Norwood Republican Vic Schneider may actually get a chance to serve as the city's interim mayor.

Now acting as Norwood's public works superintendent, he was tagged in January to replace Mayor Joe Hochbein when he stepped down as the city's top elected leader. But the mayor has proven reluctant to go.

Hochbein originally said that he would resign in mid-March, several months before his second term expired. That changed to April 30. His latest promise is May 31 and this time he's backed it with a notice to the Hamilton County Board of Elections.

Schneider hopes to foster a spirit of cooperation in a city known for its partisan squabbles.

"We have seen some troubled times. (But) I'd like to say the soap opera's over," he said.

Asked if the end has something to do with Hochbein's departure, Schneider's response was succinct: "You said that, not me."

Susan Vela

Warren's woes: Be careful what you wish for ... because you just might get it.

Warren County Commissioners learned new appreciation for the meaning of that old saying this week as they began plowing through detailed changes to their zoning code.

Commissioners want to increase the requirements for lot sizes and green space in new subdivisions. But the county's zoning commission came back with their own set of code amendments that are so technical in some sections homebuilders who helped shape the new rules had to help explain them to the commissioners.

At one point, Commissioner Pat South even buried her head in her hands, exclaiming: "I'm so confused!"

"We ought to get Clyde Baston to explain this to us," Commissioner Mike Kilburn wryly said.

Baston, a long-time Hamilton Township trustee, long has been a critic of Kilburn.

Jennifer Edwards

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