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Monday, July 02, 2007
The Problem with Christopher Smitherman
Posted by The Dean of Cincinnati
Photo courtesy of here.
The recent letter from Tim Burke, Chair of the Hamilton County Democratic Party, illustrates the problem with Christopher Smitherman—particularly for the power of the Hamilton County Democrats in Cincinnati. By announcing that he is running with the endorsement of the Southwest Ohio Green Party, Smitherman has blown open the exposure for alternative and progressive politics in the area. Now, African Americans feeling like Democrats take them for granted have a choice other than Republicans. So what might happen if Cincinnati’s black community gets hip to the Green Party?
The local Green Party has its share of power hungry politicking—what political party doesn’t?—but it is nothing compared to the complicated craziness of an “established” party like the Republicans or the Democrats. This is a significant point, because it means that a relatively small number of dedicated activists could easily get involved in the local Green Party in a manner not possible with the Democrats.
And whether Smitherman wins or loses a council seat is less relevant than the point of what his candidacy can bring to the life of alternative politics in Cincinnati. No wonder Burke is sending out emails. He’s worried that his party’s progressive wing might jump ship to get involved with something more exciting!
As the so-called Charter Party has totally lost its credibility with recent acts of obfuscation and misdirection, actually discouraging new people from even becoming simple dues paying members, the region needs something to fill the void left by Charter’s incompetence. What if the Green Party can fill the gap?
This will be a great year to watch, and to participate in Cincinnati politics!
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02 Jul 2007 at 07:41 pm | #
HA! I love it! I will be watching closely. It’s time for a “Black-Out"--for Blacks to get out of the Democrats, Republicans, and Charterites, and put their vote behind 1 candidate that is NOT part of the establishment.
Who needs soap operas with Smitherman? He brings the drama. LOVES IT!
02 Jul 2007 at 08:57 pm | #
Gee!
An infomercial for the Green Party…
here…
free of charge…
zzzzz
02 Jul 2007 at 09:16 pm | #
"actually discouraging new people from even becoming simple dues paying members,”
Should read: “ actually discouraging one person from even becoming a, trouble making, dues paying member.”
02 Jul 2007 at 09:41 pm | #
Red, Blue, Green ---- the only thing this tells us about Smitherman is that he’s using the Blacks to promote a political career and personal prestige and that he is untrustworthy, lacks any dedication or honor and hops like a whore from one bed to the other trying to gain favor, alienating and using those who welcome him.
Now, Smitherman’s tactics regarding the Safety Plan referendum makes pure and simple sense - it’s not about the Black community, or the community at large - it was a game to advance his personal career - and the Black community is the sacrificial lamb.
What an absolute jerk!
(Green Party - man up, you’re better than this player)
02 Jul 2007 at 11:22 pm | #
Can’t say I am wild about Smitherman. And I can’t say I am wild about the direction the Greens are going. But I am glad they are throwing their hat into the race. Competition is good.
03 Jul 2007 at 01:53 am | #
Tim Burke is panicking because a black man has dared to jump off the plantation. White Democrats like Master Pepper, Master Portune, and Master Burke are used to having their house slaves do exactly as whitey says. Problem is, Smitherman isn’t a house negro and will not be enslaved.
That’s not to say I’ve been converted to a Smitherman fan. He has a lot of work to do to show that he’ll do a much better job than he did the last time he was on Council (like focusing on real issues and not on how many cops went to Elder). But I can say that he’s proven he believes the voters should have a say in their government, which is a lot more than I can say for most Democrats and many Republicans, and he is working with a diverse group of people to get this done.
03 Jul 2007 at 05:26 am | #
It’s a dream come true for the Republicans. Taking African Americans completely out of the political process by paying a carnival barking shill to lure them to work their asses off in a non-party, with no platform, no members, and no influence. The local Greens aren’t the party of Ralph Nadar. And don’t talk about how insulting it is to think that blacks won’t fall for the rope a dope. Americans do it in huge numbers every day, at every level, from paying $300 for shoes and stuffed animals to buying into Iraq, to sitting by silently while people float away and die after Katrina. And the latest, the Latino boogeyman. Yeah, at least locally, there’s no worry about blacks as a political force if in large numbers they go over to the “Green” party. And how are you going to handle the Greens national message of inclusion and tolerance and fairness and the environment, etc., that so clashes with Smithermans. This is going to be interesting.
03 Jul 2007 at 05:28 am | #
Actually the Charter Committee lost its credibility after Smitherman was elected and made them look like fools.
Not sure how losing the election would bring life to the Green Party, and absolutely not sure his candidacy will bring it attention, but it is better for him then having no political endorsement at all.
03 Jul 2007 at 06:34 am | #
How insightful, anon2000! It’s absolutely incredible how Smitherman got the NAACP membership to increase so dramatically, and how (the day Portune came to answer questions about the safety plan) Smitherman got 99% of the people in the room to ask questions critical of the plan. It’s weird how he got into all our heads, without us knowing it, and got us to vote almost unanimously to oppose putting the tax on the ballot with no vote. How did he do that?
The reality, anon2000, is that Smitherman (with the petition drive) is following the will of the black community as represented by a large membership of the local NAACP. Your complaints are based on what you think black people need, and on what is good for your friend Todd Portune’s political career.
