Disclaimer: I own a home in OTR. I currently live in Loveland. I used to live in Portland. I was born near Cleveland. Last night, had the opportunity to take in the Cincinnati Symphony. A wonderful cultural event, held in an amazing architectural icon, in the middle of a startling redevelopment of the city’s most troubled and treasured neighborhoods. I happen to walk in at the same time as Mayor-elect John Cranley, and through out the evening, my husband and I both shared exchanges with him. I approached him after the concert, hand held out, “Mayor-elect, I hope you reconsider the street car.” My words to him. His reaction back, Deer in the glare of the glorious Music Hall chandelier. And he turned away. And we were not the only ones last night, whispering in his ears. Question: Does he not think citizens will persist addressing this predicament until there is a resolution that works for everybody? He claims he won a voter mandate. But the streetcar had already won its own mandate twice, LONG before Cranley jumped in the ring. Why is he suppressing the voters’ rights from past elections? He was quoted recently saying, “The streetcar is dead. What I would like to do is ask that these folks (streetcar supporters) talk about what we can do that will move us towards the goals I share with them.” When did you ask this, Mayor-elect? Was that before the election? I missed that because I would have been first in line. Is that now, as you turn away from crowds that are telling you, the streetcar is both a mode of transportation and economic development. It is an inspiration and roadmap to the revitalization of ALL neighborhoods, and the streetcars represents, in every aspect, the opportunity to either divide or unite us. A politician would choose the former. A great leader would choose the latter. Why is his first response always, “No?” This is not parenting a four-year old. This is leading a city.
Posted on: Sat, 09 Nov 2013 13:07:23 +0000
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