Phil Heimlich Launches Television Commentaries

COAST friend promotes limited government message

Former Cincinnati City Councilmember and Hamilton County Commissioner Phil Heimlich has recently signed to become a commentator on WXIX television and has launched his own blog, both focusing on politics in Cincinnati, Ohio and the nation. During his public service lasting more than a decade, Heimlich was consistently a voice for lower taxes and limited government. “COAST is thrilled that his voice is a part of the public policy debate once again!” said Jason Gloyd, COAST Chairman.

• Link to Phil’s commentaries here.
• Sign up for Phil’s commentaries via e-mail here.

Heimlich’s recent video commentaries have addressed “Congress’ Pork Engine,” “Lawmakers Enjoy a Buckeye Perk,” and “Leaving Children Behind” focusing on tax and spending issues.

COAST 2009 Election Endorsements

Frugal candidates promoted; big-spenders denied

With voting presently underway for this November’s contests, COAST has issued its 2009 endorsements for Cincinnati Mayor and City Council, Cincinnati Board of Education, numerous candidates in surrounding suburbs and on Cincinnati and Hamilton County ballot issues. Read the entire list of endorsements here. With apologies to quality endorsed candidates and issues not mentioned in this e-mail, we highlight a few of those endorsements:

Cincinnati Mayor
In a City hungering for real leadership and direction, COAST heartily endorses Brad Wenstrup for Mayor. He's no stranger to tough assignments and has the solutions that Cincinnati desperately needs. This change is long overdue.

Cincinnati City Council
With 13 of 19 Council candidates supporting the Trolley, and most refusing to sign the COAST Pledge against raising taxes, COAST strongly endorses Chris Monzel and Charlie Winburn. It also likes newcomers Amy Murray, LaMarque Ward, and George Zamary.


Cincinnati Board of Education
For the first time in many years, two candidates offer a real alternative to the seemingly endless irresponsible taxing and spending ways of the Cincinnati Board of Educaiton, COAST strongly endorses John Banner and Chris McDowell for Board of Education.

Ballot Issues
COAST urges you to vote "AGAINST THE TAX LEVY" on Issue 7 (Library levy) and Issue 52 (Cincinnati School levy)

COAST urges “YES” votes on Cincinnati Issues 8 (Water Works Charter Amendment) and 9 (Trolley Charter Amendment). Get an Issue 9 sign for your yard by calling or emailing Mark Miller (842-7730).


On Issue 3 (Casino Constitutional Amendment), COAST has not taken a position, but desires to educate voters that this issue will grant an exclusive casino franchise to four pieces of property in Ohio, already owned by two casino developers. COAST encourages voters to understand this ballot issue does not generally allow gambling in Ohio, but is aimed at benefiting these two corporate gambling interests exclusively and perpetually.

Tax Funded “Arts” Promotes Big Government Agenda

Is anyone surprised?

Why are limited government conservatives so adamantly opposed to government-funded “arts?” Well, first off, there is plenty of private money funding “arts” today, from Rock and Roll, to Rap, Hip-Hop, Jazz, and Classical, from Art Museums to the Opera, Ballet and Symphony. And there is plenty of public money flowing into the coffers of performing artists of all types.

But even worse, once politicians award tax money to “artists,” invariably the “artists” become mouthpieces for the politians funding them. It’s just human nature that whoever pays the piper calls the tune. Thus, these “artists” become tax-funded advocates for positions COASTers typically oppose (e.g., greater government spending.

As an example of this latter evil, look no further than the federally-funded NEA’s attempts to use taxpayer funded art to advance the Democrat political agenda. ‘nuf said on that topic.

Depression-Era mistakes will worsen, prolong recession

Will they ever learn?

COAST observes that the fiscal excesses under George Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush seemed to be inexplicably without economic consequence. However, the government’s manipulation of the economy and financial markets finally came home to roost in September 2008. Yes, Virginia, the laws of economics are laws, not guidelines. Now, economists warn sternly that the economic policies of this administration are not without consequence either. The worst is yet to come. Read it here.

Monzel Moves to Stop Trolley Spending

Common sense in midst of budget crisis

In the midst of the most massive budget crisis in recent history, the City administration daily spends monies planning for a $219 million trolley system that will likely never be built. Engineering costs typically consume about 10% of a rail project budget. Is it any coincidence that this year's deficit is almost exactly equal to that figure? Council member Chris Monzel has introduced a Motion before Council to stop the foolish spending. Council, which favors trolley spending 7-2, has bottled the motion up in Committee without hearings.

Photo courtesy of here.

Best Reason Yet to Support Issue 9

13 of 19 Council candidates support boondoggle

COAST has repeatedly been asked why it is necessary to address Council’s foolish Trolley plan with a Charter Amendment requiring a public vote on passenger rail proposals. The best argument in favor of Issue 9 that we can advance was suggested by Mayoral candidate Brad Wenstrup: 13 Council candidates have promised to build the $219 million system, despite massive public opposition to the plan.

“How, exactly, is the public to make its voice heard on passenger rail spending,” said COAST Chairman Jason Gloyd, “when special interests are controlling candidates from both parties against the clear public will on this topic? Issue 9 is critical to stop this boondoggle dead in its tracks by requiring a public vote before dollar one is spent on its construction.”

COAST points to the disasterous Riverfront Transit Center completed in 2002 at a cost of up to $60 million (depending on how expenses are calculated). It’s a subway station that no one wants for a system that will never be built. What’s worse, concurrent with the construction of the Riverfront Transit Center, the City cut off rail access to the Center with the construction of Great American Ballpark. Now, trains may go only as far as the Montgomery Inn Boathouse. This is why the Ohio Rail Development Commission has recommended that the Cincinnati station for the 3C rail line terminate at Lunken Airport.

“Some damned fool nameless, faceless bureaucrat decided to build a $60 million subway station on Cincinnati’s Riverfront in 2002,” said COAST Chairman Jason Gloyd. "Issue 9 will require public scrutiny of these types of decisions going forward. Please vote YES on Issue 9.”

Big-taxer Schmidt Booed at Tea Party

Attempts to hide tax and spend credentials fall flat

While in the Ohio House of Representatives, Jean Schmidt slavishly supported each one of Bob Taft’s massive tax increases, and proposed a few of her own. Since being in Congress, she has shown a continuing propensity to supporting big government with votes supporting massive spending programs.

Thus, it was refreshing to see Schmidt loudly booed when she spoke at the massive September 4 Tea Party protest in West Chester. Remember to wrap your head with duct tape prior to viewing this clip so you can pick up the pieces when your head explodes. Tea Partiers are a bit more sophisticated than the average voter, Mrs. Schmidt. Peddle your lies elsewhere, please.