It was a split decision Nov. 3 for two voter referendums that were pushed by several groups collectively known as "We Demand A Vote." The much-debated Issue 9, which would have required a public vote on any rail-related spending by Cincinnati City Council, failed by a 56-44 percent margin. Issue 8 was approved by a 61-39 percent margin, mandating that a public vote be held before City Council ever agrees to sell the city-owned Water Works to a special water district.

Presented with a choice of 12 candidates vying for four seats on the Cincinnati Board of Education, voters Tuesday chose to return all three incumbent candidates. The fourth open seat went to first-time candidate Vanessa White, a Charterite.

Scaring voters shitless is a classic political tradition. Whether it's convincing us to fear crime, poor people, public transportation, African Americans, foreigners, gays, nuclear power or the flu, politicians often win elections by playing to the darkest human instincts. "Vote for me or die" is the underlying message of these sorts of campaigns. Instead, if you value hope over fear and progress over the status quo, you'll join us in rejecting political candidates and organizations that prey on our fears. Plan to vote the CityBeat ticket.