COAST Declares Premature Victory While Leader Faces Foreclosure. The Streetcar Battle is Far From Over.

Today it was announced that the city of Cincinnati would not be receiving any federal TIGER stimulus funds for its proposed Modern Streetcar project. Meanwhile, the cities of Tuscon, Arizona and Dallas, Texas received federal stimulus dollars for their projects. Out of 1457 projects that applied for funding, only 51 had their requests met in some fashion. Does this mean the death of the proposed Cincinnati Streetcar? Not by a long shot. The project has applied for other grants and the word will be out on those in the future. Is this a setback? Yes. However, unlike COAST would like to believe, this not the death of the project and this is certainly not a victory for the Anderson Township based fringe group.

Check out this tweet where COASTer Mark Miller (yeah, that guy who made fun of a dead American combat veteran) declares victory:

I don't think the brilliant minds at COAST are aware that this was not the only funding grant the streetcar project had applied for, nor is this set back an imminent threat to the project as shown here. Maybe the boys at COAST should brush up on a little bit of their history of assumed premature victories:

Meanwhile, in other COAST news: While COAST chairman Jason Gloyd was busy fighting red light cameras in Cleveland and declaring premature victory in the Cincinnati Business Courier, he wasn't busy paying his mortgage. As City Beat has reported: the COAST leader faces a foreclosure on his home.

Image provided by the boys at COAST.

One has to wonder why a man who can't take care of his own finances feels so inclined to lecture others on how to properly spend their money. Maybe Jason should get the court case set against him by Hamilton County in order first before he declares victory for COAST. We wish the best for Jason and his family through this tough time.

Just as there are no TIGER funds for streetcar, there will be no TIGER funds for Gloyd's mortgage.

COAST calls someone a "Littel Rich Pussy" and continues to lie about streetcars.

Well, it certainly has been awhile since CAAST last mentioned COAST and yep, you guessed it: Despite being soundly defeated in the recent election with Issue 9, COAST continues to deceive and lie about streetcars. In fact, just yesterday they stooped to a new low when they called someone a "Littel Rich Pussy" on Twitter (It appears to be a spelling mistake as I'm assuming they meant "Little"). Then again, what other kind of behavior would you expect from COAST and their Anderson Township followers?

Yesterday, Brian Sherman (@bshermcincy) who is not a politician, just an ordinary citizen, "re-tweeted" (reposted a message on Twitter to help spread it along) a "tweet" posted by Hamilton County Commissioner David Pepper (@DavidPepper) which said:

"They (COAST) scare people, then disappear & move on."

After his re-tweet the classy, mature folks at COAST decided to send a message to Mr. Sherman and call him a "pussy."

For those who aren't sure; "pussy" is often used as a slang term for a woman's vagina. It wasn't enough that COAST has been called out and caught numerous times lying and trying to deceive the voters, now they have to call their opponents "pussies." Is it any wonder why no one listens to these guys?

In other COAST news, there's a rumor going around that former SORTA board member Stephan Louis has started to write anti-streetcar stories for the COAST blog. Don't remember Stephan? He was the guy who in a debate at the University of Cincinnati compared building a streetcar to having an "abortion," then was embarrassed following the debate when he received only one vote of support. Read that story here.

It is believed that Stephan wrote the most recent COAST post which featured this photograph of a streetcar trapped in the snow:

The title of the COAST story was that "Trolley's get trapped in snow, busses roll on." What COAST failed to tell you as they intentionally tried to deceive you was that the website from where they borrowed this image shows A BUS and CARS trapped in the SAME snow storm:

These images come from: http://www4.uwm.edu/cuts/headlite.htm

I thought the buses rolled on, COAST? Guess not.

Folks we've seen it time and time again, the CAAST blog serves as a constant reminder to it; COAST's only tactic is to obstruct and deceive in order to promote their special interest agenda. All you have to is look back through the months of posts here to see how many times COAST has lied. The good news is, no one's buying it. I agree with what commissioner Pepper said: "They scare people, then disappear & move on." That's COAST's strategy. No real solutions and no real answers.

