouTube video contest may be gimmicky and cute, but it isn't effective. It targets a demographic of 18-35 that is engaged in the Internet and its various social media functions, and a demographic that is more likely to vote for a streetcar and against Issue 9. It targets a demographic that is also less likely to vote.

 

What should be done is an aggressive campaign to court the undecided -- namely, the 35-50 demographic that is more apt to vote against the streetcar and for Issue 9. They are less inclined to vote or design a YouTube video, are less instructed on social media, and need to be catered in different manners. After all, they commute on Interstate 71 and 75 in rush hour -- they know how awful it is, and they need a prodding that there are alternatives.

Nice juxtaposition of Powell's Books on the streetcar and the library in the background.

Nice juxtaposition of Powell's Books on the streetcar and the library in the background.

 

I considered changing it to Joseph Beth but I quickly realized how difficult and time consuming that would be.

CFP can send the youtube videos in a chain letter mixed with pictures of the 50s and 60s talking about the glory days of yesteryear.  That would surely reach the older demographic.

That sign has been up since last April at least!    I used to drive by it everyday.   

The billboard idea is great!!!!!!!!   

I'm not sure I've ever seen so many arm chair quarterbacks when it comes to a political campaign as I have seen with Issue 9 and CFP.  Every time CFP does something people come out and say that it's not doing this, or not doing that.  This is all well and good, but at this point we need to mobilize and quit trying to debate the tactics.  What would be more useful is volunteering your time or technical skills to help the campaign.

Nice juxtaposition of Powell's Books on the streetcar and the library in the background.

 

I considered changing it to Joseph Beth but I quickly realized how difficult and time consuming that would be.

 

Nah, keep it Powell's. If we're successful in importing Portland's streetcars to Cincinnati, we can then try importing their kick-ass bookstore.

This is the best sentence ever written:

 

"Never send a bus to do a train's job."

I'm not sure I've ever seen so many arm chair quarterbacks when it comes to a political campaign as I have seen with Issue 9 and CFP. Every time CFP does something people come out and say that it's not doing this, or not doing that. This is all well and good, but at this point we need to mobilize and quit trying to debate the tactics. What would be more useful is volunteering your time or technical skills to help the campaign.

 

Some of us work for a living and have a variety of other commitments. If you are asking for some of us to go to Findlay Market and pass out flyers, there are some who are doing that but based on recent poll numbers, it's not taking a huge effect if any. I know that CFP has raised enough money to install at least one billboard along a major interstate highway that would reach a much higher targeted audience, but it is something that can only be done within a group of individuals -- not singulars, because of the cost issue alone.

 

That said, I can't make the CFP meetings because of commitments at work and in my photo-ops, and my time free is pretty much left open only for the weekends.

Some of us work for a living and have a variety of other commitments. If you are asking for some of us to go to Findlay Market and pass out flyers, there are some who are doing that but based on recent poll numbers, it's not taking a huge effect if any. I know that CFP has raised enough money to install at least one billboard along a major interstate highway that would reach a much higher targeted audience, but it is something that can only be done within a group of individuals -- not singulars, because of the cost issue alone.

 

Everyone has jobs, school, and other commitments.  What I'm saying is that instead of debating what tactics should be used from the safety of an internet forum, why not get directly involved.  CFP has plenty of volunteer opportunities available beyond handing out flyers at Findlay Market.

 

The billboard idea is probably a great idea for a county-wide vote like the 2002 Regional Transit Plan, but in terms of Issue 9 we're just dealing with city voters.  How many city voters are commuting into and out of Downtown via I-75 or I-71?  With that said, I'm only trying to get your energies to be used in a more productive way.  If you don't have the time, then you don't have the time.