03 Jul 2007 at 07:30 am | #
thank you Dean....
question to the aforementioned ‘saviors’ of the kneegrow community in klancinnati: If in your opinion, Smitherman is such a jerk, a carnival barking shill, is untrustworthy, lacks any dedication or honor and hops like a whore from one bed to the other trying to gain favor, alienating and using those who welcome him, then prithy, who do YOU think is a better representative for the sacrificial lambs that is the cincinnAPATHY african american community?
03 Jul 2007 at 07:39 am | #
.
“...Problem is, Smitherman isn’t a house negro and will not be enslaved....”
We think coast would have a different opinion as he kisses ‘finney’s fanny’.
One should be careful who they hang with.
.
03 Jul 2007 at 10:13 am | #
still waiting....
03 Jul 2007 at 11:59 am | #
cincysue, isn’t having Portune and Pepper lined up with Si Leis and Pette Witte to build a new jail a dream come true for Republicans? I think so. Why did Portune vote for Heimlich’s jail tax too. He just loves jail taxes doesn’t he?
We’re not taking African Americans out of the process, we’re putting them back in the process. The dixiecrats have failed to deliver to African American voters anything but lip service ‘hey, at least we’re not the Republicans’ and that’s not acceptable in 2007.
Power is only responsive when it is insecure. Now Democrats will be forced to deliver or it will be their own party bosses fault when more and more of their traditional base marches over to the peace and social justice party.
We are the party of Ralph Nader, consumer, environmental and worker rights. We’re the people’s party and we’re coming to shift the power back from the corporations, their two corporate party’s and corporate owned politicians to the people. The people really have the right and duty to control their government.
We want to clean up the corrupt campaign financing of elections, oversight of our government, full funding for health and human services, environmental justice legislation with teeth, a fair tax system (meaning corporations and the rich pay their fair share for a change) and an end to the corporate welfare give aways to big corporations that make big campaign contributions to our so called public servants.
We are a national party, we have a great platform locally and nationally, we have the best candidate in the race and we’re going to win. Democrats will try to talk about everything but the issues. Ask Democrats how their candidates voted, what their records are and where their campaign contributions are coming from. Then watch them try to change the subject and launch personal attacks on people they don’t even know. Pathetic!
Had Enough? Vote Green 2007!
03 Jul 2007 at 12:44 pm | #
It’s amazing how black folks always hate on other black folks especially in public forums like blogs, newspapers and TV. You never see the Jewish community or any other community when they disagree with each other or their leadership take their comments (hate) to the public. Always behind closed doors. You never see Bush supporters dog him. They disagree with him on some issues but never dog him in public..it’s always phrases like,"I support our president”.
We’re the only community that airs our differences in public.
They on the other side love this! To see us at odds with each other. It’s devisive. That’s how we’re so easily controlled! Divide the community, get them fighting amongst themselves, then they come in with all the answers.
Since slavery up to now, it’s been the working model and still, to this day we don’t get it!
03 Jul 2007 at 01:33 pm | #
Cincyjeff Is Busted. Talk about your fucking hypocrites!
“Smitherman doesn’t understand the first thing about representing his organization in a professional manner. You notice that when he referred to black people, he capitalized the word, but when he referred to white people he kept it in lower-case. That may be fine if writing for Nate Livingston’s blog, but it’s inappropriate when representing a civil rights organization. Smitherman makes it real easy for everyone to recognize him as a racist.
As I see it the local NAACP needs to make two immediate changes:
1. Find a new President, one who isn’t a racist.
2. Get some professional looking letterhead.”
CincyJeff | 04.09.07 - 2:59 pm | #
http://www.haloscan.com/comments/cincyblog/5196119204586365742/
How quickly cincyjeff forgets his own comments slamming Smitherman on Cincinnati Blog. Too bad for him that Google never forgets!
Now go and fuck off cincyjerk.
03 Jul 2007 at 01:48 pm | #
Dean you are to the Democratic Party what Finney is to the Republican Party. It might be fun for now, but the price everyone will pay for your diverting from your usual studied opinions and tacitcs is very harmful.
I’ve always been for the “little guy,” the honest “little guy.”
Dean there’s things in the Plan I don’t like - but for me, it comes down to the programming and the oversight committee - two gems in the shit pail of a tax method - but, I’m willing to pay the tax if it gets people the help and chance every person deserves. Goverance is about reasonable compromise - this is the best effort we will ever see at compromise. Put the BOCC back in Republican hands, as you are working to do, will have every black person you claim to support in the new mugshot computer.
Why are you really against it - because more jail beds?- who cares. if those beds are only filled with people who refuse to accept the services and opportunity to get out of the system.
As to who should run the NAACP - I nominate Odell Owens. Matter of fact, I’d like to see him run against DeWine in the commissioners race too.
I had high hopes for Smitherman but making an alliance with COAST shows utter incompetence. The NAACP should have debated the Plan first - not the referendum - the Plan wasn’t even on the agenda - only whether to join the referendum. They never weighed the Plan only the means by which it was introduced. Stupid.
03 Jul 2007 at 05:26 pm | #
.
<i>”...suburban jane d’oh says:
03 Jul 2007 at 10:13 am | # still waiting....”
Any white man, of course.
.
03 Jul 2007 at 10:17 pm | #
Anon2000-
STFU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please!
