Why I'm saying "No on 9" and "Yes" on Mallory.

I don't typically use this website to express my political views, but there are two decisions to be made on Nov. 3, 2009 that I feel are extremely important to the future of Cincinnati. Those decisions regard the highly criticized Issue 9 and the re-election of Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory.

- A conceptual image showing what a modern streetcar might look like passing in front of the Aronoff Center. The proposed streetcar system is estimated to spawn nearly $1.4 Billion in economic development.

Issue 9, if passed, would require a vote on any expenditure for the right-of-way acquisition or construction of improvements for passenger rail transportation within the city limits of Cincinnati regardless of where the funding comes from. The broadly worded language of the charter amendment was co-authored by a lawyer from Anderson Township and Chris Smitherman, president of the NAACP who was not re-elected to the Cincinnati City Council. The problem with Issue 9 is twofold. Issue 9 is frankly, flat out deceptive due to it's broadly written language and it would hinder transportation projects throughout the entire Tri-State area despite only being voted on by the electorate of Cincinnati.

- A comprehensive regional transit plan like the one seen here would be delayed or threatened by the passing of Issue 9.

First, the charter amendment is poorly written and promotes poor governmental policies. The single paragraph amendment fails to define exactly what constitutes "passenger rail." This apparent loophole was noticed by Enquirer columnist Barry Horstman who pointed out that the wording of the ballot language could even affect the children's train at the Cincinnati Zoo. This amendment restricts the funding sources for any passenger rail project regardless of where that money comes from. Whether a private investor wanted to donate money for such a project or the Federal Government awarded stimulus funds, these monies could not be used in any amount without first being put up for a vote. This would deter money from being awarded to Cincinnati, instead going to cities that are ready to move forward with their projects. The amendment also fails to define what is considered an "improvement" of passenger rail transportation. Amtrak currently operates a passenger rail line out of Cincinnati's Union Terminal. If the city of Cincinnati wanted to invest money in the maintenance of this facility would that constitute as an improvement? Issue 9 fails to define itself and address concerns such as these. It is open for broad interpretation and if passed would most definitely be tied up by lawyers and court cases anytime it would need to be cited for a project. This deceptive ballot language has been described by the Cincinnati Enquirer as "Poison Pill" for the city of Cincinnati. Issue 9 would create more bureaucratic red tape and slow down the democratic process of city council.

- On a recent trip to Chicago this past weekend I had the opportunity to park only once and get around town on the city's elevated railway and subway system. A system like this would be threatened by the passing of Issue 9.

Second, I am a firm believer in what passenger rail transportation can do for this city. For five years I worked at Kings Island Amusement Park and used the highway to commute to work everyday. I am no stranger to the traffic nightmares that occur daily on routes like I-71, I-275, I-75 and I-471. In the coming years we will have to make a choice between constantly expanding these highways and only marginally improving our traffic congestion, or expanding our transportation options, reducing the stress put on our local interstates. I've seen firsthand the potential infrastructure we have readily available. Things like the abandoned subway and Riverfront Transit Center could be used to great advantage as part of a comprehensive transit network for the entire region. Issue 9 would prevent or delay rail projects all across the tri-state simply because everyone would be stuck waiting for Cincinnati to vote on every little thing. In the case of the proposed Cincinnati streetcar; I've explored the route myself, I've read the studies and I've seen the potential. I truly believe after my firsthand experience with this project that the whole of Cincinnati would benefit from the economic development and increased transit options the streetcar would bring.

- The Riverfront Transit Center beneath 2nd. St. is one of many resources we already have readily available to be used in the building of a comprehensive regional transit network.

If you had read Queen City Discovery around a year ago, you might have seen my coverage of the John McCain rally at Lunken Airport. In that article I voiced my support for the Republican presidential candidate. It's no secret to those who know me personally that I lean to the "right" and tend to side with the Republicans. So why am I supporting a Democrat like Mark Mallory? In the past two years I've seen this city make great strides to improve it's image and get back on track. I've traveled with the Cincinnati Police Department and been in some of the most "infamous" areas. I've enjoyed many good times with the large crowds at the renovated Fountain Square and have been watching "The Banks" project finally start to trudge towards completion. Mayor Mallory has worked hard to make this city safer, improve it's image and move it forward. My concerns with his Republican opponent Brad Wenstrup start with his signing of an agreement with a special interest group. While this may seem well intended or typical of politics, I think it's ludicrous that Mr. Wenstrup would make such a promise so early (does he not remember George Bush's "read my lips" speech) and pledge it to a special interest group like COAST who is primarily based outside of the city. Mr. Wenstrup's stance on Issue 9 also causes me to lose consideration for him. When I had the opportunity to hear Mr. Wenstrup speak to a class at the University of Cincinnati, he stated that he "doesn't like the language of it [issue 9], but would work later on to change it." If Mr. Wenstrup truly dislikes it he should stand up against it. If Mr. Wenstrup dislikes the streetcar plan he should work to convince his council team of why he thinks it's a bad idea should he become mayor, not vote for some broad, over reaching special interest charter amendment. This attitude of "we'll get around to it later" is the same kind of mindset that plagued Cincinnati for decades. Mayor Mallory has worked hard to build a better reputation for this city and has demonstrated foresight and vision. I support the re-election of Mayor Mark Mallory.

