By Jennifer Edwards
The Cincinnati Enquirer

LIBERTY TWP. - In a letter sent this week to members of the regional transportation board that he joined amid a hail of controversy, Cincinnati Councilman John Cranley pledges to work cooperatively for the good of the region.

Cranley

But Mr. Cranley devotes most of the letter to members of the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments to laying out his views on rebuilding existing suburbs surrounding the city, as opposed to developing farmland.

"As our region's suburbs are increasingly populated, OKI should work to properly maintain and re-invest in these areas," Mr. Cranley wrote.

Mr. Cranley drew the wrath of the Butler suburbs last week when he announced he joined OKI in part to kill a proposed eastward interchange in Liberty Township off the Michael A. Fox Highway at Interstate 75.

Butler County Commissioner Mike Fox, for whom the highway is named, took offense, saying Mr. Cranley has declared war on suburbs.

The interchange could mean up to 15,100 jobs and millions in tax revenue for Butler County. Liberty's population grew 147 percent between 1990 and 2000 and now stands at 25,000 people. County and township leaders say the interchange would link 655 acres of open land, lure businesses and pump up tax coffers.

Mr. Cranley maintains he is looking out for the best interests of the suburbs, particularly Hamilton County's, and worries about sprawl.

"Since our region is developing land five times faster than our population is growing, new development on low-density land can come at the expense of already supported suburbs and cities unless we are very careful," Mr. Cranley wrote, citing a study paid for by the Metropolitan Growth Alliance.

While one Warren County member of OKI has agreed with Mr. Cranley, at least two Hamilton County leaders, including Commissioner Todd Portune, say they support the interchange.

Butler leaders are so upset they are gathering responses from Chamber of Commerce presidents and other economic development leaders and will use them to formulate a letter of protest to Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken, Cincinnati City Council and the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Fox and other commissioners have even pledged to lure Cincinnati businesses to the suburbs if Mr. Cranley kills the interchange.

Mr. Fox and Mr. Cranley are expected to meet privately today at a Kenwood restaurant.

Richard Murgatroyd, OKI board president and Kenton County judge executive, said he is optimistic that despite the heated debate, regional issues will remain a priority for OKI and the board will continue to work well together.

Mr. Cranley will attend his first OKI meeting as a member Nov. 14.

E-mail jedwards@enquirer.com.