Sunday, February 28, 1999
Portune will back strong-mayor plan
Direct-elect issue heads for May ballot
BY EARNEST WINSTON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
A proposal to directly elect the mayor of Cincinnati is headed for the May 4 ballot.
Councilman Todd Portune, who had been wavering, said Saturday he would join five other city council members in putting the Build Cincinnati initiative before voters.
Six council votes are needed to place the issue on the ballot.
But, he added, “I have my reservations about some of these specific items contained in the proposal.” He would not elaborate.
Friday is the deadline for May ballot issues.
Democratic Mayor Roxanne Qualls, Republicans Charles Winburn, Phil Heimlich and Jeanette Cissell, and Charterite Jim Tarbell have signed off on the issue. Democrats Paul Booth, Minette Cooper and Tyrone Yates have not endorsed it.
Build Cincinnati is a bipartisan group of political activists who have tried for more than a year to gain support for their plan.
The proposal would set up the first direct election of a Cincinnati mayor in 2001 and would greatly enhance the mayor's power. Since the city charter was created in the 1920s, the mayor's job has been largely a ceremonial position.
The plan includes a nonpartisan primary in which anyone could run for mayor, but only the top two vote-getters would face off in a November general election.
The mayor, who could serve two consecutive four-year terms, would not be a member of council, but would have veto power over council legislation, and the power to appoint the vice mayor and council committee chairs. The mayor would also have the power to hire and fire the city manager with the consent of council.
The ballot issue also would:
• Preserve the council-manager form of government.
• Preserve term limits.
Mr. Booth said Saturday he would make a decision after talking with some “constituency groups.” Ms. Cooper could not be reached for comment.
Build Cincinnati organizer Jeff Berding, a Democrat, said he was “very happy” to learn of Mr. Portune's support.
“We think that this plan is a quality consensus proposal that will provide leadership and accountability at city hall as we move to face the challenges of the new millennium,” he said.
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