I truly believe that a vote of "no on 9" and the re-election of Mark Mallory on November 3rd will continue to help make Cincinnati a better place. Thank you for taking the time to read what I have to say and even if you disagree with my opinions, then it's your civic duty to go out, get educated and vote for what you believe in.

Sincerely,
Ronny "Gordon Bombay" Salerno

As an aside; I also think "Yes on 3" is a good idea and to the folks reading this in my hometown of Fairfield, Ohio: ANY vote against Arnold Engel is a good vote.

Previous Update :: October 26, 2009 - Storm the Shores of Cincinnati with "Capt. Bill" and the "Ride the Ducks" tour.

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Storm the shores of Cincinnati with Capt. Bill and the "Ride the Ducks" tour!

On June 6, 1944 some of the bravest men this world has ever known, members of the American Allied Expeditionary Force, stormed the beaches of Normandy in pursuit of freeing mainland Europe from the grip of the Axis powers. Many of those men rode ashore in "DUKW" (nicknamed "duck") vehicles. These amphibious vehicles were designed by the General Motors Corporation and used primarily by the U.S. Army for transporting troops and supplies from the sea to land during maritime assaults in the Korean War and World War Two. 24 years after the Korean War ended, the first "Ride the Ducks" tour would open in Branson, Missouri in 1977. The "Duck" tours used these amphibious vehicles to transport sightseeing tourists on land and sea. For years they've been a common attraction in cities throughout the nation leaving many Cincinnatian's on vacation to say "Hey, why don't we have that in the Queen City?" Well, "Ride the Ducks" finally came here in the Spring of 2008

- (Left) "Duck 53" outside of Newport on the Levee. (Right) An original DUKW vehicle being used by the U.S. military.
While to many this may seem like some sort of "toursity gimmick" and it differs from the usual exploration we do around the area, I couldn't wait to try the "Duck tours" after having seen similar operations in cities like Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. I had just never gotten around to it until last week when Sherman suggested we go check it out since it was such a beautiful day out. Some guys would go spend such a beautiful evening taking out a lovely girl or reading in the park, studying for school. I just wanted to do the "duck tour." Priorities?

-"Duck 53," the Newport Duck Tour flagship waiting on the city streets.
I shunned the levee's expensive parking charges and left my vehicle at the public landing, taking the Purple People Bridge over to meet Sherman for the 6:00 P.M. tour. We got our tickets and waited for the tour to begin. Here on the street where "Duck 53" was parked, we met the crew lead by "Captain Bill," our tour guide. As you board the boat you're given a plastic "duck whistle," which when you blow into it makes one of the most annoying sounds known to man. This whistle can be used to great advantage during the tour as you pass by people on the streets.

The tour begins with good music, safety instructions, a very friendly staff and some corny, yet very clever jokes that no one else but me seemed to appreciate. Before you know it you're up and away across the Taylor-Southgate bridge and over to Cincinnati.

-Crossing the Taylor-Southgate Bridge
Next comes the really fun part, one of many, where you enter the water. The driver releases the brakes of the "duck" and you go crashing into the Ohio River at 25 m.p.h. Trying to take a photograph of this was tricky as if you don't follow the instructions to "hold on," it really will throw you out of your seat.

-Entering the Ohio River.
Your "duck" then heads out onto the river offering beautiful views of the Ohio and Kentucky shores. We really lucked out with the setting sun and great temperature. It really was a beautiful evening. Capt. Bill tells you all kinds of interesting history and facts, many of which even I didn't know, about the cities on both sides of the river and the river itself. I won't reveal any of them though, you'll have to take the tour for yourself.

