Newsmakers: October 11, 2009

Part One

We begin by focusing on Issue Four, the Family Services and Treatment levy. Issue four is designed to fund programs that provide alternatives to incarceration, reduce recidivism and preserve limited jail space for the most serious offenders.

Although technically a new levy, most of these programs were funded in the past under the old Drake Hospital levy. When that levy was on the ballot, all the debate was about the most efficient way to operate that hospital, the other programs got only passing mention. Now that Drake no longer seeks local tax support, the other programs are the center of the discussion.

One of the challenges around Issue Four is that it will fund a basket of services, each relatively small, not just one big program. These include residential and outpatient drug rehabilitation at 1617 Reading Road, and the alcohol and drug addiction partnership in treatment program, "Adapt" for men, a residential and outpatient program for offenders referred through Hamilton County courts. It will also fund "Turning Point", a rehab program for multiple DUI offenders.

The levy will also support the Coalition for a Drug Free community, the nationally acclaimed "Off the Streets" program that helps women escape prostitution, and the Substance Abuse Mental Health Court, or "sami."

The levy will raise $37.2 million over five years. At 34 mills, that means that for every $100,000 of property value, the owner will pay $10.06 per year. Although this is technically a new levy, it replaces a levy that cost the owner of a $100,000
home, $20.73 per year, a more that 50 percent reduction in the current tax rate.

To discuss Issue 4, I am joined this morning by Neil Tilow, the President and CEO of Talbert House, which is a community wide nonprofit network of social services responsible for managing a number of the programs funded by Issue 4, and Laura Baker, a counselor at Talbert House who works closely with the drug court.

Part Two

In the crowded field race that is Cincinnati City Council, it is difficult for non-incumbents to get attention and traction. I am joined this morning by two more first time candidates.
 
Amy Murray who is president of a small company, the Japan Consulting Group. She worked for Procter and Gamble in the global customer development area. Ms. Murray is an endorsed Republican and lives with her husband and children in Hyde Park, where she is past President of the neighborhood council.
 
Kevin Flynn, a real estate attorney, and the President of the Board of Trustees of Drake Hospital. Mr. Flynn is endorsed by the Charter Committee of Cincinnati. He lives with his family in Mount Airy, where he grew up. In 2002, Mr. Flynn was involved in a serious automobile accident that left him a quadriplegic.