To Smitherman, Louis and COAST I ask you: Do you remember the results of Issue 9 in the November 3rd election? Because I certainly do and as I remember, you lost:

Issue 9:

No on 9 - 56% Yes on 9 - 44%

You can now follow CAAST on Twitter, check out as at:

twitter.com/gocaast

Issue 9 "Deserves to Fail." Help Defeat This "Poison Pill" Tomorrow!

What's there to say that hasn't been said? Tomorrow is election day and voters all over the nation will be heading to the polls to cast their votes for a wide plethora of candidates and issues. Here in Cincinnati, we will have the opportunity to vote on the incredibly deceptive and poorly written Issue 9. Backed by a special interest group and Chris Smitherman, who even admitted his own charter amendment was "political corruption," Issue 9 seeks to slow down Cincinnati via referendum. This referndum voting process is a political tool commonly used by special interest groups like COAST and completely undermines the foundations of representative democracy, which is exactly why our founding fathers didn't put a direct democracy in place.

Whether you like the streetcar or not, it's very important for the future of this city that Issue 9 fail as it not only affects every passenger rail expenditure, but the poorly written ammendment via it's own wording will affect the righ-of-way's of roads, sidewalks, everything! This kind of hastily written, poor referedum will undoubtedly be tied up in litigation for years to come and only serve to slow down the city. The Cincinnati Enquirer has called this ammendment a "poison pill" for the city and have declared that Issue 9 "...desrves to fail!"

The quote in the masthead of this blog is often attributed to Mark Twain, but it's not certain exactly who said it. Regardless, it's infamously popular and somewhat true in Cincinnati. "When the end of the world comes, I want to be in Cincinnati because it's always twenty years behind the times." Antiquated, stupid thinking has kept us "twenty years behind the times" on more than one occasion in the past. Now, today, amongst great progress, special interest groups seek to cripple the city via undemocratic referendums. Tomorrow, we can say no to that! Tomorrow, we can stand up for proper democracy in Cincinnati. Tomorrow, we can keep moving forward!

For a complete list of the vast, numerous organizations and people who have come out against Issue 9 and the very few who have come out in support of Issue 9, please visit this link. Cincinnatians from all different cultures, backgrounds, political leanings and neighborhoods are coming out against this deceptive and misleading special interest amendment. You can take a stand too!

Thank you for taking the time to visit and read the CAAST blog these past few months and remember to do you civic duty tomorrow, get out there and vote!

Sincerely,

Tairy Greene

Founder, Citizens Against Antiquated, Stupid Thinking (CAAST)

Smitherman Says His Own Amendment Deceiving!

Chris Smitherman, Cincinnati NAACP president, and one of the leading members of the "We Demand a Vote" Coalition who worked with Anderson Township lawyer Christopher Finney to author the ballot language of Issue 9 is now calling his own amendment "political corruption."

In a press release dated October 26, 2009, the local NAACP president had this to say:

"The Cincinnati NAACP remains concerned that a Yes vote on Issues 8 & 9 mean No and a No vote on Issues 8 & 9 means Yes. "This is nothing short of madness and political corruption," Smitherman says."

How could it be "corruption," though? Smitherman himself worked with Christopher Finney to author the ballot language. He even told the Cincinnati Enquirer how proud he was of it back in June of this year. Now all of the sudden Smitherman is concerned that the voters will be fooled? Smitherman's press release continues to spiral into his own pool of confusion and self delusion when he says:

"There is no explanation for a Yes meaning No and a No meaning Yes. This is not a tradition but an attempt to trick voters. "

Who is to blame for this "trick," Chris? You helped write the language yourself! Are you being serious? We all know that Chris Smitherman is no stranger to these types of referendums and ballot language. He worked with Finney and Co. on the previous jail tax and red light camera initiatives. Now all of the sudden he's realized that his own ballot language is deceiving? You have got to be kidding me

Smitherman's half truths and exaggerations continue throughout the press release:

"...reject Mayor Mark Mallory's attempt to build a $200 million streetcar while shutting down our bus system, laying off bus drivers, and raising bus fares on the poor and disabled."