03 Jul 2007 at 10:46 pm | #
anon2000 #16,
Why don’t you invent an organization and make Dr. Owens the president? You make a great example of why people need to choose their own leaders. Maybe you also think a misogynist should run N.O.W.? Do everybody a favor and keep your dumb ideas to yourself.
I know it’s a scary thought for people like you to think that people like me can think for ourselves, but get used to it. We want Smitherman in the position and will do whatever it takes to support him. He doesn’t need you to tell him what to do, how to act, or how to think. Get over yourself.
The referendum will make its way to the ballots this fall and voters will once again defeat the jail sales tax. Get over that too.
04 Jul 2007 at 06:46 am | #
Hey, I like the idea of Smitherman on City Council. He is one
of the few council members who has actually shaken things up there. He asked the right questions and insisted on answers.
I know this because I actually went down to City Hall and sat in on many of the meetings. Thanx Green Party for endorsing him.
Please remember, however, when you go to vote, that there is at least one candidate for City Council who has been endorsed by the Democratic Party whose ideals and principles are more closely aligned with the Green Party. That candidate is Brian
Garry. Vera Z
04 Jul 2007 at 07:31 am | #
The Jewish comment come up again and of course that’s Smitherman who’s obessed with the topic. Name a “Jewish cause” where there was the potential for division. And there’s no “white community” either. White people debate, debase, disagree with each other on every political issue. Pulling out the “our community” card as if blacks are supposed to think as one mind is racist. And if there were a community of blacks that cared about ocmmon interests they would be FOR a new, humane jail with rehabilitative and mental health care regardless of the price. IF there were a black community with one voice, they wouldn’t be on this nationalistic right-to-vote, no new taxes path because they would understand that it takes money to take care of social ills. What next? Is the “new black community” going to partner up with those that oppose affirmative action, medical cards and food stamps, fairness in housing, hiring and lending because costly infrastructures supported by tax dollars have to oversee these services. They do you know. Each of the paltry support services left to poor people cost precious tax dollars. And not a fair, equitable half cent sales tax. Should we start, or continue to, chip away at those? That’s what COAST would is fighting for. Next let’s vote on those issues. Bet COAST would organize that pretty quick.
04 Jul 2007 at 07:35 am | #
anon2000 wrote:
Huh? Here is what happened. (Why do I need to keep repeating this for you? Maybe we need to get the video online, so you can actually watch, and listen.)
Todd Portune shared details of his plan (after a really long introduction about other things). Then, the floor opened for questions. It became clear that the NAACP overwhelmingly opposes the plan.
As of the meeting, the Commissioners had not “officially” put the jail tax on the ballot. So, what was the membership to do?
Would it have made sense to either support or oppose a plan for which no one would have a vote? We all knew that was a possibility! So, a motion was introduced—not to vote on whether the NAACP supported or opposed the plan (it was obvious that almost everyone opposed the plan), but instead to vote on whether the NAACP wanted the issue on the ballot.
And, as everyone with half a brain should comprehend, if the issue were to go on the ballot, a more vigorous public discussion would be necessary as part of supporters trying to get it passed. More details would have to materialize in concrete terms. And exactly the kind of discussion you call for, anon2000, would be an obvious outcome!
With the NAACP membership voting almost unanimously (I think there was a single “Nay") to oppose placing this on the ballot without a vote, it only made sense for the NAACP to begin organizing a petition drive as soon as possible.
Now, anon2000, please pay close attention, because the timeline seems continually to confuse you: the NAACP was against the jail tax imposition, and they made clear their intent to mount a petition drive.
When other organizations—like the No Jail Tax PAC, and COAST—saw that the NAACP had taken the lead on this, they decided to help.
Now how absurd would it be for the NAACP to turn down volunteers for a petition drive of this magnitude?
You go on and on about how the NAACP has been hoodwinked by COAST. But that is completely not the point! COAST has provided volunteers to collect signatures for an initiative spearheaded by the NAACP. Why should the NAACP turn down help with such a massive project?
Here is where you get dishonest and manipulative, anon2000. Instead of examining the potentially different motives of COAST and the NAACP, you just go off on COAST, and suggest that anyone who agrees with them is a sinister, poor hating, black hating Republican—or something to that effect. Is the NAACP a bunch of poor hating, black hating Republicans? You try to avoid that loophole by saying they have been tricked by COAST. But don’t you understand they had their minds made up BEFORE COAST HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH THIS.
So be honest, anon2000. Find out why the members of the NAACP are against this, and clear you mind: it has nothing to do with Finney, or brainwashing, or COAST. Stop your obfuscation! Find the truth, and then you might have something legitimate to write!
04 Jul 2007 at 08:40 am | #
Smitherman needs to immediately clarify his position on immigrant’s rights. Will he, as City Council member do as the may of San Francisco has done and propose a resolution to make Cincinnati an amnesty zone for illegals? Will he support the national Greens position on the issue? Or will he buy into the local hate rhetoric about immigrants taking jobs, using services, that has made local Spanish people immigrants the target of hate crimes?
Greens urged Congress to enact the following:
• Amnesty and legalization for all currently undocumented immigrants in the US, with efforts to help them with education, living-wage jobs, and residential stability, with an emphasis on uniting families (same-sex and nontraditional as well as traditional): Greens call such measures an investment in our immigrant population that will pay off for everyone.
