Who is Dick Weiland?  Turns out he may be the single most influential person to hit Cincinnati politics, but most people have not heard of the guy.  A local lobbyist with a list of clients as long as the Carew Tower, Dick Weiland’s work happens largely out of the public eye.  But even a cursory examination of public records from Black Box Voter will open the door on a story.  (Click on this link, and scroll down in the document until you find Weiland’s name alphabetically.) This marks the beginning of an ongoing investigation into Dick Weiland by The Cincinnati Beacon volunteer staff.

In 2003, Weiland represented twenty-seven agencies in his capacity as political lobbyist.  Some of the more prominent names on the list tell a story all by themselves:  Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Ohio Academy of Nursing Homes, Ohio Adult Care Facilities, Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority, and Vandercar Holdings, Inc.

As it turns out, all of these agencies have lots to gain from the recent political maneuverings of County Commissioner Phil Heimlich.  (In the picture above, that’s Dick Weiland holding a Petro/Heimlich poster.) In the past several months, there have been two major political developments involving Heimlich:  revocation of the Drake Levy (against the will of the voters), and the continued impasse regarding The Banks.

And now we see Phil Heimlich’s friend and supporter Dick Weiland has lobbied on behalf of parties to both those issues.

In the next couple weeks, the City and the County are scheduled to pick a developer for the Banks.  This Enquirer article discusses the final five developers, and has this to say about Vandercar:

Interviews are scheduled to begin today, March 20th, and a developer should be picked by April 5th.

The Cincinnati Beacon contacted Weiland to comment on this story.  Turns out Weiland once was paid to serve on a Drake board.  When asked whether he disclosed to Drake that he was a lobbyist for organizations like Ohio Academy of Nursing Homes, and Ohio Adult Care Facilities (organizations that at least seem in alignment with the kinds of groups to fund Phil Heimlich’s 2004 anti-Drake campaign), Weiland says he did.  Weiland claims he has never been appointed by Heimlich to any advisory board dealing with taxes, and he says he is not currently involved in any aspect of The Banks development.

Justin Jeffre contributed to this story.

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1. Snoop Dogg says:
   20 Mar 2006  at  04:22 pm | #

   When asked whether he disclosed to Drake that he was a lobbyist for organizations like Ohio Academy of Nursing Homes, and Ohio Adult Care Facilities (organizations that at least seem in alignment with the kinds of groups to fund Phil Heimlich’s 2004 anti-Drake campaign), Weiland says he did.

   Dean, Justin - So who did Weiland disclose it to? Did he provide you with a name, someone who will confirm?

2. says:
   20 Mar 2006  at  07:41 pm | #

   Finally we get a topic with more substance than Joy Rolland’s push-up bra. Hang on Socrates I’ll be right with you!

3. says:
   20 Mar 2006  at  07:54 pm | #

   Dean, I agree with Blue Gill on this story.  Stay on this one!  I’m really interested in his “lobbyist” business with the Ohio Academy of Nursing Homes & Ohio Adult Care Facilities.  Some of these places are poorly-run dumps that smell & look worse than the restrooms at the Pleasant Ridge Wal-Mart at closing time (11 PM).  Families can complain all they want to the State Board, & they ignore it.  Makes sense.  Grandma & her family have Dickie to thank.  I’m a strong advocate for the elderly & I’ll have to do some snooping around.  I’ll let you know if I find anything worthwhile. This is a great news item!!

4. Influence Peddler says:
   20 Mar 2006  at  08:03 pm | #

   I’m glad you fishy guys have finally stopped swimming in circles. Glad you are here with more than name calling. Doesn’t mean we have to be friends but welcome aboard.

5. says:
   20 Mar 2006  at  08:13 pm | #

   sockeye, Blue Gill, you know how to email me.  Check out the “Tip Jar” feature at the top menu bar, in the event you need to send me information anonymously.  We’ve been working up this one for some time, and we intend to stay on it—but we’ll need all the help we can get!

6. Wally Ballou says:
   20 Mar 2006  at  08:41 pm | #

   In the past didn’t you publish an article that said Weiland’s on the board of the Heimlich Institute along with Phil, Drake’s Enemy #1? Gee, that’s cozy. 

   So both Weiland and Phil know all about Dr. Heimlich’s crackpot experiments infecting AIDS patients with malaria. Yet another subject ignored by the local media.

   Do Weiland and Heimlich actually have to pay local reporters to look the other way or do they just do it instinctively?

