James O'Reilly has taught law at the University of Cincinnati for 30 years and has written dozens of textbooks and more than 100 articles on regulation and liability. With that type of expertise, it's not surprising that Hamilton County commissioners chose him to co-chair a task force examining methods for improving the efficiency of county government. But even a mind as sharp and quick-witted as O'Reilly's can be challenged when facing off against entrenched politicians and bureaucrats trying to protect their turf.  

It's always surprising which columns elicit the biggest reaction from readers. I might think my pieces on health care reform or the Religious Right would trigger a heated reaction, but inevitably it's the ones I consider mostly self-evident and not particularly controversial that kick up the largest shit storm. Let's check out some of my recent correspondence.  

There's an old saying that goes something like, "Once you learn how to ride a bike it's really easy to do it again at any later point in your life." The same can't be said for the education of local transportation planners, who today asked the public what it would take to get more people riding bikes even though it's kind of their job to know that.   

Simon Leis Jr.: We knew he couldn't help himself. Just two weeks after CityBeat dubbed him a "winner," Hamilton County's crusty sheriff returned to form by letting his fourth-highest paid employee retire to collect his state pension, then rehired the man for the same job.  

Regarding Ric Hickey's recent music story about Duppy A'Jumba, as thrilled as I was to see Duppy get the great ink that they deserve, as the owner of the Crazy Fox Saloon I must take exception to the author's characterization of my tavern’s neighborhood, staff and service.  

TV has taught America a lot about Cincinnati: 1970s sitcoms, '80s rollerblade dramas, '90s drug movies and the 2001 riots gave people a pretty good idea of what we're all about. Now the country has a new perception of us, as MTV's 'Taking the Stage' reality show made our School of Creative and Performing Arts seem like an exciting place full of complicated teenagers and real-life dance-offs.  

Ever since voters rejected two separate proposals to raise Hamilton County's sales tax and build a new jail, Sheriff Simon Leis Jr. and county commissioners have complained about how overcrowding at local jails has led to releasing some non-violent offenders early. And last year county officials finally closed the aging Queensgate jail, one of four detention facilities it operated, eliminating 822 beds from the local system.   

Hamilton County Sheriff Simon Leis Jr. is a man who's used to getting whatever he wants, usually through badgering and bullying other elected officials. Lately, though, the blustery Leis has gotten a cold, hard dose of reality.  

When individuals and families are facing a tight budget because of job layoffs or rising costs, the first thing they usually do is cut luxuries like going to the movies or eating out. They might even sell unneeded items at a yard sale or on eBay. With that spirit in mind, it's time for Hamilton County Sheriff Simon Leis Jr. to sell his tank. And throw in the speedboat while he's at it. The county budget needs his help.