“The ‘American Dream’ legislation, promoted by Sen. Orrin Hatch [R-Ut] and Sen. Ted Kennedy [D-Mass] and offering future citizenship for college-bound undocumented immigrants, is a baby step in this direction, and it needs to be expanded,” said Gayle McLaughlin, Mayor of Richmond, California. “We are responsible as a nation for creating the horrendous conditions that brought so many people here, and it is our moral responsibility to create a comprehensive immigration reform policy that is fair, just and humane and that provides a path towards permanent residency. We in Richmond benefit very much with the wealth of culture, skills, talent, work habits, neighborhood pride, family prioritization and entrepreneurial spirit that we observe in our immigrants from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, India, Africa, and the whole world.”
• Renegotiation of NAFTA and other international trade agreements, which have caused economic devastation in Mexico and other Latin American nations as well as the loss of US jobs: current policies, which drive down wages for the benefit of corporate investments, dump US products on their markets, and uproot workers and their families, must be replaced with ‘fair trade’ agreements that protect and increase wages and benefits. Fair trade and policies that help working people instead of corporate lobbies will ensure economic stability, ending the flood of desperately poor and newly unemployed immigrants into the US after passage of NAFTA.
• An end to harassment and violent, disruptive raids on workplaces by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
• Cancellation of plans for a 370-mile border wall between the US and Mexico, part of Congress’s current deal under discussion for immigration legislation.
“Congress wants to create a new wall of shame comparable to the Berlin Wall during the Cold War,” said Rebecca Rotzler, Co-Chair of the Green Party of the United States and Deputy Mayor of the Village of New Paltz, New York. Ms Rotzler is Alaskan Native. “It would be environmental nightmare, disrupting wildlife and damaging the Rio Grande’s delicate ecosystem as well as a monument to the paranoia, racism, and enforced poverty that have plagued and separated indigenous peoples of the Americas for centuries. Whether our brothers and sisters live above or below the US border, we are all the same people, and need to break down these psychological borders, not reinforce them.”
04 Jul 2007 at 09:29 am | #
Bertie,
You seem like a vile and angry man. Try to relax.
04 Jul 2007 at 10:53 am | #
Vera Z,
I wont speak for the Green Party because I am not a member but Brian Garry did seek their endorsement but I dont know the outcome. I do know that the nicely packaged, suit-wearing, clean-shaven new and improved Brian Garry is not the same old jeans and t-shirt wearing, protesting the establishment, average Joe from back in the day. Last time I heard him speak, he was trying to get the Democratic Party endorsement.
Sue,
Smitherman doesnt have to say chit about the illegal Spanish population. He is president of a Black organization. Do you realize that? There are hundreds of organizations and causes addressing the issues of Latinos/Hispanics and they can speak for themselves, so dont try to use weak diversion tactics. That is so lame.
04 Jul 2007 at 04:35 pm | #
Well petition signer is Smitherman running for Council or not? If he is then he needs to address issues. Well, no I guess he doesn’t. Not for the Lemmings. All he has to say is vote for me, and only me, trust that I know what’s good for you. He’s got a don’t ask, don’t tell policy.
And also Petition Signer, herein lies the controversy of being the leader of a Black organization and a city council member concurrently. He can’t serve one group only (and as you say this doesn’t include any other group), and at the same time fairly and sincerely represent a diverse constituency. That would be so lame.
04 Jul 2007 at 05:15 pm | #
Hey petition signer, Brian Garry, whether he’s wearing a suit,
or jeans and a t-shirt is still opposed to the ills of the “establishment”. He is still opposed to instituionalized racism, sexism, and homophobia. He is still opposed to doing away with housing for low income people, ie gentrification of our neighborhoods. He is a man who believes in equal justice for all people both economically and legally. That is why I support him.
Can you imagine what could happen in our fair city, with Brian
Garry, Christopher Smitherman, Michael Patton, maybe Andrew Warner, (I don’t know if he’s running this time.), Rev. Damon Lynch III, (I don’t know if he’s running either), and we really could use a couple progressive women as well, any suggestions? Oh well, I can dream can’t I? Vera Z
04 Jul 2007 at 08:39 pm | #
Dean, I’m glad you finally admit what Smitherman said plain out, the NAACP is not necessarily against the Safety Plan - they are only against the way it was implemented.
How absolutely pathetic.
So, it is possible that the NAACP will do their job and assess the Plan, after they get it on the ballot - and then, maybe, finally, admit it is beneficial and a historically potent reform for justice in Hamilton County.
And you don’t see the problem with this?
You’re not supposed to bring a referendum against something you support - and have to fight your way back from all the damage you did in the process ..... Come on....
As for COAST, Dean you’re wrong, other than war on the USA, I wouldn’t work with that scab of a group for all the volunteers in the world - do you NOT know what they are saying to people after you armed them with your petitions? Did you fail to read DeWine’s editorial? Who is getting interviewed and their names in the paper - promoting them to the community?
Obviously, Portune could’ve and should’ve talked until he was blue in the face—they weren’t listening—I’d love to know why. I’d love to know why (other than the ugly and obvious)
04 Jul 2007 at 09:45 pm | #
anon2000,
You either have a weird sense of humor, and that last post was a joke, or you are more incompetent than I feared.
Please reread my previous comment, slowly this time, and try to comprehend its meaning before flying off at the keys.
