That old tune about how much -- or little -- time county officials spend at work has resurfaced in the Hamilton County auditor's race.
Challenger Mary Anne Christie, former Madeira mayor, said she would work full time, in contrast to incumbent Dusty Rhodes' 30 to 35 hours a week.
Ms. Christie can well use the line. She was Rebecca Groppe's campaign manager in 1996, when Ms. Groppe won a very close race against then-County Recorder Eve Bolton.
But Mr. Rhodes claims that Ms. Christie should look to her own (Republican) party's glass house before throwing the part-time stone. He said some Republican officeholders don't spend much time on their jobs.
He said Ms. Christie's outrage is selective and motivated by politics.
Mr. Rhodes works 30 to 35 hours a week as auditor, he said, plus 15 hours a week as a stockbroker and 10 hours as an oldies radio disc jockey. He makes a little more than $69,000 as auditor.
Ms. Christie said Mr. Rhodes has taken on a high standard for himself as the county's "watchdog," and he should live up to that standard.
"Our little watchdog is only good when it comes to other people," she said.
Hyland's on the bus
Two weeks after Metro rejected Marilyn Hyland's bus ads as too controversial, transit signs promoting the would-be Hamilton County commissioner are now on buses. However, in line with Metro's policy, references to specific political issues have been deleted.
The signs depict Ms. Hyland dressed as a baseball player and swinging a bat, with the slogan, "She'll go to bat for Hamilton County." Her web site address (www.marilynhyland.com) is in the ad, and voters can learn more about her platform via the site. Ms. Hyland is challenging commissioner Tom Neyer Jr.
The Campaign Notebook is compiled by staff of The Cincinnati Enquirer and runs Tuesday-Saturday.