Do we have to cover this again? Smitherman has been corrected multiple times that the estimated cost of the streetcar is $128 million, $185 million with the uptown extension, not $200 million. Also, Mayor Mark Mallory is not shutting down the current bus system. Queen City Metro, our bus system operator, has said multiple times that they support the streetcar plan and have even endorsed a "no" vote on Issue 9. These kind of lies and shallow attacks are what we have come to expect from Chris Smitherman ever since he was voted off of city council. I think Bill Cunningham got it right last week when he said: "Smitherman's a clown."

Now Smitherman is confused by his own ballot language! Leaders like Chris Smitherman exercise the exact kind of antiquated, stupid thinking that has kept us "20 years behind the times."

VOTE NO ON ISSUE 9!

Image credit: The Provost of Cincinnati

This is Why We Look to Portland

While the folks at COAST may be too lazy or too in denial to properly research the proposed modern streetcar plan (hell, they couldn't even get the right picture on their yard signs!), the folks at Soapbox went all the way to Portland to see just why the streetcar system is so successful. Why does everyone point to Portland? Why do the residents, business owners and commuters of Portland enjoy alternate means of transportation?

Portland Streetcar from Soapboxmedia.com on Vimeo.

The Cincinnati Streetcar could help revitalize Cincinnati! It would serve 54% of all jobs in the city and like Portland's system, could be an economic boost at a time when Cincinnati needs it most. The benefits could be used for all Cincinnati neighborhoods. Issue 9 threatens this proposed plan and would keep Cincinnati out of the proposed passenger rail networks connecting it with other major cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, Columbus and Cleveland.

VOTE NO ON 9!

Jason Gloyd is a Liar or an Idiot, Whichever Title You Prefer.

The above title is a bold statement, but after reading COAST's blog today I'm inclined to believe that it's true. In a flurry of posts, Jason Gloyd, chairman of COAST, repeatedly showed his ignorance and apathy towards learning the facts on local issues and his true colors as a special interest patsy. You might remember, Gloyd. He was the one who on 700 WLW's Bill Cunningham show tried to tell "Willie" that the streetcars were powered by coal. Even I felt embarrassed for Gloyd when the next caller corrected nearly every one of Jason's fabrications.

From the COAST blog:

“How, exactly, is the public to make its voice heard on passenger rail spending,” said COAST Chairman Jason Gloyd"

Jason, you, just like every other citizen had numerous chances to attend public hearings and meetings regarding the issue. Many of the great citizens of this city did and gave their input, both recently when city council held open houses and in the past few years when the project was in the planning stages.

“Some damned fool nameless, faceless bureaucrat decided to build a $60 million subway station on Cincinnati’s Riverfront in 2002,” said COAST Chairman Jason Gloyd."

Jason has been told many times, but he still chooses to ignore the real price of the Riverfront Transit Center: $18 Million, according to the Cincinnati Post, $23 Million, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. NOT $60 MILLION! Gloyd also ignores the fact that the operation of the center is contracted out to System Parking and the city of Cincinnati gets a share of the parking revenue from the center and it's adjoining parking lots. The Transit Center has been making money during large events ever since it opened.

Damned, nameless fools Jason? Are you serious? As someone who is the chairman of a special interest political group, you'd think you would've taken the time to get acquainted with the names of your local politicians who approved the building of the Transit Center along with the reconstruction of Ft. Washington Way.