04 Jul 2007 at 10:41 pm | #
Butt Rooster has cut and pasted the same post about me on 4 different blogs. Can we say obsession? The issues I raised then were valid - Smitherman’s language was racist and unprofessional.
I can also acknowledge that he’s done a very good job working with a very diverse group of people, including whitey, to stand up for the right to vote of all residents. The coalition includes blacks, whites, conservatives, liberals, Republicans, Greens, Libertarians, and even some white Democrats. He’s gotten off his butt and addressed the valid criticisms I raised.
That doesn’t mean he automatically deserves our support. I think the voters should weigh the entire Chris Smitherman before deciding whether to vote for him. Just as we voters should decide The White Democratic Sales Tax Hike, we should also carefully evaluate candidates. Thank you for your thoughts.
04 Jul 2007 at 10:42 pm | #
Dean, I have no sense of humor (really, I wish I did) - you are very witty, and generally brilliant -and I admire your work - on this one, I just think you got it wrong - and it’s a really bad time to be wrong. It’s going to hurt alot of people
Usually, I’m on your side - I keep searching for why, either, I don’t get it, or you don’t. (Your turn for another witty remark)
But IF I’m right, there’s nothing funny about who’s being hurt in all this. I hope I’m wrong if you succeed.
(So are YOU against the Plan or just for the referendum like the NAACP? [Or haven’t made up your mind either])
05 Jul 2007 at 06:14 am | #
that’s what I figured, NW.... its easy to anonymously attack Mr. Smitherman on a messageboard blog, but haven’t heard any1 ask him the questions outright… Dr. Owens would be a good candidate, but would probably not be trusted by some in the community, and would have members leaving.... throwing around the ‘racist’ word against Smitherman doesn’t apply to him.... of course since his detractors are using the updated definition, hey, knock yourselves out…
still waiting for a suitable candidate for the NAACP....
05 Jul 2007 at 06:39 am | #
One item at a time, anon2000.
Do you understand that the membership of the NAACP, as evidenced by their intense questioning and criticism of Todd Portune, is AGAINST the plan for a new jail?
Why do you insist on missing this fact?
05 Jul 2007 at 07:25 am | #
says who?
05 Jul 2007 at 09:50 am | #
Question,
Sue raises an interesting question. However I am curious to know if she has also raised this issue with maybe Chris Bortz who both chairs the Econ Development Committee and works for the family business or maybe Jeff Berding who is a member of council and an employee of the Bengals??? Should these apparent conflicts of potential conflicts of interest be cause for alarm?? and if so what should be done? or what more specifically has she done?
05 Jul 2007 at 10:27 am | #
I love this idea that Smitherman can’t serve “two masters.”
What are the two “masters”? Would that be people who support the “advancement of colored people,” versus those that do not?
I’m not sure those opposed to the advancement of an oppressed group need to be represented by my council members!
05 Jul 2007 at 10:41 am | #
Suburban Jane: I say. But what do you say? Your habit of answering with a question and saying nothing doesn’t make it clear at all where you stand. Smitherman declared that his primary interest and focus and loyalty is to one group of people and in this case black people. And it’s been repeated and reiterated time and again especially by his most avid supporters. And that’s great and appropriate. As the President of the NAACP nothing less should be accepted.(Though it’s another conversation whether there’s consistency between his actions and his words. But having made this declaration, how would those of us that are not in the target group have any confidence that our interests would be represented by this person as well. I believe he has every right to run of course but who would he appeal to? I guess some black voters and the 3 members of COAST.
05 Jul 2007 at 10:57 am | #
Cincy Sue..Why must an individual go to jail to get social reform and other social programs to help them be a positive individual in the community. Where is the proactive preventive management. Why react after the fact.
Does the comprehensive plan call for closing all the other jail facilities after the new one is built? What if the new jail is not full after “x” amount of time? How would you justify the spend? What if after a period of time we experience more jail overcrowding after the new jail is built?
These were the questions Portune could not answer when confronted but require answers.
I didn’t hear anything about the exceptions listed above. Are they saying that these scenarios will not happen?
05 Jul 2007 at 11:06 am | #
Sue raises an interesting question. However I am curious to know if she has also raised this issue with maybe Chris Bortz who both chairs the Econ Development Committee and works for the family business or maybe Jeff Berding who is a member of council and an employee of the Bengals??? Should these apparent conflicts of potential conflicts of interest be cause for alarm?? and if so what should be done? or what more specifically has she done?
Good Point Monica! Also to note is Bortz is the lead lawyer at Towne Property one of the largets developers in the city and serves as council chair of the economic development committee. Talk about a conflict of interest…
05 Jul 2007 at 11:10 am | #
Dean, I find it especially ironic that Nathanial Jones is the one saying you can’t serve “two masters”. If anyone should know about serving Masters it’s Nathanial Jones.
05 Jul 2007 at 12:15 pm | #
ATTENTION ALL ANTI-SMITHERMAN PUNDITS!! ATTENTION ANTI-GREEN PARTY ADVOCATES!!! Justin and other ‘party’ members are currentily on da buzz, the afternoon show w/ host Jay Love. Instead of bytchin and moanin about both, why not call the show and put the green members on blast w/ YOUR questions? 1 pm - 4 pm, EST. (513)749-1230.
I’ll be listening to hear who has the cajones to call, and who’s basically just reveling in their internet anonymity!!
