Putting People Before Politics

Over the past four years I’ve been proud to serve you and the citizens of Cincinnati on City Council. I’ve fought hard to bring jobs and businesses into our city, worked to end foreclosures and blight in our neighborhoods, and carefully used our tax dollars. Most recently I’ve done everything I could to protect public safety by preventing our police officers from being laid off.

I have always put politics aside and put the people of Cincinnati first.

Unfortunately, there are some within my own party who see things differently. On Saturday morning, a small group of them decided to remove my endorsement by the Cincinnati Democratic Committee (CDC). Let me be clear - nothing about me has changed. I remain, and always will be, proud to be a member of the Democratic Party. I’m not going to stop fighting for what I believe in. I believe my priorities are consistent with the ideals of the party that I grew up in and continue to be a part of today.

I proudly stood with our police officers and as a result I was accused of “treason” and “providing aid and comfort to the enemy.” As you know, politics is not my highest priority – I have a full-time job, I’m actively raising three kids, coach my son Jack’s soccer team and have been involved in scouting since I was a kid. I ran for office because I believe in public service, since my days at St. Xavier High School ingrained in me the “Men for Others” motto.

But because I would not put loyalty to political party over loyalty to the people of Cincinnati, I am smeared with outrageous remarks and removed by a small group of outspoken activists. I believe this extreme partisanship is hurting our nation – and of course, our City.

There are some who are hoping that the actions of the CDC will jeopardize my chances to return to City Council this fall. The consequences from Saturday will cost me not only placement on the Democratic sample ballot, but also up to $10,000 that I could receive (as I have in the past) from the Democratic Party. They are hoping to stop me from fighting for what is right.

That’s why I need you to stand with me now more than ever before. If you agree that good policy decisions are more important than political partisanship; if you support candidates who are willing to work across the aisle to get things done, if you believe that our first priority is safer streets and more jobs please, visit my website JEFFBERDING.com today and make a contribution of $25, $50, or $100.

In the coming weeks I expect that I’ll continue to be attacked by those who want me off of Council for failing their loyalty test. They are threatened by dissenting opinions that are the hallmark of our democracy. We must raise money now so we’ll be prepared to fight back when the time comes. Please, don’t wait, join our campaign today and make an online contribution of $25, 50 or $100 at JEFFBERDING.com.

Our city is at a crossroads and I’m counting on your support. We’ve come too far and there is too much at stake to turn back now. I hope that I can count on your support and I ask for your vote on November 3rd.

Thank You,

Jeff Berding