Compiled by Cindi Andrews
Enquirer contributor

Butler County Commissioner Mike Fox's and Cincinnati City Councilman John Cranley's private sit-down last week to hash out their differences over the proposed east Liberty interchange ran 4 1/2 hours.

And though they agree they came away from the meeting with mutual admiration and respect, they remain on opposite sides of the interchange issue.

Butler and Liberty Township officials want to extend the Fox Highway a quarter mile east to connect to an extended Cox Road. The move would open up more than 600 acres of commercially zoned land in Liberty, but Mr. Cranley argues focus should be on revitalizing already existing developments before new ones are built on farmland.

"It was just a great meeting and a great conversation. And he's a good guy - very smart and very stubborn," Mr. Fox said.

Apparently the interchange wasn't the only thing Mr. Fox and Mr. Cranley talked about Friday. The two had agreed last week to debate each other on the issue today in the Enquirer's West Chester Township office. But both men backed out Tuesday via a letter to the newspaper from Mr. Fox - written on the Butler County Commission's letterhead - that Mr. Cranley initialed.

"We believe another Mr. Fox vs. Mr. Cranley exchange would only serve to highlight differences at a time when we believe the common ground between us is more likely to advance the region," the letter states.

Jennifer Edwards

You may already be a winner: The winners and losers in next Tuesday's election may be a mystery, but the Mental Retardation & Developmental Disabilities levy in Warren County is a winner in one category: toughest-to-read yard signs.

The red-lettered signs contain 14 words and two numbers, few of which can be distinguished by those motoring past at 55 mph.

From Day 1, the agency has worried about distinguishing itself from Mental Health Recovery Services of Warren & Clinton Counties, also seeking a replacement levy this election.

The yard sign, therefore, not only includes MRDD's full name but also these nuggets of information: It's a replacement levy, it's Issue 3 and the election is Nov. 5.

No-show Joe: Norwood City Council members slipped into a comfortable groove last week. Without Mayor Joe Hochbein's presence at the Oct. 22 session, Council President Jane Grote presided as acting mayor and Councilman Will DeLuca claimed Ms. Grote's position as council president.

According to the council clerk's records, Mr. Hochbein hasn't attended a council session since Aug. 5. And he's ignored council members' pleas to attend.

"The people of Norwood are being shortchanged. There's no one at the helm," Mr. DeLuca said. "It's a combination of arrogance and his bitterness toward the last election's results. (But) it's more arrogance."

The mayor, who is not required to attend council sessions, was out of town Oct. 22.

But, "he's out of town more often than he's in town," Mr. DeLuca said.

Susan Vela

ODOT sees the light: Warren County and Hamilton Township officials were geared up for a fight with the Ohio Department of Transportation on Tuesday when they learned they were getting their way.

ODOT District 8 planner Jay Hamilton said money for improvements at the heavily trafficked Ohio 48 and U.S. 22/Ohio 3 intersection in Hamilton Township - recently delayed by ODOT - is back on the books for 2003.

The work is scheduled to be awarded to a contractor by July, Mr. Hamilton said.

County Commissioner Pat South was the first to recover. "That's good news. ... OK, let's talk about the 22 and 3 widening, then," she said, drawing laughs.

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