The issue before Cincinnati City Council Wednesday was the managed competition of city services, but the debate was really about something even more philosophical: When is a question not a question?

        To Councilman David Crowley, it's when the premise of the question sets city policy.

        But to Councilman Pat DeWine, a question isn't a question when you don't want to hear the answer.

        Mr. DeWine's question, which came in a budget motion asking city departments for information about the 2003-04 budget, led to the hour-long debate.

        It read: “Identify those functions of your department most amenable to a managed competition process. Please make sure the functions comprise at least 20 percent of your budget.”

        Mr. Crowley, a Democrat, described it as “a policy decision in the guise of a question.”

        At that, Mr. DeWine, a Republican, protested that a council member ought to be able to ask whether the city should hire “Casper the Friendly Ghost” if he thought it might help make budgetary decisions.

        Underlying the seemingly frivolous debate is a fundamental policy question for City Council: Should the city proceed with attempts to privatize some city services?

        Budget hawks say such a move could save taxpayers millions, but labor unions and other opponents worry about the effects that decision would have on the quality of service and the jobs of city workers.

        With Republican Chris Monzel out of town, Mr. DeWine fell short of the five votes needed to approve the motion — providing the anti-privatization forces with what could be a short-lived victory.

        Joining Mr. DeWine were Councilmen John Cranley, Jim Tarbell and David Pepper.

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