|
Nate's Going to Run — and This Time No One's Chasing
Here's an arresting development in local politics: activist and radio host Nathaniel Livingston Jr. wants a seat on Cincinnati City Council. Or the Cincinnati Board of Education. He isn't sure yet, so he's taken out nominating petitions to run for both. As a Democrat. Or a Republican. Or a Charterite. He isn't sure yet, but says he'll seek endorsements from all three. Or run as an independent.
"I can be more effective at impacting change as an elected official," Livingston says.
More effective?
You mean he's been effective already? That's one thing he's never been charged with.
Sqeaks and Squeals
For the first time in memory, Findlay Market is without Catanzaro produce. Catanzaro Sons & Daughters Inc. closed their booth in late December and won't be coming back, according to Frank Catanzaro, 67, who began working in the family business at age 6. Health problems for Catanzaro and his brother put an end to the family's presence downtown, which started when Pete Catanzaro came from Italy in the late 1800s, selling lemons and oranges from a basket. The company's headquarters is now in Lockland, where it moved after failing to get city help for new quarters downtown.
Another trial, another protester acquitted. James Tackett of Nashville, Tenn., is the latest found not guilty in connection with demonstrations against the TransAtlantic Business Dialogue. Tackett was one of 52 arrested by Cincinnati Police during the three-day protest against globalization of the economy. So far at least four protesters have been acquitted and prosecutors have dismissed charges against at least six others.
Stonewall Cincinnati — the gay-rights group whose public service announcement promoting tolerance was booted from WCPO-TV (Channel 9) — has found a warmer reception elsewhere. Program directors from WSTR-TV (WB64) and WKRC-TV (Channel 12) have agreed to run the spot beginning in March, according to Stonewall Director Doreen Cudnik.
Is Cincinnati sprawling? Regionalism consultant Myron Orfield thinks so. Orfield, studying the economic health of Greater Cincinnati for Citizens for Civic Renewal, says from 1970 to 1990 Greater Cincinnati developed land at five times the pace of its population growth. What does that mean? People here are "spending a lot of energy ... trying to get away from each other," Orfield says.
Piling on The Enquirer
In a blistering Feb. 5 editorial, "A Surrender in Cincy," Editor & Publisher slams The Enquirer's settlement agreement with Chiquita Brands International. E&P, you might recall, got a hold of and reported on the top-secret agreement a few weeks ago.
The magazine tears into our city's dominant media outlet for "virtually turn(ing) over editorial control of its newsroom to Chiquita in a craven effort to make legal trouble go away following its botched 1998 investigation into the business practices of the hometown banana company." How? By agreeing not to let then-Editor Larry Beaupre and then-reporter Cameron McWhirter ever again investigate Chiquita, any other business owned by Chiquita CEO Carl Lindner (Provident Bank, Great American Insurance), any business owned by Lindner's extended family (UDF) or Lindner himself and his family.
We feel slightly vindicated at news of these details, since CityBeat has long speculated The Enquirer was laying off negative Lindner coverage ("A Walking Joke," issue of Sept. 17-23, 1998). But we're completely sick to our stomach that the paper most Cincinnatians depend on for daily news would cut this despicable deal to save its financial ass.
E&P calls on The Enquirer to salvage a shred of respect by explaining its Chiquita stories and its actions since. Fat chance.
Porkopolis appears weekly. Leave nuggets, morsels and hints at 513-665-4700 (ext. 23) or e-mail [email protected].