Friday, February 22, 2008
Peace In Cincinnati
Tomorrow I will host an event called “Peace In Cincinnati" which will include a free style rap competition for youth and young adults to rap about "Peace", showcasing their talent in a peaceful way, at a
peaceful venue, supported by organizations of change. Organizations to be represented and assist youth at the event will include CeaseFire Cincinnati, Cincinnati Job Corps, Cincinnati Works and NAACP Cincinnati.

I am very fortunate to bring together a diverse group of elected officials and community activists to share their thoughts and listen to concerns and ideas from the youth of Cincinnati. Officials and activists include, Ohio State Senator Eric Kearney, Hamilton County Coroner Dr. Odell Owens, Judge Fanon Rucker and community activist Melanie Bates. The grand prize of the competition will be a Peace In Cincinnati championship belt.

I believe Peace In Cincinnati brings about change in a new way… through the celebration of young Cincinnatians' talent and art.

I would like to thank the sponsors of the event; the Office of Cincinnati City Councilmember Jeff Berding, R&R Productions, T.C. Entertainment and Kutt Factory Barber & Beauty Salon.

Monday, February 18, 2008
Quick action needed on Ohio gambling
This morning I held a press conference to announce my motion requesting quick action from the Ohio General Assembly as a legislative response to the Bluegrass States’ ongoing efforts to build a casino on the Northern Kentucky riverfront.

I feel it is my duty as an elected official to protect Cincinnati’s economic interest in the face of Kentucky’s aggressive move towards casino gaming.

Please visit my "In The News" page to read news coverage regarding my motion.

MOTION

I MOVE that the Ohio General Assembly approve a constitutional amendment for placement on the 2008 General Election ballot that would permit full casino gambling in any Ohio county that borders a State that approves any form of casino gaming on or after the effective date of this amendment. The proposed amendment shall trigger the creation of the Ohio Gaming Commission, who shall be authorized to issue no more than two casino gaming licenses in any such county, on of which shall be located in the county seat of government and the second shall be located outside the county seat of government, provided that the voters of that county approve casino gaming at a primary or general election.

STATEMENT

The Commonwealth of Kentucky appears ready to move forward with a proposal for full casino gaming. The Kentucky governor's proposal includes two casinos in either Campbell or Kenton counties, both separated from the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County by only the Ohio River. The approval of casinos in Northern Kentucky is a direct economic threat to the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. The City of Cincinnati stands to lose millions of dollars in future economic development as a result of a casino across the river. Casino advocates in Kentucky estimate that a Northern Kentucky casino on the riverfront would generate over $315 million in revenue and $160 a year in taxes. Much of that revenue stands to come from the pockets of people in Ohio, be it residents or visitors. Greater Cincinnati residents are already key contributors to the huge success of the Southeast Indiana casino riverboats.

"The Gaming Economic Protection Response Act" is essential for Ohioans to approve so that no city or county is faces with the burden of fighting for their economic survival with one hand tied behind its back. Furthermore, the act does not propose to add casino gaming to all parts of the state, only those areas threatened economically by new neighboring casinos. Ohio currently loses $160 million in convention business that goes elsewhere in the region primarily due to nearby out of state casinos.

Ohioans also take approximately $2 billion in revenue outside the state to gamble. Like many Ohio cities, Cincinnati is already facing a budget crisis. The city of Cincinnati, with support from the private sector, has invested well over $1 billion on an expanded convention center, renovate Fountain Square, and stadiums on our riverfront, with hundreds of millions of dollars more soon to be invested on The Banks development. These investments are at risk if convention visitors, tourists and other entertainment dollars flow to Northern Kentucky following the casinos. Cincinnati and Hamilton County voters should be given the opportunity to decide if we want to respond on our own, and we call on the members of the General Assembly to help us defend ourselves. Put it to a vote.

Week of February 17th, 2008

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