Jason has also allowed his special interest group to distribute these misleading yard signs:

But, as CAAST pointed out the other day, Issue 9 wouldn't just stop the streetcar, it would reject ALL PASSENGER RAIL projects. Keeping Cincinnati further and further behind other major cities. Further promoting the "20 years behind the times" stereotype. Wonder why Jason and his boys at COAST didn't put "STOP PASSENGER RAIL" on their sign and tell the truth? Why does the truth come so hard for Jason and COAST?

Maybe this sign would work better:

Warning: This sign has been modified for truthfulness!

SAY NO TO SPECIAL INTEREST CONTROLLING OUR CITY, SAY NO TO ISSUE 9!

What Else You're Rejecting

While our friends at COAST were too busy looking up Playhouse Disney videos on youtube, we, the citizens against antiquated, stupid thinking, were thinking over the broad reaching effects and consequences of Issue 9. Even if you're not in favor of the streetcar plan, you should be opposed to Issue 9. Why? Because Issue 9 affects ALL passenger rail in Cincinnati, not just the streetcar. While COAST continues to try and mislead voters into thinking this charter amendment would "reject the streetcar" as they say, CAAST would like to show you what else you would be "rejecting:"

- The proposed American high speed rail network, currently undergoing preliminary planning and research by the Federal Government. This would link Cincinnati in a hub with Chicago, Columbus, Indianapolis, Cleveland and other major cities. Not if you vote 'yes' on 9 though!

- The proposed "3C corridor" linking Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus and Cleveland would give these cities a head start on high speed rail and create jobs as seen in the chart below. Not if you vote 'yes' though! Yes on 9, means NO on jobs.

- The Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana (OKI) Regional Council of Governments has called passenger rail transit an "absolute necessity" for improving our current transportation needs. At the center of their proposed 2030 plan, Cincinnati. If Issue 9 were to pass though, the whole project would be stalled throughout all states, counties, municipalities etc. while Cincinnati holds a taxpayer funded special election to determine whether or not to spend money on the project, regardless of where that money comes fro, whether it be federal, state or local funds. The city of Cincinnati would have veto power over stalling an entire regional rail plan like the one seen below.

- The never completed Cincinnati Subway would be an integral part of the above OKI regional rail plan. In 2008 a study by the URS corporation found these tunnels to be in a "good" condition and suitable for use by light rail. If the plan were to go forward, utilizing these tunnels could save millions upon millions in construction and tunneling costs. However, if Issue 9 passes, these tunnels could remain empty, never fufilling their intended purpose.

- The Riverfront Transit Center below 2nd. Street was built during the reconstruction of Fort Washington Way. Currently, the center is only open to house charter buses during large downtown events. If fully activated, the transit center would serve as the central hub for regional rail and could easily be modified to accomidate all types of commuter rail, again like the subway, saving millions up millions in construction costs. The resources are already there! A vote of 'yes' on 9 means yes on wasting taxpayer money by never fully utilizing our own resources to their vast potential.

- The ballot language of Issue 9 prohibits the "construction of improvements for passenger rail transportation" So if the city wanted to improve the handicapped access of Union Terminal, which is the current station for our Amtrak Cardinal Line passenger rail, they would have to tell handicapped citizens to wait until a tax payer funded special election is held on the issue or for the next election day to roll around.

- Lastly, you might think we're joking. Unfortunatley we're not. The train at the Cincinnati Zoo would even fall under the broad language of the Issue 9 ammendment. Cincinnati Enquirer columnist Barry Horstman was the first to bring this to light, and if you don't believe it, you can read COAST's own ballot language for yourself. Yes, even the children's train at the zoo would be affected!

As you can see, while COAST may claim that a vote of 'yes' on Issue 9 is a vote to 'reject the streetcar,' you're really being tricked into voting for a rejection on all passenger rail, keeping Cincinnati out of important regional and national projects. The Cincinnati Enquirer even called Issue 9 a "Poison Pill" for Cincinnati. Democrats, Independents, Republicans, the AFL-CIO, the Cincinnati Enquirer Editorial Board and many, many more have all come out and endorssed "Cincinnatians For Progress," in opposition of Issue 9.