-The Cincinnati shore as seen from the Ohio River.
-The "Belle of Cincinnati."
-Heading under the Roebling Suspension Bridge.
"Capt. Bill spouting some interesting facts about Cincinnati. Note the duck whistle around his neck.
One of the really neat things during the tour was that the crew of the "duck" allow the younger visitors to pilot the boat/car:

-A young tourist gets his chance to pilot the "duck."
And if you're lucky enough they'll even let "adults" like myself do it to:

-Photo taken while I got my chance to pilot the "duck." Yep, no hands.

-We took the tour in October, wouldn't the "duck tour" be better if the Reds were still using the stadium at this point in the season (aka making the playoffs for once)?
-The U.S. Bank Arena is home to the ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones.
After hanging out on the mighty Ohio River for awhile, your amphibious assault/tour vehicle heads up Pete Rose Way and over Ft. Washington Way.

-Cincinnati's new tallest building, Great American Tower at Queen City Square, currently under construction.
The tour takes you into the city center and up to Fountain Square. Here is where the duck whistle they gave you comes in handy as you can use it to "quack" at the people walking around downtown who are not spending their evening on the "duck tour."

-Passing through Fountain Square.
You do a few more laps around famous landmarks in the Queen City before heading back over the Taylor-Southgate bridge into Newport, Kentucky.

-The sights to be seen in Newport include the "World Peace Bell" and this Goodyear store.
-A shot of the "Roebling Suspension Bridge" taken during the tour.
I highly recommend the "Ride the Ducks" tour to anyone; whether you're bringing in folks from out of town, not familiar with the area, just visiting or if you've lived here you're entire life. It really is a cool experience and you'll learn some stuff you never knew before all for a reasonable price. The staff and tour guides are also very friendly and do a great job. Hopefully the "Newport Duck Tours" will continue to be a successful venture.

The tour's season ends soon, but they are currently still offering the traditional tour for a limited time and a "haunted" tour for the halloween season that is apparently really good. Check out their website here.

Special thanks to "Capt. Bill" and "Capt. Jeff" on the tour for being so awesome!

Previous Update :: October 19, 2009 - All Along the Watchtower: The Crosley Climb.

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All Along the Watchtower: The Crosley Climb

The first home of the "Nation's Station," 700 WLW, and the one time symbol of the Crosley corporation stands as a watchtower looking out over the industrious Camp Washington neighborhood and Interstate 75.


Venkman and I were no strangers to the radio production facility turned key chain factory, but we hadn't been back since February of 2008. Jeffrey was making the climb for his first time. Due to the darkness, we decided to just head for the stairs and climb, climb, climb till we reached the top. The eight stories of stairs lead to catwalks. Catwalks lead to a tower. The tower contained a ladder, a two story tall ladder.


The ladder lead to the "watchtower." The "watchtower" held the view:

(Click for larger size.)

"But you and I we've been through that
And this is not our fate.
So let us not talk falsely now.
The hour's getting late."

-The building is often the victim of graffiti taggers and metal scrappers.
-Looking East.
-Just beyond the hill, emitting the strong concentration of light, is downtown.
-Interstate 75 and Cincinnati State.
-"ATOYOT"
-The night shift.
-Camp Washington. Covington, KY Radisson hotel in the far distance.
Being ten stories up and merely inches from a hole in the wall where a window once was as you climbed the rusty, shaking ladder was not an easy feeling. Upon reaching the top, we breathed a sigh of relief as I checked to see why my leg was bleeding. That rusty ladder and the scar on my knee gave me a new appreciation for tetanus shots and taught me that I should probably wear pants when exploring from now on. The view was spectacular. The "watchtower" of the Crosley Building provides a commanding and calm glimpse at the city below you, with views as far south as Covington, KY and northward towards the suburbs.


For good listening I recommend Bear McReary's version of the Bob Dylan classic and for further reading I recommend you check out the previous visit to the Crosley Building, which explains the building's past and explores its other floors.

Previous Update :: October 12, 2009 - Gordon Bombay and the Auditorium of Doom.

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Gordon Bombay and the Auditorium of Doom!

A funny thing happened on my way to a class at UC...

Some time ago, Venkman and I registered to take "Intro to Photography" at the University of Cincinnati's main campus. You see, we had these cameras and didn't know how to use them. The section we enrolled in was being taught by famed university employee, Dr. Henry Jones. Jones, while known primarily for his archeology studies, is also quite the notable photographer. Excited for the first day of this class, Venkman and I headed out across campus. As we walked, we joked and wondered if maybe one day the UC Bearcats would be the best ranked college football team in Ohio. We could dream couldn't we? We found what we thought was the building containing our classroom and headed on inside with our books, cameras and enthusiasm for furthering our education.

I was confused upon first entering the auditorium for our class lecture. All the other buildings at UC were so modern and nice, this one seemed as if hadn't been used in awhile, almost as if it were abandoned.