7. says:
   20 Mar 2006  at  09:01 pm | #

   Wally, The Dean will correct me if I’m wrong here.  I think the bulk of these reporters dumb themselves down when they sniff out a trail such as this. Listen, but don’t speak, don’t write.  The thinking probably is, why risk the salary, medical benefits & 401K by pissing off the editors.  After all, these media big bosses rub elbows, smoke cigars & swirl brandy with Dickie at those high society events. Dickie carries a lot of influence in this town.  It’s a big deal to have your picture appear with him in the “society” columns in some well-known papers.

   Dean, thanks for the heads up.  I’ll get digging.

8. Gadfly says:
   21 Mar 2006  at  09:56 am | #

   Hey Dean, why don’t you write a story about how much money Dick Weiland is able to get from the State for Cincinnati Museum Center, the CAC, Cincinnati State, and other local institutions?  Write a story about the role Weiland played in getting the Museum Center levy passed, thus keeping the doors open at Union Terminal?  Or maybe you could write a story about the $100,000 committment Weiland made to The Talbert House at their 40th Anniversary dinner last night?  Weiland’s involvement with the Holocaust Center would also make a great story, as would his work in helping Jewish families reclaim money, art work, property, and other assests seized by the Nazis.  Take a look at all Weiland does for local social service agencies while your at it…

   Dean, you’re doing what you always bitch about with regards to The Enquirer: you’re not looking at the whole picture.  We are very lucky in southwestern Ohio to have a guy like Dick Weiland.  No one in this region has the kind of connections he has.

9. says:
   21 Mar 2006  at  11:03 am | #

   Silly Gadfly:

   First, please remember that you are able to post that.  Second, consider giving me your real name and writing a guest column.  Third, The Enquirer doesn’t mention this guy, so I still win on that front, too.

   He has done some good, but that doesn’t mean we should ignore when he might be doing something else.

   Why would I want to stop the good he does?  He doesn’t need me to continue good work.  But maybe I can help stop other things with which he may be involved…

10. Gadlfy says:
    21 Mar 2006  at  11:48 am | #

    "First, please remember that you are able to post that.” Why, are you going to start censoring comments?

    One thing I have always berated you bloggers about is your lack of fundamental knowledge of the political process.  This is also one of my main complaints with The Enquirer, no one there understands the process either.  What none of you understand is that 95% of politics takes place over dinner, or over drinks, or during a card game in a smoke filled back room.  That’s how it has always been.  That’s how it’s was in Ancient Greece, same goes for Rome when it was a democracy, and that’s how it has been in this country since the beginning.  You try to paint this as a bad thing when in fact, it’s reality, always has been and always will be.

    Dick Weiland is someone who knows the political process and is a great help in shepherding things through the process for those who aren’t as familiar or don’t have the time.  He also has a long history of support for some causes and agencies I think you would support.  Weiland gets a bad rap simply because he’s connected.  Like I said earlier, he’s the best connected person in SW Ohio.  Weiland lobbies for various health care organizations, Vandacar Holdings, and he knows Phil Heimlich!  Gasp!  There must be a conspiracy! 

    Here’s something for your “Tip Jar” Dean, want to know what’s really holding up the Drake money and The Banks?  Look at Ron Roberts and his relationship with Phil heimlich.  Take a look at the gross misappropriation of funds orchastrated by Roberts and Heimlich.  Ask yourself, “why does Phil Heimlich want to keep his hand in the proverbial cookie jar that is The Banks?”

    You’re on the wrong trail by chasing Weiland.

11. Patriot says:
    21 Mar 2006  at  12:18 pm | #

    Gadfly, we understand how it works. The rich get richer and the poor get stuck with the tab. These things aren’t written in stone, they aren’t universal laws, they can and must be changed.

    I think Dick’s a crook and yes we should look at Roberts. Do you want to help? Or are you just here to bicth at the Dean?

12. says:
    21 Mar 2006  at  12:39 pm | #

    From what I understand, Weiland is a convicted felon.  He also was involved in some scandal with DeCourcy at Hamilton County about fifteen years ago.  Allegedly, this scandal involved Roberts, DeCourcy, and big property owners—including the Bortz clan.  The articles are all offline, and chasing down microfiche is a bitch.  But we’ll have a history lesson up soon.

    So Gadfly, you know what they say about history… “Those who don’t know it ...”

13. Bada Bing says:
    21 Mar 2006  at  12:40 pm | #

    Hey, Gadfly, why are your knickers in a twist?

    Sure, lobbyists love philanthropic work. It helps their public image. Ask Jack Abramoff. He was all over charity work. Likewise Tom Delay and Rick Santorum. Does that mean they aren’t also simultaneously gaming the system with politicians to the tune of personal millions?

