BY LISA DONOVAN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Welcome to the real world of politics, Jim Tarbell.
A month after the newest Cincinnati city councilman was sworn in, the lone Charterite was reminded that officials don't always get what they want.
On July 22, Mr. Tarbell asked to serve on the same six committees as predecessor Bobbie Sterne, including chairing Community Development, which has tackled stadiums and riverfront development.
Mr. Tarbell made the request of Councilman Dwight Tillery, chair of council's Committee on Standing Committees, which recommends assignments to the full council.
The response from Mr. Tillery and committee members Minette Cooper and Jeanette Cissell came Monday. They would recommend he serve on three committees, with the full council to vote on them Wednesday. There was no mention of Mr. Tarbell chairing any of them. On Tuesday, Mr. Tarbell questioned why he wouldn't chair a committee. "Mrs. Sterne was not only a member, but a chair of one committee and a vice-chair of two committees," he wrote. "I would like to understand your rationale of keeping me from serving in that capacity. All current councilmembers hold either a chairmanship or vice-chairmanship." The same day, Mr. Tillery wrote back, saying the committee will recommend adding the Committee on Mayoral Appointments.
And he added: "In reference to leadership roles on committees, there is a world of difference between your tenure on city council and Ms. Sterne's. And as far as I am concerned, enough said on the topic."
