Thursday, February 04, 1999
Opponent gets Cleves council seat
BY LEW MOORES
The Cincinnati Enquirer
CLEVES — Larry Loebker, who worked to dissolve the village during last fall's election, has been named to a vacant seat on the village council.
Mr. Loebker was appointed by a council vote of 3-2. He took office immediately but must stand for election in November.
Team EFFECT, which campaigned unsuccessfully to dissolve the village and merge with surrounding Miami Township, had asked council to choose one of its members to fill the seat.
Larry Sutton resigned from council late last year, citing health reasons and a need for a new voice on the six-member council.
At least three Team EFFECT members had expressed interest in serving out Mr. Sutton's term. They had said the 42 percent vote to dissolve the village indicated there was some dissatisfaction with the way the village was being run.
“Last year was last year,” said Mr. Loebker. “I did what I thought was the right thing at the time. This will mean new ideas, new energy. That coupled with working together can bring great things in 1999.”
Team EFFECT had campaigned to dissolve the village because of what its members thought were inordinately high taxes and a belief that the township could deliver the same services more economically, due to a larger tax base.
Ron Bowling, who organized Save A Village Environment (SAVE) in opposition to the dissolution movement, was pleased with the selection of Mr. Loebker to council, even though the two were political rivals last November.
“I was happy about that (the selection of Mr. Loebker),” said Mr. Bowling. “This shows that everyone is ready to move forward. This brings a freshness that can't do anything but motivate the others on council.”
Some council members either could not be reached or declined to comment.
Councilwoman Becky Howard said that while she is reserved about the selection, she hopes the decision will allow the village to move forward.
“I hope we strive to make this a better place to live,” said Ms. Howard, who said her reservations had to do with Mr. Loebker's being involved with Team EFFECT. “I hope he's aboveboard. I want to believe that he is. I'm ready to work with him.”
Joe Whitton, who also helped orga nize Team EFFECT, said the selection was exciting and bode well for the village's future.
“It's an indication the community is starting to come back together,” said Mr. Whitton. “Everybody agrees change is definitely needed here. It's a good sign.”
Mr. Loebker said he will run for office in November, either to keep the seat he now holds or run for another office. In addition to his seat, one other council seat, the mayor's seat and the clerk-treasurer are up for election in November.
“The majority said we want to keep the village government in existence,” said Mr. Loebker. “I think there's a new energy. We want to work together to improve things.”
Seven days in jail 'like a bad movie'
Enquirer family mourns Lynn Goodwin Borgman
Shot fired through family car at stoplight
Wild shootout follows Ky. bank robbery
Way cleared for execution
Death penalty opponents rally at courthouse
City will hand out 5,000 free trigger locks
Fertility science has come a long way since 'test-tube babies'
Tristate fertility clinics have below-average success rates
Area illnesses among bad meat's casualties
Safety cost for schools is $7.6 M
School worker put on leave in missing $10,000
Trench collapse first test for emergency rescue unit
Cow born free in Amberley
Cammy winner rocks 'bluesical'
Female officer files harassment complaint
New landmark honors river history
Officer refuses counseling, says he'll fight charges
River cities consortium plan could get rolling within weeks
Taft coach had good record before arrest
West Side development plan OK'd
Moorman may make another run
12th Street debate continues
Burglars hit Hamilton jeweler again
Butler Co. black history events abound
Kentucky GOP will celebrate '98 wins
Lawsuit alleges fire dept. age bias
Mall roof debate grows political
New radio system to streamline Metro
Opponent gets Cleves council seat
Prosecutor to appeal ruling striking down 'Megan's Law'
Rescuer charged with arson
School memories dusted off
Schools hope to avert bus drivers' strike
Surveyor finally sworn in to office
Tax request goes back to drawing board
Three tax evaders are found guilty
TRISTATE DIGEST
Two cameras let firefighters see in smoke