05 Jul 2007 at 03:39 pm | #
No Dean, I don’t accept that people asking questions is a sign they don’t support it, maybe that they don’t understand it, but not that they don’t and wouldn’t, couldn’t, support it.
I’ve done public awareness presentations to groups comprised nearly of all African Americans - and faced some pretty harsh and thorough questioning (those women weren’t taking anything for granted and demanded full explanation from this white girl saying she wanted to help them). But, I just dug in, even when I thought they had pre-determined my agenda, and answered their questions. ---- evenetually, they ended up supporting me and working with me and got , on average, $2002 each, that they were told belonged to the state.
So, no, absolutely not - fierce questioning I think is more of a reflection of distrust and overcoming preconceived notions about the presenter or issue- not a sign of fatal oppossition to any issue.
My guess is, the group had it in their heads the Heimlich/DeWine jail plan and we, those supporting the new plan, obviously did a lousy job communicating what needed to be communicated to the organization ( what a shame)
But the NAACP should have had their own analysis of the pros and cons put up there so that the due diligence didn’t fall soley onto the crowd verses Portune. Not the issue.
Siding for a referendum was the easy way out - they didn’t have to fulfill their duty to their members - nice, clean, easy—let us vote—bad strategy to get what you want - and still the crowd didn’t get good answers to their questions. And the NAACP hasn’t established a position on whether to support the plan or not.
This is all water under the dam - now, they need to keep collecting signatures about a tax issue rather than supporting justice reforms that - I keep saying this - will be historical when implemented and unprecedented because it came from Cincinnati - with the biggest, closet racist in politics in the country. Unfathomable a year ago with Heimlich and DeWine at the helm and now, a possibility with Portune and Pepper.
Oh well…
05 Jul 2007 at 03:47 pm | #
You seem hellbent on thinking the African American community should want a new jail just because you think they should.
As MEP has indicated, the Portune plan isn’t really a plan—but an outline for a plan that is not explicit and concrete yet.
And the thing is ass backwards. Everyone seems ready to admit there are problems—the big one being people in jail that don’t need to be there—but the Jailocrats want us to worry about that later.
They keep talking about overcrowding, but as you know, once they stop shipping to Butler County, stop double bunking at the Justice Center, and close the other facilities, we will actually have a loss of about a dozen or so beds. So they’re just going to have to keep building.
Social programs are being moved out of the community into the jail, and quite frankly many of us think that is ass backwards, too.
We don’t want to commit to years of a tax hoping that, at some undefined future point, unknown politicians decide to do the right thing. We want the right thing done from the start. Why is that so difficult to comprehend?
And stop with your fear mongering tactics about how the big and bad Republicans will sue, or impeach, or do something and make a “bad” jail happen. Talk the issue, not speculations based on your fears!
Word on the street is that Portune made a deal with the Republicans last November—that if he supported the Heimlich plan, or pushed a new jail should Heimlich lose—that he would run without a candidate being endorsed by the Republicans in 2008.
Is that true? I guess only time will tell.
05 Jul 2007 at 04:23 pm | #
Anon 2000: As a member of the NAACP who attended both of the meetings related to the jail plan/safety plan let me state that on both occasions the membership made is clear that they did not support a new jail and certainly were opposed to the latest version which overrode the wishes of the Black community and the community at large. It was nmot simply people asking questions it was people expressing their disdain and dislike of the notion that social services at the back end of a jail was and is unnacceptable. It is funny that you would equate the new so called safety plan with social justice. I would warrant that those in the social justice community would disagree mightily with that assessment. What social justice plan would not include provisions for prevention and programs to deal with the root causes of crime and violence? Further what makes you think that the NAACP has not thoroughly reviewed the new safety plan and STILL found it lacking? Why would you assume that we would do otherwise? Do you think that we would be led around by the nose? Are you so lacking in respect and understanding of our membership that you think that we are nothing more than a bunch of non thinking fools? Has it even occurred to you that we do not believe that a new jail will solve the issues surrounding crime and violence. Has it dawned on you that some of us believe that a truly comprehensive safety plan would address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of opportunity, failing education systems, etc.? Maybe we want the county to invest in the lives of its people rather than paternally tell them what is best for them and lead them deeper into the path of jails and criminalization of the poor, the homeless and other disenfranchised people. Your arrogance is amazing but not surprising. It is typical. I would bet that you would consider yourself a liberal? Maybe even a democrat. But what does it say that you and your kind lack the very basic ability to respect the opinions of black folks who disagree and who are prepared to disagree in more than just words.
05 Jul 2007 at 04:24 pm | #
Berding should not be permitted to work for the Bengals and serve on Council. Berding may be making decisions that would benefit the Bengals financially. As far as Bortz, if his family business is going to benefit from any council decisions then he should recuse himself. That would be the case also with Smitherman’s business as a financial planner, or any other council member or the mayor even, on any issue that conflicted with or benefitted from a city council decision. Smitherman has a profession and a job. Nobody has suggested that he should stop making a living. The philosophical issue of whether or not he can serve two purposes--not two masters--is indeed an interesting one. Can he serve the NAACP 100% and also represent the diverse population of citizens of this community? And maybe he can’t and he knows it. And if that’s so, maybe he should just say, in my role as city council member, I will be serving what I think are the interests of the African American community exclusively. I have no intention of considering those of any other population. Period. And he can run on that. That would be fair and it wouldn’t put him in a position to compromise his position as NAACP president. Win-win.
