The Choice Is Yours Cincinnati

By George J. Zamary

My observations of how the voters can change the direction of Cincinnati this November.

This is a year which allows a frustrated citizenry to change the face of council. The mayor has maintained a fragile majority of one vote in one of the most partisan and divided councils in recent history. Cooperation and professionalism no longer governs council. Instead, it is an air or attitude that only five council members need to be consulted to get things done. The others are left to their own devices in their efforts to represent the people who voted them into office.

I believe there is little question that council will change in this next election. Making a change to the majority truly rests with the voters on November 3, 2009. Yet, there is much work to be done now, before the election, to address the economic problems facing Cincinnati.

I have heard council members express their desire to fund every program presented to them. Whether these are shallow promises pandering to get votes remains to be seen. I have also heard statements of another candidate indicating that the government can never run out of money. I fear these individuals getting elected to council and continuing to implement policies that will further drive residents and businesses out of Cincinnati.

There is arrogance amongst many members of council who believe they are smarter than their constituents. I have witnessed some of the condescending behavior of council members first hand. They also attack other council members who are trying to be fiscally responsible and challenge the majority. The trickledown effect of the overriding attitude of council is that they cannot and will not include all members of council to find solutions for the people of Cincinnati. I personally have left Finance Committee and general council meetings flabbergasted at the behavior of the "Furlough Five."

The next council will literally have a few weeks to determine how to balance the projected $40 million deficit next year. Although issues such as the streetcar, casinos, and the potential sale of the Cincinnati Water Works are relevant issues on the ballot, the voters must seriously evaluate who they vote for to change the policies coming out of Cincinnati City Council.

My platform and message has been simple: 1) public safety must be priority one; 2) Cincinnati must revitalize its economic base; and 3) City Council must be fiscally responsible. I believe these areas have been virtually ignored by this council and their record proves me correct: 1) rising crime while council threatens to lay-off 138 police officers; 2) passage of the Environmental Justice Ordinance, essentially creating a fourth Environmental Protection Agency to be dealt with by businesses doing business in Cincinnati; and 3) a failure of Cincinnati City Council to structurally balance its budget since 2001.

I am pleased to say that my message has been well received by citizens and politically involved groups. I have received endorsements by the Westside Political Action Committee (POWR PAC), the Young Professional Political Action Committee (CincyPAC), and the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association. Now, I hope to receive the support of the Cincinnati voters.

I have rarely spoken to anyone who believes Cincinnati is on the right track. Now is the time to vote for new faces to join council and change the way it works for them. This is a rare opportunity where the voters truly have the ability to change the direction of Cincinnati. I have a plan that will allow Cincinnati to thrive in the face of this crossroad.

I am a supporter of the art community and believe Cincinnati is rich in resources. Cincinnati must get back to basics and rebuild from within. It has cultural riches that rival any city, as well as professional sports teams, and a world class zoo. We must build on our strengths and improve the quality of life for Cincinnati's residents.

Cincinnati maintains an advantage over other cities with respect to its access to the railroads, highways, and river. Cincinnati City Council must acknowledge that businesses may reap advantages being located in Cincinnati and provide incentives to lure businesses back to the urban core. Council must again pursue the initiatives discussed in the GO Cincinnati (Growth and Opportunities) Study for the City of Cincinnati. Council members must work to not just identify problems, but find solutions. Cincinnati City Council must grow the economic base and stop trying to tax itself to prosperity. It must be proactive to provide incentives to lure businesses back within city limits. It must reverse the trend of people moving out of Cincinnati.

I do not believe the politicians on City Council are trying to represent their constituents. They are, in my opinion, playing politics with not only the lives of its employees and former employees, but the very citizens they have sworn to serve. Whether I am successful in implementing positive policies related to redeveloping Cincinnati will be up to the voters on November 3, 2009.

I have been to virtually every neighborhood around Cincinnati in an effort to build a platform I believe truly benefits the people of Cincinnati. You can learn more about my platform and vision for Cincinnati at http://www.georgezamary.com.

I believe that fiscal responsibility must be a hallmark of the next council. I believe smart planning for the future growth of Cincinnati is needed now. We must develop walkable neighborhoods where people feel comfortable living and working. City Council must work with community leaders and police to create safe communities for residents and visitors alike. The time for debate and discussion has passed and council must again serve the taxpayer.

I ask for your support and the chance to serve this great city. Together, we can build a better Cincinnati and I believe a change at City Council is necessary to facilitate growth of this region. The choice is yours Cincinnati.

And, as always, I ask you to remember "Z" for Zamary on Election Day!