[WINNER]
P.G. SITTENFELD: The first-time candidate for Cincinnati City Council currently leads the pack in campaign fundraising, partially thanks to his family’s impressive connections. But the young Democrat is putting that money to good use by helping ensure that any city voter who wants an absentee ballot will receive one. After the Hamilton County Board of Elections announced it will no longer automatically send absentee ballot applications to all voters, Sittenfeld promised his campaign will personally deliver the application to the home of any Cincinnati voter who requests his campaign’s assistance and return the application to the Board of Elections. Sittenfeld’s action is a good first step to ensure that elderly voters, shut-ins and others still can make their voices heard. To get an application, email a request to [email protected].
[LOSER]
DON STIENS: Whenever we think Tea Party hypocrisy can no longer shock us, something comes along to again prove that followers of the movement have an utter lack of self-awareness. The latest example is an email sent by Don Stiens, the newly elected president of Cincinnati Organized and Dedicated Employees, a labor union that represents middle-managers at City Hall. Stiens wrote to members, “Like many, I am not a fan of big unions and all they represent. I am a member of the grassroots Tea Party. I believe in limited government. But, I do not believe government employees should be demonized or preyed upon by politicians and their ilk. For that reason, I believe in CODE! If anyone needs a collective bargaining unit, it is us!” Of course, you do. You’re special, Mr. Stiens.
[WINNER]
DENISE DRIEHAUS: The state lawmaker who represents the Ohio House 31st District was appointed last week to a special committee to study Ohio’s tax structure and recommend changes. Having a person like Driehaus — a Democrat from Price Hill — on the group will help ensure a balanced approach to reform that doesn’t benefit corporations by shifting even more of the tax burden onto the middle class. “We need to find the balance that allows Ohioans to maintain their quality of life while the state adequately funds public services and investments that support our economic success,” she said. We strongly concur. A series of hearings to solicit public input is being held between now and Sept. 22 around the state. If anyone has an idea but can’t make it, comments can always be sent to Driehaus’ district office, too.
[LOSER]
ARCHBISHOP SCHNURR: The head of the Cincinnati Archdiocese made a spectacularly bad decision recently when he decided to cancel an interfaith dinner tied to the Islamic holiday of Ramadan at Mother of Mercy School in Westwood. Students at the all-girls school had been planning to co-host a dinner since last spring with the Council on American-Islamic Relations’ local chapter. But Schnurr decided to cancel the event after receiving unspecified complaints from people who live outside the region about CAIR’s involvement. Let’s not try to connect all Muslims to the actions of extremist fundamentalists, because the Catholic Church has quite a few of those hidden in its own closet. Schnurr’s action sends the wrong message to students about opposing bigotry and hatred. Where’s your moral leadership, archbishop?