05 Jul 2007 at 04:29 pm | #
Cincyjeff....the words of a forked tongue snake oil salesman.
05 Jul 2007 at 04:47 pm | #
You’re so full of shit Dean. Word on the street has it Portune made a deal with the Republicans? Well, it’s not rumor, it’s fact that the Greens and you and Smitherman are in cahoots with Brinkman and others of the most conservative of Republicans in the area. You’re actually working together, elbow to elbow, in the open so don’t bring up innuendo and rumor when we have actual fact if we want to indict someone for being friendly to Republicans. (And don’t forget your Republican partners, Jeffre and Patton). You’ve got some balls.
And YOU seem hellbent on thinking the African American community doesn’t need a new, centralized jail facility and complementary programs. Hey, step out and say it. You think of yourself as the representative of the black community Suburban Jane’s been waiting for.
05 Jul 2007 at 05:15 pm | #
Sue, you seem to be commenting based on the premise that if Smitherman does something pro African American that it must therefore be anti-white. Therefore you say Smitherman can’t serve his constituents in the NAACP and at the same time the larger Cincinnati population on council. I disagree.
Secondly, on the sales tax increase, whether one agrees or disagrees with the need for a new centralized jail facility, the question is whether we need a tax increase to support it. A post on the Cincinnati Black Blog asks some questions that I haven’t seen answered.
http://blackcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/06/why-does-leis-need-money-to-run-smaller.html
05 Jul 2007 at 06:56 pm | #
backwards sue,
I am so sick of reading your BS about Smitherman. He is serving in a VOLUNTEER capacity donating his time to the oldest chapter of the nations oldest civil rights organization. WTF is so wrong with that? He is not getting one penny for his efforts but idiots like you want to fuccn tell people what they can and cant do in their spare time. Amazing. Your arrogance almost outshines your stupidity.
Do you think that all the good white folks on council are representing 100% of the population including the poor? Of course not but you dont have the guts to tell conflict-of-interest-Bengals/Berding, conflict-of-interest-TowneProperties/Bortz, conflict-of-interest/Baseball-on-Main-Tarbell, and the rest of the good white folks down there that they arent doing their jobs, do you? Of course not. You are a big talker but in reality you are nothing more than a do-nothing mealy mouth whiner. How many homeless people has Leslie Ghiz fed this week? How much funding for social programs (that you seem to looooove so much in the propsed jail system) did they cut with the last budget? 3CDC is not a social service agency but those good ol’ white folks on council who are NOT serving the entire population love pumping our tax dollars into their greedy little hands, dont they? They do it because people like you dont have the guts to stand up to them. With all the corruption taking place you find nothing better to do with your time than to criticize Smitherman? You need a life sister. Again, spare us your BS, thanks.
05 Jul 2007 at 10:39 pm | #
Wow, Dean, that rumor sounds like it came right out of Finney’s mouth! You know it’s bs and it isn’t even funny. So all that and it comes back to: Smitherman said the NAACP hasn’t made a decision on whether to back the Safety Plan.
And again, it appears most anti-Plan people haven’t taken the time to read the darn thing.
Can politicians screw the public over and NOT implement all the good in the plan:in community services ($1.4 million), expanded treatment programs in house($546K), re-entry services ($952K), criminal justice committee providing oversight and analysis to fund what works and defund that which doesn’t and hold ALL partners accountable ($219K) --PER YEAR, EVERY YEAR FOR 30 YEARS.
Money walks and bullshit talks. (In government, the only politicians who ever overturned a straight allocation like this in our history was ... wait for it.... DeWine and Heimlich under ..... wait for it .... Finney the rat Fink in the Drake deal.)
Plus, this assures that there will be NO cuts in existing social service programs to meet more crime needs (every penny spent to address crime, is not spent addressing other social ills without a legal mandate). Who do you think is paying, ultimately, for those extra sheriff patrols, the Butler County deal and operating costs? (WIthout a straight tax /allocation, it isn’t the taxpayer, that money’s already there) It’s those needing and not getting social programs to help in poverty issues, homeless issues, mental health, etc.
It’s like you guys really haven’t read the plan!
05 Jul 2007 at 10:59 pm | #
And - I haven’t mentioned since the inception of this as a referendum the fact that Leis has threatened to sue ...
ANd, no, the NAACP and the black community shouldn’t back the plan because I said so—they should back it because the politicians - Portune and Pepper - listened to them during the last election and incorporated every darn thing they raised as reasons not to support the DeWine/Heimlich/Finney Jail plan and created a unique vehicle to address those concerns and reform the system that hurts black families - dads, sisters and kids while addressing the call for a new jail to address those who are violent reoffenders killing people in OTR usually due to drug greeds.
Are there issues the BOCC has no authority over - yeh, separation of powers curtails them - but they control the budget (subject to case precedent set right here in Cincinnati regarding mandatory minimum funding)and the CJC headed by Nathaniel Jones’ job is to report BOCC who’s working with them and who isn’t to fix those problems so they can use funding mechanisms to influence their participation.
ANY MORE QUESTIONS? (A day late and petition signature short)
Just keep collecting signatures, folks, it’s a real good idea - keep the status quo. Heck let’s put Heimlich and FInney back in control, they’re soooo trustworthy.
