By Gregory Korte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Elizabeth Krukowski of Roselawn (front) listens Thursday to antiwar speakers amid a large crowd of people with signs gathered in front of City Hall for a protest against war in Iraq. (Steven M. Herppich photo) | ZOOM |

An effort by peace activists to get Cincinnati City Council to pass a resolution opposing war in Iraq failed Thursday when the activists could not get the motion on the council calendar.

About 70 war protesters took to the Plum Street steps of Cincinnati City Hall, asking Cincinnati to join with 104 other "Cities for Peace" throughout the United States.

Councilman David Crowley, the chief supporter of the council resolution, said he could count only two other votes - from Minette Cooper and Alicia Reece - to support the call against war.

Opponents of the resolution said City Council shouldn't involve itself in foreign policy.

But in 45 minutes of public speeches before the regular council meeting, dozens of war protesters told City Council they expected their elected officials to go on record with their position on Iraq.

"Some council members have asked, `What does this have to do with the city of Cincinnati?' " said J. Andrew Keller. "Because the bill is going to come due in the city of Cincinnati."

Money spent on war can't be used for domestic priorities, he said.

Others noted that President Bush came here in October to give a nationally televised address making the case for war, and that Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge has spoken in Cincinnati twice.

On Wednesday, Ridge unveiled the Ready Campaign to encourage Americans to prepare for a terrorist attack.

"Cincinnati is a significant city, and we should use our influence for peace," said Friar Jeff Scheeler of St. Francis Seraph Church in Over-the-Rhine.

Crowley said he would introduce the motion when and if he gets enough support from City Council.

He won't get it from Councilman Pat DeWine.

"I think City Council should worry about the 10 homicides in our city this year rather than foreign affairs. If people want to play model United Nations, they shouldn't do so on the taxpayers' dime," he said. "It's incredibly thoughtless to do this on the day after hundreds of Cincinnatians are shipped out, to tell them that we don't support their efforts."

E-mail gkorte@enquirer.com