[LOSER]
PUBLIC LIBRARIES: Gov. Ted Strickland proposed an additional 50 percent cut in the state’s Public Library Fund, the primary funding source for libraries. If approved by lawmakers, the local results would be catastrophic for Hamilton County. Up to 20 of the 40 branch libraries would be closed, there would be a dramatic reduction in the Main Library’s hours, 250 workers would be laid off and computer access would be reduced by more than 30 percent.
[WINNER]
HOMELESS PEOPLE: Cincinnati City Council accepted a $1.4 million federal grant last week to build 25 apartments for homeless people. Part of the “Homeless to Homes” project, it will provide immediate housing for some homeless people while their job and counseling needs are assessed.
[LOSER]
POLICE OFFICER BRYAN GABEL: This Cincinnati officer could fill the entire column by himself. Gabel, 44, resigned from the Cincinnati Police Department last year after he was demoted when cops he was supervising were found goofing off while on-duty. Gabel was quietly rehired in the past year, but his police powers were suspended last week after he was busted for allegedly driving drunk in Boone County.
[LOSER]
LAKETA COLE & LESLIE GHIZ: It’s no secret that Cole, a Democrat, and Ghiz, a Republican, don’t get along on City Council. But things got heated when Ghiz “tweeted” to supporters about Cole’s rambling speeches during last week’s marathon council meeting. (“Here she goes again. Does not know when to shut up.”) Also, an animal warden caught Cole’s roaming Rottweiler while she was at the meeting, and Cole faced a $105 fine when she got home.