COAST's special interest trick is just absurd. Don't be fooled into thinking that Issue 9 is just about the streetcar project, it's about much, much more. It's broadly worded language features a whole swath of consequences as seen here.

In 20 days, on November 3., say NO to special interest controlling our city and say NO TO ISSUE 9!

VOTE NO ON 9!

"Following my experiences here, I truly believe in the idea of a Cincinnati streetcar..."

Cincinnati native shares his thoughts on why he believes a modern streetcar system would benefit the Queen City after experiencing rail transit in Dublin, Ireland.

Chris Powers, a Cincinnati native and junior majoring in Organizational Communications at Cedarville Christian University, is currently studying abroad in Dublin, Ireland where a modern streetcar system similar to the one proposed for Cincinnati currently operates.

As summer was drawing to a close, my friend Chris and I attended a Reds game at Great American Ballpark just a few days prior to when he would be departing to study abroad in Dublin, Ireland. The subject of the proposed Cincinnati Streetcar came up. Chirs, who has been a Cincinnati resident all of his life, seemed skeptical of the idea judging by what he had previously heard from other people. After the game, I enthusiastically drove him around the proposed streetcar route; showing him exactly where the streetcar would go, the things it would connect and the potential it had. I didn't know if I had made a believer out of him or not, but in this recent email which Chris has asked me to share with you all, Chris seems convinced that the construction of a modern streetcar would be beneficial to Cincinnati after he experienced the LUAS (Dublin Irleland's modern streetcar and light rail system).

The following text and photographs come from Chris Powers, 10/5/2009:

My story begins with my studying in Ireland for a semester this fall and the wonderful opportunity to live in the Dublin area. As a Cincinnati native I was excited to experience a different sort of city life in a European setting.

I’ve also always however had a strong passion for the city of Cincinnati and longed to continue to see it get redeveloped and have a much more successful commercial district along not only the riverfront, but also into the downtown district including areas that are in a much needed rejuvenation such as Over-the-Rhine. With the construction of 'The Banks' project in full swing, the city has once again proposed a new form of public transportation in the form of a light rail system that will run through the city and provide a connection between the riverfront, fountain square, the University of Cincinnati and even passing through Over-the-Rhine.

You’re probably wondering what connection my experiences in Dublin could possibly have with the Queen City. Well, Dublin has many different forms of public transportation including a light rail system of their own or a streetcar as it will be called in Cincy. As a man who was curious about the effectiveness of a streetcar in getting people around and how much of an affect it would have on traffic it was a prime opportunity for me to see firsthand if the Cincinnati street car was a system that could truly benefit the city. Well I’m very pleased to assure you that if Cincinnati does in fact chose to install the street car that it will definitely be a great benefit to the city and the people of city.

Here are a few reasons why:

1. The rail system is extremely efficient and is also very modern in the way it operates. The trains come frequently and run extremely close to their pre planned schedule. The sit many people comfortably and have plenty of standing room as well
2. Another concern for me is how well a light rail system could actually fit into a cityscape, especially a difficult historical one such as Dublin’s. However the street car really looks fantastic in Dublin with its historical surroundings and I can only imagine that it would look even better in a modern city landscape. In fact the street car in a way almost gives the areas it’s in a bit more character.
3. One of the primary reasons that the street car has been pushed is its role in helping re-develop the rougher parts of cincy that it runs through including Over The Rhine. A similar idea was apart of the planning of the LUAS as it runs right through the north side of Dublin where many underdeveloped areas have historically been located. The LUAS since its installation has brought a significant amount of new development to the streets it runs through including a lot of tourist development.
4. Safety is always a concern when considering any type of public transport and this was a heavy concern of mine as well. The LUAS has proved to me however that the system is certainly safe. The citizens of Dublin are careful and mindful of the LUAS as it passes through the crowded streets of Dublin and traffic systems have helped prevent any serious accidents from occurring.