    Weiland’s a disbarred lawyer who went to the pen for ripping off HUD - that’s stealing public funds. Fifteen years after he got out of prison, he was key man in the Decourcy scandal. Weiland was essentially running the Hamilton County Auditor’s office and doling out tax breaks to rich Cincinnatians - for a fee. More stealing of public money.

    Defend him if you like, but know who you’re defending.

14. says:
    21 Mar 2006  at  01:05 pm | #

    Bada Bing, thanks for adding the criminal background on Dickie.  I sent Dean some info, but his run-in with the Federales happened so long ago, I couldn’t remember if it was the HUD business or something else.  I had long forgotten about the “FOJ” business!  Now that made news.  This business with the Whistleblower & Dusty is nothing compared to the FOJ (Friends of Joe) activities.

    Typically, people like Dick Weiland & many other “charitable” individuals in this city & others, hide behind that soft heart, do-good persona to conduct their questionable & often illegal proclivities. That’s what makes them so successful.

    Look at the basics - Weiland doesn’t have a documented “straight” job or a career.  This guy is a convicted felon, by the Feds no less. So where is his riches coming from?  And why exactly is this guy lauded & applauded at all these rubber chicken banquets & social functions? 

    When a “business person” needs a favor, they see Dickie. It keeps the “business” in a tight little loop.  Everyone in the little loop is “on the take” at some point, or can derive a direct benefit, even though some of us would consider these agreements not in the general public’s best interests.

    Gadfly, follow the trail out there on him.  Meanwhile, stay tuned.  Dean will have more.

15. says:
    21 Mar 2006  at  01:22 pm | #

    Dean, Gadfly, part of that scandal with Joe DeCourcy centered around real estate tax bills.  Sheesh! That seems ages ago!  People, mostly well-heeled, well-connected people with DeCourcy, Weiland & other movers & shakers at the time were putting “FOJ” on their property tax bills & sending them in. 

    Up off the top, these hooty-tooty property owners were achieving deep discounts on their property taxes.  Some had their tax payments “credited” without submitting a dime. It largely depended on how close the owners were to the sources & what they had done successfully for these sources.

    Another portion of these alliances dealt with the “smoking parlor” dealings & negotiations for the old Riverfront Stadium, having Paul Brownn put the Bengals together & other multi-million dollar deals that really haven’t provided anything for those of us who keep this City propped up.  Oh, that Riverfront Stadium deal was brokered over cigars & brandy in a posh environment, with power boys in attendance.

    Dean, I owe you thanks for helping to refresh my memory on some of this ancient history.  And yes, going through reels & reels of microfiche will make you nauseated. Let’s take care of Dick first & then Dean can launch the Ron Roberts investigation. However, if some of you can help out, you’ll start to see Dick’s connections with some of these other “powerbrokers”.  Dean pulled one out of the Tip Jar regarding an individual rapidly building a prescription pharmacy service to nursing homes monopoly. This is another guy who’s well connected & lines Dickie’s pockets so he’s flush with serious cash.

16. Gadfly says:
    21 Mar 2006  at  01:28 pm | #

    Yes, Weiland is a convicted felon, but that happened back in the 1970’s.  One felony conviction and your doomed for life?  Is that how it works?

    I annxiously await proof of this vast Weiland conspriacy.  Although I’m telling you, you want a story about corruption, the rich getting richer, and the little people getting screwed, take a look at Ron Roberts and Phil Heimlich.

17. says:
    21 Mar 2006  at  01:42 pm | #

    Gadfly, one felony conviction, a Fed one at that, doesn’t mean one is doomed for life. It just so happened Weiland got caught on that one.  It makes one wonder what else is in his past & why he has continued on with “deals” that doesn’t always smell right or come clean in the wash.

    Many people already know Ron Roberts’ hands are filthy dirty & have been that way for years. And he’s well acquainted with that “circle of friends” that Weiland & others have.

18. says:
    21 Mar 2006  at  03:25 pm | #

    When you speak of local world class crooks do not forget one, Roger Ach. If it is shady he’s usually involved....is he in with these birds?

19. says:
    21 Mar 2006  at  03:42 pm | #

    Blue Gill, you’re priceless!  I had that buzzard, Roger Ach, in the back of my mind when following some paths on Dickie.  You know, this is yet another one who isn’t employed in a “regular” job & isn’t living off his golden parachute or railroad pension.  He’s another one who has “influential people in business & society” stuffing his pockets with wads of cash.