06 Jul 2007 at 06:18 am | #
actually, no, but I’m sure he gets your vote… LOLOL
in a nutshell....
and I was sorry to not hear any of you anti-smitherman/anti-green party pundits call when reps of the green party were on the buzz yesterday. Hopefully, you’ll gurd (sp) your loins and call Smitherman on Sunday on HIS radio show, 2pm - 4 pm EST, (513)749-1230.
06 Jul 2007 at 06:59 am | #
anon2000:
You know, I missed that part, where Portune was out listening to the NAACP’s concerns about the first jail plan, and then incorporated all their ideas.
Can you please document for me when and how that happened?
Thanks!
06 Jul 2007 at 07:26 am | #
No petition I’ve got it right and if there’s anything I chant over and over again it’s that the Republicans are evil, short sighted, anti-poor and immoral--black and white Republicans and of course some of the front men for the Republican party are black. But I give you that the party and the local power structure is made up of white Repbublicans like Brinkman, and that you often can’t tell the difference, locally between Republicans and Democrats. And I have never said that Smitherman shouldn’t he head of the NAACP, an honorable organization of which I have been a member on and off, though his tactics to get there, using the ungentlemanly tactics of smearing a woman that had served well, instead of legitimate platform differences, are a recurring theme.
Anybody that hears Mr. Smitherman has to admit that he shoots off his mouth first and thinks later. He, himself, has been unwavering about where his loyalties lie and I, and others, just ask if he will be able, in two positions to serve the interests of EVERYONE. And this isn’t about whether or not he can represent white people. It’s about his seeming lack of commitment to the poor and that’s evidenced by the fanatic myopic devotion to this ridiculous movement that would actually improve the lives of those incarcerated.
Ghiz? Bertz? Berding? All typical Republicans even if not party-registered.
You petition supporters have asked for it. Instead of keeping this on the level of a difference of opinion on a political issue, you and Smitherman, and of course your COAST buddies (those whose mission is to derail the public school system so only rich kids get an education) the Republigreens and the Beacon have gone after Portune with a vengeance, with personal attacks, trying to ruin the career of a decent and honorable man with long-term serivce to this city. So turn about’s fair play, dude. Your side has made legitimate political debate on this issue impossible. You all set off the attack dogs first so don’t cry and whine when they turn around and bite you in the ass with the truth.
06 Jul 2007 at 09:36 am | #
Hey all you anti-Smitherman, pro-jail, cincy folk out there, I have spoken to Mr. Smitherman in person, and as I said before,
sat in on any number of council meetings and heard him speak when he was a City Council member. I believe, sincerely that he is an honorable man and that he can represent the interests
of all the people; with the possible exception of a hand full of very rich corporate people who want control of every aspect
of our lives. Mr. Smitherman is for social justice, economic fairness and equality for all people. I believe that does serve the interest of all the people. Mr. Smitherman you do have my vote; and I did sign the petition. Vera Z
06 Jul 2007 at 11:25 am | #
cincysue, we’re shaking in our boots. Your side has been calling us names from the begining and believe me we’re taking it easy on Portune,so far. We’re not RepubliGreens. You’re a Republicrat that is teamed up with Si Leis the most right-wing fanatic in this region.
Portune voted for the Heimlich plan. Now he’s working with Leis, Witte and Lindner. This jail tax had to be imposed because Portune couldn’t get a special election where poor people and African Americans would be less likely to vote.
Portune has contempt for democracy and poor people. A regressive sales tax to build a jail we don’t need. Berding is a true Democrat, a Democrat is the same thing as a Republican. Jails, draconian drug laws, imperial wars, slashing human services, expanding corporate welfare, NAFTA, the Patriot Act and now whats the difference again Republicrat?
06 Jul 2007 at 12:59 pm | #
Sue,
Are you suggesting that we put Todd Portune’s political career and his feelings above the interest of the community? Are you insane? You are probably not aware of this but when Portune attended the NAACP meeting he stated that if the jail was not built that he would be impeached! He stated it as if it were a selling point for the jail. Now here is the rub… why should I care if he is impeached or not? Why should we back a plan to extend the political life of one who has shown his utter disdain for us. The Black community has made it clear that we want proactive governance that will address the root causes of crime. He admitted that this plan does not in ANY way address those issues nor does it have a component to deal with prevention. The best safety plan would include a prevention component anything else is simply a measure to warehouse people who are mostly poor and disenfranchised and become further so when they are released from incarceration and cannot find a job, get money for college or even a decent place to live.
07 Jul 2007 at 12:18 pm | #
Are you suggesting that Smitherman’s political career and interests should be put above those of the community? You don’t have to. I’ll answer for you. By suggesting that we cast only one vote for city council, King Smitherman is doing just that. Are YOU insane?
10 Jul 2007 at 12:47 pm | #
Exactly when have you EVER heard me espouse that view? The answer is NEVER! And I believe that my comment was in reference to the referendum and Todd Portune…
12 Jul 2007 at 01:41 am | #
good on you Vera Z, at least you actually had a conversation w/ the man....
12 Jul 2007 at 08:18 am | #
I am the only one that noticed that neither Sue nor anon2000 addressed the queries that I posed in comment 41??? Curious huh?