After spending a little over a month using the light rail system here in Dublin, I can't help but hope that the people of my beloved Cincinnati decide to support thier own streetcar system. Following my experiences here, I truely believe in the idea of a Cincinnati streetcar in that it could help create a more commercially successful Cincinnati and at the same time provide a great new source of public transportation for the people of the Queen City.

- Photographs and text courtesy of Chris Powers.

Meanwhile, here in Cincinnati, the list of reputable individuals, groups and organizations coming out in opposition of Issue 9, continues to grow! Democrats, Republicans, Independents, environmentalists, labor unions and so many, many more have stepped up to remind you to:

VOTE NO ON ISSUE 9!

Now you can make decisions just like COAST, with this easy to follow flow chart!

CAUTION: DO NOT USE IN CITIES YOU WANT TO SUCCEED!

$185 Million. Is it worth it?

That's a question council candidate Laure Quinlivan asked herself. So she went to see firsthand what the streetcar has done for Portland, she's now convinced that the streetcar is a wise investment that would benefit all of Cincinnati. See for yourself:

Laure Quinlivan's Streetcar Report from Laure Quinlivan on Vimeo.

How many trips have Chris Smitherman or Chris Finney taken to Portland to experience passenger rail before they tried to ban it? None. That's why it's the job of our elected officials to research and develop these ideas before they invest on our city and that's what we elect them to do. Lawyers and special interest groups are in it for their own benefit.

Say no to lawyers and special interest groups running our town! Stand up for proper democracy in Cincinnati! Vote no on 9!

How absurd is Issue 9?

Issue 9, no matter which way the 'weasel wording' lawyers and Blue Ash residents at COAST try to swing it, is absolutely absurd. Why? In a recent post, Cincy Streetcar Blog explains:

"Mandating our City Government approves projects in a different manner based on the technology used–not the purpose, not the cost, not the potential hazards, but solely on the technology employed is an absurd way to govern a city. The Anti-Passenger Rail Amendment is permanent, just a few of the consequences are illustrated above. If passed, this amendment will produce a host of uncertain and unforeseen consequences in the future."

Read the full 'absurdities of Issue 9' article here.

Images courtesy of CincyStreetcar.com

And just for good measure, I'd like to throw this one in there that I made myself:

This image is courtesy of the local blog, Queen City Discovery, which has an interesting write up on the Cincinnati Subway/Rapid Transit Line. Approved by voters in 1916, politicking similar to the methods special interest groups like COAST use now, prevented the subway from ever being completed. In the late 50's/early 60's voters didn't get to approve the highway's that replaced the subway right of ways. In the future if a regional light rail line were ever to be built, it could utilize the abandoned subway saving taxpayers and local governments millions of dollars in construction costs. Not if issue 9 passes though! No on 9!

Stand up for Cincinnati, say "NO ON 9!"

To the Voters and Citizens of Cincinnati:

The time has come. This is the final stretch. Both sides of the debate continue to preach their message. For the voting citizens of Cincinnati, Issue 9, if passed, would amend the city's charter so that a public vote would be required for any money that would be spent on passenger rail transportation regardless of funding sources. That means, even if the city of Cincinnati wanted to research the construction or feasibility of any form of passenger rail, we would have to wait a year or have a tax payer funded special election just to vote any time a single cent was spent on anything involving passenger rail transportation, regardless of where the money comes from whether it be local, state or federal dollars. This process severely hinders and slows down the political process and is meant to discourage our elected officials from researching any new methods of transportation that could help this region grow.No other major metropolitan city has legislation such as this. Typically votes are held on passenger rail issues when taxes are being raised to pay for them, in the case of the proposed Cincinnati Streetcar, your taxes are not being raised!

