West Chester Township Administrator Dave Gully's outspokenness landed him in hot water with two trustees last week who ordered him not to go on WLW-AM (700).

        Mr. Gully came under fire for his comments in a Cincinnati Enquirer article about suburbanites avoiding downtown Cincinnati in light of racial unrest, outbreaks of youth violence and because they have the similar amenities closer to home.

        Mr. Gully's comment — that the same things that happen downtown happen in West Chester — became fodder for radio talk host Bill Cunningham, who mockingly asked listeners when was the last time West Chester had riots in its streets.

        Mr. Gully tried to call in to defend himself, but was put on hold for 10 minutes and finally had to hang up to go into a meeting.

        But he was scheduled to appear two days later on Mike McConnell's show to respond to Mr. Cunningham and to explain in detail all that West Chester officials do to help promote racial harmony downtown.

        When Trustee President Jose Alvarez got wind of it, however, he put the public kibosh on it during the Aug. 27 trustee meeting and Trustee Dave Tacosik agreed. They feared the appearance would reflect negatively on West Chester.

        Mr. Gully was disappointed, but assured the men he would obey their wishes.

        “I can count to two,” he told them.

        Trustee Catherine Stoker — no stranger to outspokenness herself — objected to the gag order and took Mr. Gully's place on the radio.

— Jennifer Edwards

        Pizza with politics on top: Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell will be the main course at a Right to Life picnic Friday in Lebanon. Also on the menu: U.S. House 3rd District candidate Mike Turner, Hamilton County commissioner candidate Phil Heimlich and state Senate District 7 candidate Bob Schuler (all Republicans).

        For those who don't find the speeches filling enough, there'll also be pizza, soft drinks and dessert at the picnic, scheduled for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Colonial Park North, on Monroe Road.

        Organized by Warren County Right to Life, the event benefits Ohio Right to Life. The cost is $10 for adults and $2 for children, and those wishing to attend may RSVP to (513) 932-3554.

        Tips and comments on Butler and Warren politics may be relayed to Cindi Andrews via e-mail: candrews@enquirer.com; fax: (513) 755-4150; or phone, (513) 755-4157.

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