Friday, December 24, 1999
African-American groups object to Heimlich funding-cut proposals
BY ROBERT ANGLEN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Four African-American civic and business leaders are demanding that city officials investigate Cincinnati Councilman Phil Heimlich, saying they think he has unfairly targeted black organizations for funding cuts.
In a letter to the mayor and city council, representatives of the Urban League, the African American Chamber of Commerce, Genesis Redevelopment and the Riverfront Classic and Jamboree claim that Mr. Heimlich has used his office as a tool of intimidation.
Describing the letter as an attempt at intimidation, Mr. Heimlich Thursday made no apologies for making inquiries about organizations that receive city money.
“I have a duty to the citizens of Cincinnati to assure their tax dollars are used wisely,” Mr. Heimlich said. “I will fight what I believe is wasteful spending no matter where it occurs.”
The charges come weeks after Mr. Heimlich championed budget cuts of several social service groups as part of an effort to trim the city's budget.
Jim Clingman, president of the African American Chamber of Commerce, said Mr. Heimlich's requests for financial documents are unethical, if not illegal.
“It is something that is inappropriate at best,” he said, adding that Mr. Heimlich has repeatedly made efforts to cut groups that serve the African-American community. “These groups get small, insignificant funding. He's going a little far.”
While council members rejected Mr. Heimlich's proposals to cut funding to various groups, they said Thursday he had every right to monitor groups that receive city funds.
“I will not be a part of any investigation” of Heimlich, said Mayor Charlie Luken. “He is accountable to the voters on Election Day.”
Councilman Pat DeWine said he was not familiar with any law or ordinance that would prevent Mr. Heimlich from asking for financial documents.
“If they're saying council (members) shouldn't be able to do what they need to do, I disagree with that,” he said.
Councilman Paul Booth said there should be a policy for all council members to follow when it comes to asking for records and documents.
The letter, signed by Mr. Clingman, John Pace of the Riverfront Classic, Sheila Adams of the Urban League and George Beatty of Genesis Redevelopment, says council does have the right to look at improprieties but calls for the city manager to carry out investigations.
The Riverfront Classic is a football game between two historically African-American colleges that highlights a week of education and entertainment events. Genesis does redevelopment work in the West End.
“The integrity of the council and city manager's office is at stake,” the letter writers said. “Citizens should be able to disagree with members of the council without finding their funding under attack.”
Fire displaces 55 families
How to help fire victims
Neighbors rush donations after fire
Memories of a city people love
A tough job, but Santas do it
Road work to be reviewed
'Twas the Night Before Christmas'
City says some police shootings reviewed
Utilities win battle for less tax liability
Marriage for love or green card?
African-American groups object to Heimlich funding-cut proposals
Empowerment zone going nowhere, Winburn charges
Unique clock to ring in 2000
Boyfriend sentenced for killing
Clermont fugitive held in Florida
Courthouse bid debacle sparks bill
Creche display spans globe
Federal judges bans arrests of homeless
Judge rebuffs reinstatement try
Mapplethorpe photo overturns sex conviction
Newport re-expands concept
Six deputies will beef up sheriff's unit
TRISTATE DIGEST
