Author: David C. Ben

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News

Don’t Outlaw Choice

Often, those seeking to pass Issue 9 base their skepticism for rail transit on the idea that the success of such a system is unknowable. They claim that there is no way to tell the specific impacts an integrated transportation system will have on our city. Their argument is only true to a point. While pin-point specific data cannot be known until after a system begins operation, there is an ocean of data available from the scores of cities that have chosen to invest in this technology.

Look, if Cincinnati were the first city to come up with the idea of rail transportation, the opponents’ skepticism would be legitimate and welcomed. But we have already seen the effects in literally DOZENS of cities. The results are in and these systems work. The vast majority of their skepticism is baseless, unproductive, and downright ignorant when considering the amount of data that exists supporting rail transportation in its various forms.

Why would they attempt to ban all funding for a public good? Transportation is a public good with public benefits. Because transportation has public benefits and is considered a basic public service, transportation in ALL its forms (including roads) is publicly funded. Just as I-75 wasn’t funded by an individual or a company, neither should rail be. Local leaders need options of how to pay for this public service.

So where does the money come from? In many instances, the large public benefit of transit encourages federal and state funding. But if Issue 9 passes, the ability for Cincinnati leaders to obtain that funding becomes impossible. Federal dollars are highly competitive, and only the cities with the strongest and fastest applications will receive those dollars. Requiring a public vote will slow the process to the point where Cincinnati is taken out of the running. This leaves no choice for local leaders but to fund these projects with just local dollars.

Therefore, to pass Issue 9 is to eliminate choice. It eliminates the choice of city leaders to find funding. But more significantly, it eliminates the choice of how Cincinnatians live.

Passing Issue 9 will outlaw the choice to either drive or take a commuter train to work in the morning.

Passing Issue 9 will outlaw the choice of Cincinnatians to either drive or ride high-speed rail to that conference in Chicago, that protest in DC, that OSU game in Columbus, that concert in St. Louis, that holiday in New York City.

Passing Issue 9 would outlaw the choice to take a train to Bengals game, or pay for $3/gal gas and $15 for parking on top of $80 dollar tickets and $8 beers.

Passing Issue 9 eliminates the choice between having a worry-free night on the town, or having to call it an early night so as to not drive while intoxicated.

Don’t outlaw choice. Vote No on Issue 9.

For more information, visit Cincinnatians for Progress. There you can see who else wants to preserve choice, check out their blog, see other reasons why Issue 9 leads to ineffective governance, sign up to volunteer, request a yard sign, or even donate to the cause.

Image credit here.
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News

City Cellars: A Downtown Oasis

City Cellars is easy to miss a you travel south down Race Street, and while it’s not large in stature, it is quite well done and an important player in our community. Nestled at the NE corner of 9th and Race streets in the heart of downtown, a gigantic mural nearly overshadows the set-back storefront. Before walking into the store, you just might walk past Jim Tarbell or General Manager Brian Hymel enjoying a glass of beer or wine on the front porch of the establishment.

There’s always something going on at City Cellars as evidenced by their busy weekend coming up. There is a Cellar Party this weekend with 20% off everything in the cellar and free pizza! It runs from 5pm to 7pm on Saturday and you must RSVP by 2pm on Friday by sending an email to citycellars@citycellars.biz. On Sunday City Cellars will be hosting a tailgate party for the Bengals game. Bryan plans on staying open this week & every other week for the Bengals games which include a tailgate for home games & viewing party for all games just as long as the the Bengals are on TV. We recommend calling ahead to check the schedule at 513-621-9463.

City Cellars photography by David Ben

In addition to the events going on this weekend, City Cellars offers a wine tasting event each Tuesday called TGIT, or “Thank Grapes it’s Tuesday! ” A wine representative is on hand every Tuesday to provide detailed information about each wine, the region it comes from, and how to purchase a bottle. Tastings are between 5:30pm and 7:30pm each Tuesday, but guests are encouraged to come at any point over the two hours. At just $8 for four (generous) pours, it’s a fantastic way to unwind after work.

If hunger strikes while sipping a Syrah or Grenache, try one of their incredible brick-oven pizzas available for purchase. Or, of you’d like something just a bit lighter, sample the cheeses and crackers offered at no charge. And as if there aren’t enough reasons to love City Cellars, they are also huge fans of the Cincinnati Streetcar. See some of the reasons why they like it here.

Dave Rolfes also contributed to this article.
Categories
News Politics

Contact the White House on the behalf of Cincinnati

A few weeks back, I wrote about the newly formed White House Office of Urban Affairs (OUA), which seeks to be more mindful of the impact federal policies have on metropolitan areas. As a way to better our metropolitan areas, the director of OUA has begin a several month-long tour of American cities.

Director Carrion’s focus recently has centered on cities’ efficiencies and therefore their natural ability to serve as the catalyst for a new, environmentally conscious economy. Director Carrion spent Tuesday in Kansas City meeting with “Special Assistant to the President on Urban Policy Derek Douglas, Special Adviser for Green Jobs Van Jones, … HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, Transportation Deputy Secretary John Porcari [and] … local elected officials, stakeholders, and community members to discuss the development of the Green Impact Zone, an initiative which is using federal and local resources to invest in components of sustainable living and to create jobs in one of the city’s most challenged communities.”

