Hamilton County Commission candidates have scheduled a debate for 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at Sycamore High School, 7400 Cornell Road in Montgomery.
Admission is free, but tickets are required to gain admission. Tickets are available by calling the campaign headquarters: Citizens for Hyland at 784-9870 or Tom Neyer for Commissioner at 744-9898.
Audience members will be invited to submit written questions before the debate begins. Questions will be read by the moderator, Steve Hirschberg of WVXU-FM (91.7), and alternated with questions from two panelists, Peter Bronson of The Cincinnati Enquirer and Terry Grundy of the United Way & Community Chest.
Negotiations are continuing for a possible second debate.
Main campiagner:
Christy McMurry, aide to Hamilton County Commissioner Bob Bedinghaus, will step down temporarily from her job to run the campaign for Baseball on Main, she confirmed Wednesday. The campaign will argue for a riverfront site for the Reds baseball stadium. The site question is on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Ms. McMurry said she disagrees with the form of the ballot question, which would create a county charter for the sole purpose of allowing voters to choose Broadway Commons or the riverfront.
But, she added, "you've got to enjoy the democratic process. Broadway Commons supporters worked hard, they got the signatures, and they deserve to have their day at the box."
Ironically, Ms. McMurry managed County Commissioner John Dowlin's 1996 re-election campaign. Mr. Dowlin is a leader of the Broadway Commons movement.
He said there are no hard feelings: "We have an honest difference of opinion."
Boost for Donofrio:
One of Republican State Treasurer Ken Blackwell's top aides has left to join the campaign of Democrat John Donofrio, who is seeking to replace Mr. Blackwell.
As Mr. Blackwell's investment director, James Summers was responsible for managing the state's investments and a $4.5 billion investment pool for local governments.
Mr. Summers formerly worked for Democratic Treasurer Mary Ellen Withrow and was kept on by Mr. Blackwell.
"Jim's efforts on my behalf will send a strong message to the investment and banking community that I am the best candidate to invest Ohio's public monies," said Mr. Donofrio, Summit County treasurer.
Mr. Donofrio faces Republican Joseph Deters, the Hamilton County prosecutor. Mr. Blackwell is running for secretary of state.
The Campaign Notebook is compiled by staff of The Cincinnati Enquirer and runs Tuesday-Saturday.
