Dear Councilman Jeffreys: I write this open letter for two reasons.
First, I am a city resident who believes you and your colleagues are generally doing a lousy job.
While you wrestle with non-binding motions about immigration enforcement and Gaza − issues very much outside your jurisdiction − seven populous city neighborhoods didn’t get their trash picked up recently due to unexplained "staffing shortages." The University of Cincinnati has been hit by a wave of shootings so horrifying that the city has been forced to shut down entire streets. And our roadways still resemble a lunar landscape as we head into another tough winter.
As a former P&G exec, you were trained in dealing with consumer complaints. Consider this one, in extremis.
Second, I
write because media reports suggest you are considering a mayoral run.
You are already being touted as the "business guy" who would, in theory, appeal to frustrated voters like me. And yet I am far − like, very far − from sold on your nascent candidacy. It is in that spirit that I offer the following for your consideration and possible edification.
Please note: I am assuredly not offering political advice. As a middle-aged white male with largely libertarian personal views but a firm belief in capitalism and robust investments in public safety, I could never get elected in this town. I know because I have tried. I almost wish you and your colleagues would create a dog catcher position so I could run for it, lose, and prove the point to family and friends for all time.
But I can offer advice on policy and governance. I was in the belly of the beast at City Hall and the courthouse for decades − prosecuting felony crimes with Cincinnati Police Department officers and later working on economic development and financial matters as an outside counsel for various city departments. And I did serve that one glorious term as an appointed councilman, which I have on good authority you have studied and appreciate.
So if you have any interest in winning my vote − and the vote of those like me − please undertake the following action items post-haste.
Start with the basics
Introduce a motion to immediately terminate Iris Roley’s contract.
No one is saying the Collaborative Settlement Agreement wasn’t great for the city − it was. But we’re in a different place now. Her role as an in-house police critic is a morale killer for rank-and-file officers. And the way she funnels hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars through her so-called Collaborative Foundation is a morale killer for non-uninformed civil servants.
I know she has got a following, and I know the motion won’t pass. And I know even some otherwise stolid business leaders refuse to cross her for reasons I don’t understand. But if you want to gain instant respect in almost every quarter of this city, thank her for her service and tell her to find a platform in the private sector.
Introduce a motion that reads simply: Where in the [expletive] is the [expletive]-ing railroad money?
Cincinnatians voted to sell the Norfolk Southern Railway because they were told the proceeds would be spent on “existing infrastructure.” They thought “existing infrastructure” meant our pothole-filled streets. Now they are told they need a lawyer to discern the true meaning of the term.
You have introduced a motion to double street paving, and that’s a good start. But someone needs to ask fundamental questions about what is happening − or not happening – with the railroad money.
Manage the manager
End the lovefest with our city manager.
Everyone likes Sheryl Long. But no one can say with a straight face our city services are in a good place. Police response times are abysmal. Both the former police and fire chiefs are suing her in federal court − and winning. The city seems to grow dirtier, meaner, and more violent with each passing year. And yet Ms. Long gets regular raises and fluff-filled evaluations from City Council.
Your job is to manage the manager. And managing any employee sometimes means having tough conversations.
Fundamentally rethink our economic development apparatus.
Columbus is eating our lunch in terms of growth thanks to its streamlined, non-politicized development portal. In the Queen City, developers are put through a meat grinder of contentious public hearings only to see hard-won incentives effectively clawed back by overzealous city departments. Then, they face irrational commercial property tax valuations levied by county officials.
Developers are tired of navigating feuding bureaucratic fiefdoms. The mayor should have tackled this years ago. It’s not too late for you to un-debacle this particular debacle.
Less marketing, more management
Knock off the goofy social media videos.
There is something galling about seeing you on social media celebrating the city’s "pocket parks" as great places to "chill out and have lunch" when kids are getting shot in the West End. Wandering around Burnet Woods while some staffer films you with his iPhone might be next-level marketing, but it isn’t leadership.
You should have stopped them yesterday.
I’ll leave my cellphone number at the Enquirer front desk if you want any additional thoughts.
Sincerely, Disgruntled in Clifton.
Steve Goodin lives in Clifton and is a local attorney. He is also a former Cincinnati City Council member, assistant Hamilton County prosecutor and member of the Enquirer Board of Contributors.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Before Mark Jeffreys runs for Cincinnati mayor, let's talk | Opinion