The Director will be touring the nation holding similar meeting and seeking input to shape his policies. The fact that his first of such meetings focused on the potential for cities to act as an incubator for the green economy demonstrates Carrion’s willingness to research new, innovative ideas. As a result, the director’s policies will favor those cities that best implement best practices and innovative techniques.

Cincinnati needs to be on this list of innovative cities. There is no reason that our manufacturing past cannot resurrect itself to be the leader in inventive technology. One way to ensure that Cincinnati stands up and is counted among the cities that does not want to be left behind is to send a loud, clear message that we want to be involved. The White House encourages Americans to request that Director Carrion stop in their city to discuss their issues with him.

We ought to take the White House up on this offer. Please send a clear message to the Obama Administration that Cincinnati is a force to be reckoned with by emailing urbanaffairs@who.eop.gov. When you do, respectfully request that Director Carrion come to Cincinnati, and mention whatever urban issues you think are most pressing. When I wrote I motioned that Cincinnati’s once-booming manufacturing infrastructure currently lays under-utilized, so we need policies to encourage business development in the US. I also said that the gorgeous and historic architecture of this city is undervalued and under-appreciated, which accelerates its demise, so we need policy that encourages restoration and infill as opposed to demolition and new building. Finally, I praised the administration for taking a firm stance on high speed rail, and pled for a set of comprehensive, fair and practical transportation policies that encourage competition instead of an auto-centric monopoly.

If you have a moment, please write a few sentences on why Cincinnati needs to host the Director of Urban Affairs, and send it to urbanaffairs@who.eop.gov. It is vital for the future of this city that the voices of Cincinnatians be heard as they are crafting policy.

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News

Christian Moerlein Celebrates Oktoberfest with a Keg Tapping

“Greater Cincinnati has so many wonderful Oktoberfest events,” declares Don Heinrich Tolzmann, President of the German-American Citizen League “We wanted to use this occasion to celebrate the start of the season.”

And really, is there a better way to start any season than with a good ‘ol fashioned keg tapping? In honor of the unofficial start of the Oktoberfest Season, Christian Moerlein Brewing Company and German-American Citizens League of Greater Cincinnati will host a ceremonial keg tapping of the seasonal Moerlein Oktoberfest. The tapping will occur as part of a social gathering on Friday, August 14 at Kopling Center (Google Map)

Mr. Manfred Schnetzer, a longtime member of the Kolping Society, will perform the honorary tapping promptly at 7pm, but the event runs from 5pm to midnight. In addition to the ceremony, Mr. Greg Hardman, President and CEO of Christian Moerlein Brewing Co., will give a brief presentation.

The event will feature live music by Die Vereinsmusikanten, German food, and the raffling of many unique items. A large stein collection will be on display with items for purchase. Moerlein Artist Jim Effler will be on hand to sign Commemorative Moerlein Oktoberfest posters. Admission and parking are both free.

If you’ve never tried Oktoberfest before, it’s delicious. Whether you can make it to the event or not, I recommend picking up a sixer to get you in the spirit.

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News

Misguided amendment garnering state-wide opposition

Sunday’s Enquirer featured an opinion piece that called the recently proposed Charter amendment to ban all passenger rail expenditures without a prior vote a “poison pill.” The Enquirer’s piece marks yet another local institution that’s committed to voicing their opposition to the dangerous amendment. Followers of transportation debates in Cincinnati will readily admit that the Enquirer has been vocally opposed to the proposed streetcar line, so it is clear that they’ve seen the dangers of passing such an ill-conceived restriction on our city’s Charter.

The debate surrounding the proposed amendment has garnered attention beyond the I-275 loop as well. Although only residents of the City of Cincinnati have the ability to vote on this amendment, its potential negative implications have warranted statewide criticism.

A Columbus-based group that promotes the free markets by advocating for greater transportation choices, All Aboard Ohio, voted unanimously to adopt a resolution condemning the amendment as “punitive and discriminatory.” The resolution goes on to argue that if passes, the amendment would only bolster a predominately car-based public policy that “siphoned jobs, residents and wealth from the city [and] will continue to be funded by taxpayers in the City of Cincinnati.” The group’s president, Bill Hutchison, decries:

“This is very sad to see this happening… They’re really not thinking this through. Passenger rail has a strong record of bringing economic vitality and environmental quality to urban centers throughout the world. For groups who claim to want these characteristics for Cincinnati yet seek an anti-rail charter amendment is very disappointing.”

The groups Mr. Hutchinson references are the Green Party and the local chapter of the NAACP, which helped circulate petitions to place the proposed amendment on the November ballot. The Green party’s involvement befuddles most, as an increase of options for non-vehicular transportation aligns closely with green initiatives. Furthermore, in increase in transportation options not only creates jobs, but allows those without the means to purchase a car greater mobility and access to existing jobs.

WHIO, a news talk radio station in Dayton, cautioned this weekend of the dangers of the amendment. “The issue also could put the brakes on Cincinnati’s involvement in future rail projects across Ohio,” the statement warned, “meaning the proposed high-speed rail proposed by the federal government could be in jeopardy.”