It took two years and two failed candidates before the Cincinnati Empowerment Zone found a leader.

        Harold Cleveland started this week as chief executive officer of the empowerment zone, created to spend millions to help rehabilitate nine of Cincinnati's poorest neighborhoods.

Cleveland

        “We have had an admittedly slow start,” Cincinnati City Manager John Shirey said. “Harold brings a strong background and experience of managing a non-profit corporation and he offers tremendous credibility.”

        Two previous executives were approved by the board but never started the job because of problems that arose, Mr. Shirey said. He said he couldn't recall the specific details and refused to identify the candidates.

        A third candidate, Stanley Broadnax, failed to gain the required approval of 70 percent of the 33-member board. Mr. Shirey voted against hiring Mr. Broadnax, a former Cincinnati health commissioner who was convicted of drug charges.

        Mr. Cleveland, 42, said his practical business and social experience will help administer the program of tax breaks, wage credits and other incentives for people in nine city neighborhoods: Avondale, Over-the-Rhine, Walnut Hills, Corryville, Evanston, Mount Auburn, Queensgate, Clifton-Fairview and West End.

        The former president of the non-profit Cincinnati Union Bethel will have a $12.3 million budget to help spur new jobs and housing and administer so cial programs.

        It's the first year the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program has been fully funded in Cincinnati since its 1998 inception.

        It was expected to bring $100 million to Cincinnati over 10 years, but Republicans in Congress restricted spending to about $3 million in 1998 and 1999.

        Mr. Cleveland said he will focus on four areas: economic and work force development, civic improvements, individual and family welfare and housing and neighborhood development.

        He expects a $2 million, low-interest loan fund will soon be ready for businesses operating in the nine economically depressed communities.

        But he said tossing money at businesses won't do much good if you don't remedy the social ills prevalent in the low-income communities.

Some thrive while others fail
Going once, going twice
Structure first of its kind in Ky.
Biblical group gets $1M boost
Officer's mom blasts council
RAMSEY: Farewell
Colleges valued, survey finds
I-471 connector delayed until end of Oct.
Stabbing suspect tells victim that he loves her
Ceiling no refuge for robbery suspect
Dr. King's birth, life to be celebrated in a variety of Tristate events
Good-neighbor policy at CPS
Hamilton closing fire station
HOWARD: Neighborhoods
Kentuckians heard in D.C.
Kids pick college for proud day
Leader finally takes over city empowerment zone
Legislator urges teacher bonuses
Locals aid inaugural
Man accused of hiding boy's whereabouts
MCNUTT: 15 have fallen
Mental health treatment can start in youngest years
New lot to offer 200 spaces at prime spot
School board promises, and asks for, information
Second suspect sought in dismemberment
State panel clears Erie County judge of ethics violation in 1998 campaign
State to let man challenge marijuana bill
Trenton's new manager fits right in
Tristate A.M. Report