The building's lobby only had one remaining light still on. We had no time to criticize the lighting situation though, we needed to get into the classroom early to get the good seats up front.


We were the first ones to class. We grabbed two seats right up front and made sure our pencils were sharpened and our minds were ready for learning. Anxiously, we awaited the start of class.

And waited.

And waited some more.

We noticed after some time that none of our fellow students had arrived yet and Dr. Jones was nowhere to be seen. "Shit!" we exclaimed. We must be in the wrong room. We figured the class was being held in another one of the building's rooms and not in the main lecture area. So we set out in search of said classroom.

First we came across a few rooms that looked like this:


Nope, not the room we were looking for. These must've been backstage areas for the performance space/lecture hall we had just been in.

The next room we came upon was an absolute mess. Everything in the room was scattered about and there was some rather inappropriate graffiti on the walls.


Probably the work of that campus prankster Zack Morris. That jackass never really did grow up after he left Bayside High! I really wish he would've learned from the lessons Mr. Belding had taught him! Unfortunately after his recent divorce from Kelly Kapowski, it was brought to Zach's attention that the California University he had attended during the "college years," was actually a fictional school and his degree meant nothing. So he enrolled at the University of Cincinnati where he's been causing trouble ever since.

Oh yeah, back to my story. Anyways, while the classroom was a mess, there were lot's of interesting things lying about. Most notably; the large model in the middle of the room which depicted a hillside neighborhood similar to Mt. Adams:


The amount of detail and time it must have taken to construct such a model was quite impressive.


While the details of the model couldn't be attributed to a representation of any particular local neighborhood, the other things found in the room were based purely off Cincinnati. Many of these items envisioned a grand future for the city.


The above conceptual art depicts a typical downtown scene with a waiting area for buses similar to the ones seen at Government Square today. While an eventual redevelopment of Government Square occurred, like the one seen above, other projects found on the classroom floor did not.


Projects such as this one (above) called for the completion of rail transit line connecting downtown to the airport by 2010.


While others like this envisioned a futuristic monorail/light rail line going about downtown. Judging by the dates found on the surrounding papers in the room, these projects date back to the mid 1990's. The people who came up with these ideas had vision! It was kind of sad to see that many of the good ideas back then never came to fruition or are today being threatened by ridiculous special interest groups and Issue 9.

Still wondering where our photography class was, we moved on to the next classroom.


While the previous room had obviously been some sort of workspace or storage area for the university's famed DAAP program, it seemed this classroom had become storage space for a large collection of VCR's, laser disc players, televisions, cassette players and Pentium 3 computers. Many of these items were still in their original packaging.

- Your tuition dollars, hard at work!
As we were perusing over a JVC VCR manual, a voice from behind us shouted: "Hey! What the hell are you guys doing in here!?" We turned around quickly to find three men standing behind us. Three men who were not very happy to see us.


"We're looking for the "Intro to Photography" class." we exclaimed. "You've got the wrong building, there's no classes here. We use this building as a front to smuggle and move illegal VCR's across the border." the mean looking guy in the middle said. "Oh." I replied. It had become apparent that these guys were Columbian VCR smugglers. It had also become apparent that they did not want their secret getting out, because they immediately whipped out uzi's and began shooting at me and Venkman.


We ducked for cover and then made a run for it. The Columbian VCR smugglers gave chase. We debated what to do."You packing heat?" I said to Venkman. "You know it, are you?" he replied. "You know I always do after seeing True Lies!" I said.

Venkman returned fire and held them off while I looked for a way to get help. Rather than call the police, I figured it was my duty to call the JVC company and report this VCR smuggling operation to them. However, the 1997 Cincinnati Bell phone book I found was a little outdated and didn't have the number listed.


We took refuge in this room, which featured an impressive art deco style stone fireplace.


Out of ammo, we set up a trap for the smugglers. The smugglers ran into the room, tripped over the wire we had set out and went slow motion crashing through a window to the street below. I would've gotten a picture of this, but I was busy running from some guys who were trying to steal a bunch of VCR's (I wonder if they knew about DVD and Blu Ray players?).

We escaped to the upper balcony of the building's main auditorium...


...stepping over the spent shell casings that the VCR smugglers had left all over the carpet.


Taking one last look at the auditorium where we had almost met our doom, Venkman and I agreed that we had learned a valuable lesson: You should always take the time to make sure you know exactly where your classes will be located before the first day of school.


And that's a lesson we won't soon forget.

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Previous Update :: October 6, 2009 - Summer Vacation in Detroit: Part 2!