    Ach’s around often enough, but I think some of his prestigious lustre has worn off, due to the fact didn’t he find himself in some difficulties not long ago, that his face was on the news?  I’m sure he continues to jingle a couple of those “markers” in his pocket, just to stay in the action, if not on the immediate periphery. Some reprobates have a tough time letting go & getting honest.

    Back in the early ‘90s, he attempted to joke PNC/Central Trust on some loans for tanking business interests.  He was turned over to their Special Assets Division & he kept on with the jokes.  I believe his railroad car venture went belly up.

    This is a great blog topic.  I keep envisioning all of us sitting around the table with refreshments & talking about questionable deals & shady characters. Say, we might as well toss Kentucky’s Bill Butler in the mix while we’re at it, along with some Kentucky politicos.  It’s only a block to the bridge!!

20. Bada Bing says:
    21 Mar 2006  at  03:50 pm | #

    Gadfly: you want a story about corruption, the rich getting richer, and the little people getting screwed, take a look at Ron Roberts and Phil Heimlich.

    Looks like that’s exactly what the Dean is up to.

    Re: your previous point about Weliand’s philanthropic work, everyone knows the charity circuit is where you meet all the high rollers. It’s great networking for a guy who deals in access.

    As for a felony conviction, true, that doesn’t doom you for life, but it prohibits you from working in a number of licensed professions. But look at what Weiland did after getting out of prison. It’s not as though he led a quiet life of low-key good works. Instead, he drifted right back to the nexus of public money and private influence in the auditor’s scandal.

    And that’s where he still seems to be. He’s been close to Phil Heimlich for years. Now the Dean reports on his role in the Drake deal. The private nursing homes he represents stood to benefit by killing the levy and shutting down Drake. That’s exactly what Heimlich & Finney were trying to do, beyond all reason and against the will of the voters. Now it looks like he was also working for Drake! Nice odds - he won either way. And Weiland also is a registered lobbyist for the Health Alliance? As you know, that’s where Drake ended up - in a deal rushed through by, who else?, Phil Heimlich.

    If these connections don’t raise your suspicions, so be it. Others may be less sanguine.

21. Influence Peddler says:
    21 Mar 2006  at  08:30 pm | #

    It amazes me that the same players are huddled around the county government. Roberts and Weiland are in place. The only one missing is Decoursey. Poor guy, Someone had to take the fall. Now these vermin are behind the scenes and running the county. Phil is the puppet and Dick makes him dance. Maybe in November we can change puppets. A Pepper puppet would sell well in Cincinnati. Might even outsell “Cornhole.” Someone should invent one.

22. says:
    21 Mar 2006  at  09:08 pm | #

    Right now, I’m looking at 16 pages of articles I just printed from the Cincinnati Post in 1990.  (I love Newsbank!).

    Towne Properties and Neil Bortz come up in connection with Weiland, and saving money through this old property tax scandal.

    And there is the whole “property tax” thing again.

    In the 1990’s, something was going on at Evergreen with the property taxes.  That’s right across the street from Drake…

    ...seeking the spheres, to connect them
    till the bridge you will need be formed,
    till the ductile anchor hold,
    till the gossamer thread you fling catch somewhere, o my soul.

23. says:
    21 Mar 2006  at  09:09 pm | #

    BTW, what’s up with all this investigative in-depth reporting in The Post back in the early 1990’s?

    What happened???

24. says:
    21 Mar 2006  at  09:42 pm | #

    I knew we had to look deeper into Towne Properties…

    Nice job, Dean.

    What does Towne properties have to gain…

    I haven’t heard from Bortz since you asked us to start asking questions that included him too.

    Remember?

25. Lucian Wilbanks Wife says:
    27 Mar 2006  at  01:45 pm | #

    Rob Smyjunas
    of Vandercar
    Richard Wieland
    Contributors to Kearney campaign.
    Schmidt backers. Blackwell boosters.
    What other land parcels are they
    conveniently “Burnetting” around the
    area, along the long and winding “Gray”
    road?  Post reporters??? Left a long time ago when
    the ability to report news became a thing of the
    past. Local pols in their visions forgot citizen involvement,
    dare anyone to cross them, will hop around the city and tell you
    to lighten up.
    Thanks Peter Deane for the both side of the coin.
    LWW

26. JoeAnne says:
    24 Sep 2008  at  06:33 am | #

    Hmm, last have I seen him he looked a little bigger, but now, it seems that the boot camp workouts really worked out! For a politician like him the appearance is very important!