The charter amendment severely hinders the power of our elected officials to do their job and is meant to indirectly discourage our local government from seeking to improve our transportation options. If passed, the amendment could keep Cincinnati out of consideration for federal stimulus dollars to build it's streetcar line (making an even greater cost to the city), out of consideration for the 3C corridor connecting Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati and out of consideration for the proposed high speed rail network being pushed by the federal government. Charter amendments like this one are deceptive and dangerous, even if you're against the streetcar, say NO to Issue 9 to keep special interest groups like suburban based COAST from dictating our transit options and our transit future.

Are You Registered to Vote?

Regardless of where you stand on the issue, it's your job as a citizen to get educated about the issue and represent yourself by voting. UC Students, the streetcar would link uptown and downtown, providing a new, reliable, higher capacity transportation option for yourself and future students alike. Recently, the University of Cincinnati Student Government Association declared their support of the "No on 9" campaign. If you are a UC student currently living in Cincinnati, you have a say in the election. Here's how to make sure you're registered to vote:

To confirm if you're registered to vote in Hamilton County, click here:

http://www.hamilton-co.org/BOE/votersearchs.asp

To register to vote in Hamilton County, follow the instructions here:

http://www.hamilton-co.org/boe/howtoreg.asp

Are You Unsure of Where You Stand on Issue 9 or the Streetcar?

While the charter amendment proposed on Issue 9 affects any and all kind of passenger rail construction, development, research and planning, the construction of a proposed modern streetcar line is at the forefront of the issue. There are many websites, such as this one, making their case for or against the streetcar. Political rhetoric is thrown around quite a bit. If you're interested in learning more about the exact details of the the streetcar plan, your city officials are holding open houses on the following dates:

5-7 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown.

6-8 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Bond Hill Recreation Center, 1501 Elizabeth Place.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 28 on Fountain Square, Downtown.

5-7 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, 800 Vine St., Downtown.

6-8 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Oakley Recreation Center, 3882 Paxton Ave. (in Hyde Park Plaza)

6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at the College Hill Recreation Center, 5545 Belmont Ave.

6-8 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Corryville Recreation Center, 2823 Eden Ave.

6-8 p.m. Nov. 4 at the LeBlond Recreation Center, 2335 Riverside Drive, East End.

5-7 p.m. Nov. 10 at Cincinnati City Hall, Room 115, 801 Plum St., Downtown.

630-8:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Price Hill Recreation Center, 959 Hawthorne Ave.

As said before, even if you're against the streetcar proposal, Issue 9 is about much more than that. It severely restricts our city government from doing the things they're elected to do. It will hinder Cincinnati out of consideration for state and national projects while the rest of the country moves ahead. The amendment is deceptive and dangerous to our city's future. It is unprecedented and no other major city has any kind of similar, ridiculous legislation. Don't keep Cincinnati "20 years behind the times," vote NO on Issue 9!

To all those visiting Oktoberfest this weekend, have a safe and wonderful visit downtown, remember:

Stand up for Cincinnati! Vote 'nein' on Issue Nine!

(Cartoon by Nicholas Sweeny)

For Stronger Neighborhoods, Vote NO on Issue 9!

It has been reported that the misleading NAACP/COAST backed Anti-Passenger Rail Amendment has been assigned #9 as it's issue number on this November's ballot. A "Yes" vote would not only delay and possibly prevent the building of the proposed modern Streetcar line but could exclude Cincinnati from future passenger rail projects and prevent this city from receiving State and Federal funding, creating a greater cost to the taxpaying citizen.

Aside from the Streetcar, Cincinnati is being considered and looked at for inclusion on the proposed Eastern Corridor commuter line, OKI Regional Transit plan, the 3C corridor and the Federal Governments proposed high speed rail network. A "Yes" vote on Issue 9 could leave Cincinnati out of these plans, allowing the benefits to go to other nearby cities passing Cincinnati by. The benefits of having rail transportation could be applied to not just the neighborhoods served by the proposed rail lines, but to all Cincinnati neighborhoods. So for stronger neighborhoods, vote NO on Issue 9.

More coverage of Issue 9.