Posted by The Dean of Cincinnati

Guest article by T. Lawrence Gragston, Jr.

This past Saturday at the Buzz Barbecue, several city council candidates were present talking to voters and collecting signatures so that they may get on the ballot to run for Cincinnati City Council. I took this opportunity to approach several of the candidates and ask them about their positions on the sales tax petition recently headed by the Cincinnati Branch of the NAACP and supported by a broad coalition of other organizations.

The first person I asked was Minette Cooper, who I supported during her second term of Council ten years ago (but I won’t support this coming election). Former Councilmember Cooper stated that she did not have a problem with people circulating and signing the petitions, however, she stated that she was advised not to answer any questions concerning her position on the sales tax petition.

The second person I asked was another former Councilmember, Sam Malone. For Councilman Malone stated that he did not think that his position on the sales tax position was an issue! I was blown away by this response. I began to ask myself, “Why is it that I cannot get an answer out of a City Council Candidate in reference to their position on the sales tax petition?”

Buzz talk show personality Ken Anderson asked current Councilmember Cecil Thomas if he supported the sales tax petition on air. Instead of being a leader and discussing his position on the sales tax petition, Councilmember Thomas laughed at the question and walked away from the Buzz tent! This was no surprise to me; in 2006, not only did Councilmember Thomas author a resolution supporting a sales tax increase for the construction of a new jail in Hamilton County (source), all 9 current Councilmembers (with the approval of Mayor Mark Mallory), supported a resolution urging the Hamilton County Commission to take all necessary steps to build and construct a new jail facility as soon as feasible! (source).

No wonder City Councilmembers and candidates refuse to take a position on the sales tax petition! The current Cincinnati City Council has already passed two resolutions in support of County Commissioners Portune and Pepper’s quest to build a new jail in Hamilton County, even if it means raising the citizens’ taxes without their vote! Cincinnati City Councilmembers and candidates should be forced by the voters to answer tough questions, such as “Did you support the sales tax petition?” before we cast our votes for them in November. Our votes are precious and should not be taken for granted by any politician or political party.

Thank you for reading (and printing from) The Cincinnati Beacon.