Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Council finds yet another way to waste money

                In another example of government arrogance, Cincinnati City Council continues to fight a private developer’s efforts to bring jobs and economic development to the historic industrial riverfront in Cincinnati. 
                Queensgate Terminals has been working for more than five years to build a rail barge port in the City of Cincinnati.  The project, once completed, would bring dozens of good-paying jobs and reduce transportation costs for producers and consumers in the region.  Council has said no – responding not to the long-term needs of the community, but to neighborhood activists who don’t want to see development next door.  
                The result they seek not only deprives our community of jobs from the project, it also would result in the City’s having to pay millions of dollars to Queensgate Terminals to compensate it for its loss of property rights.  Those are tax dollars that otherwise could be going for basic City services or to balance the City’s budget.

Join County Commissioner Greg Hartmann, Price Hill businessman and community leader Pete Witte and the Western Hamilton County Development Corporation in supporting the Queensgate Terminals project.  Write your Councilmembers and urge them to put this lawsuit behind the City and get this project underway.  

City Council lemmings

Cincinnati City Council at Finance Committee on Monday marched 6-2 (NO = Monzel + Winburn) off a cliff of debt, by voting to issue $64 million in bonds to build the trolley.  The Enquirer reports on the foolhardy plan here.

                Additionally, during a line of questioning initiated by Councilman Chris Monzel, the City Administration admitted they have no plan in place for operating costs of the system (Plan?  We don’t need no stinkin’ plan!) but instead threw up some suggested resources that could be used to operate the trolley, including the farebox, advertising, trolley-stop sponsorships and -- get this – special  assessments (new tax) on property owners. 
As if in slow motion, Council is irretrieveably driving itself into deeper and deeper financial trouble, unable to break the cycle of debt that is gripping our City, State, and Nation.  It’s like they're living in Candy Land and playing with Monopoly money. Taxpayers be damned.

                The issuance of the bonds will voted on by the full Council this Wednesday, May 12 at 2:00 pm.

Three important events this week!

COAST encourages it members and readers of COAST News to attend these three rallies promoting conservative causes and candidates over the coming week:
Americans for Prosperity “Regulation Reality Tour”
~ This evening! ~

            This evening the Americans for Prosperity “Regulation Reality Tour” comes to Harrison Ohio featuring AFP President Tom Phillips.  The event if hosted by Joe Maas, Vice President of Manufacturing and Production at J.T.M. Food Group and will feature both George Brunemann, Community Leader for Cincinnati Tea Party and small business owner and Jason Gloyd, Chairman of Coalition Opposed to Additional Spending and Taxes.  Free barbecue and refreshments will be served.
Date and Time:          Tuesday, May 11
at 5:30 pm
Where:                        J.T.M Food Group
205 Industrial Lane
Harrison, Ohio 45030
            The Cincinnati area stop is part of AFP's "Regulation Reality Tour," which is making five stops in Ohio May 10 and 11.  The Ohio events are in Medina, Dover, OSU in Columbus (for students only), Marysville, and the Cincinnati area.  The goal of the Tour is to educate citizens on how the EPA is trying to regulate "climate change" without a vote of Congress and how the regulations will effect Ohio's businesses, energy prices, and economy.  AFP will be asking citizens to contact their elected officials and ask them to stop this power grab by the EPA.  Our website for the Tour is www.regulationreality.com. 
Kasich for Governor Rally, Thursday!
The first post-primary event for the Republican nominee for Governor, John Kasich, comes to Clermont County this Thursday night, May 15.  Please join this important event:
Date and Time:          Thursday, May 13
at 6:00 pm
Where:   Union Township Amphitheater
(Clermont County)
4350 Aicholz Road

Rand Paul for United States Senate Rally, Saturday!
            COAST endorsed Rand Paul for Senate in the early days of his race, and now he is leading the polls for the May 18 Republican primary election on Tuesday, May 18 by double digits.  His candidacy will rock the Washington establishment on its heels.
            Senator (and renowned Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher) Jim Bunning will be on hand for the event.
Join Rand Paul and other lovers of liberty for this critical last push for votes:

Date and Time:          Saturday, May 15
at 1:00 pm
Where:        Rand Paul for U.S. Senate
8184 mall Road
Florence, Kentucky