Dear President Bush:

We know you will only be in town for a few hours today to grab a quick bite with your friends out in Indian Hill and collect some contributions for your upcoming campaign. You aren't planning any public appearances, but as long as you are in Cincinnati, we have a few points we'd like to raise.

The Bridge - If you are driving in from the airport this afternoon, you probably will cross the aging, obsolete Brent Spence Bridge to get to Cincinnati from the airport. The lanes will be cleared for you, but later afternoon commuters normally face heavy traffic, long delays and serious accident danger from this choke point on one of the nation's most crucial Interstates. It could take 15 years and $500 million from Congress to replace it. Will you help push this project forward?

Jobs - Like most regions in the country, the Cincinnati area has suffered a loss of jobs, particularly in manufacturing. A new report shows that Ohioans' income has dropped slightly. How can you assure us that your policy of tax cuts/economic stimulus will turn this around and create the millions of new, high-paying jobs that Cincinnati and all of America will need?

Iraq - A year ago, in your speech at Cincinnati's Union Terminal, you said: "While there are many dangers in the world, the threat from Iraq stands alone - because it gathers the most serious dangers of our age in one place. Iraq's weapons of mass destruction are controlled by a murderous tyrant . . ." So far no weapons of mass destruction have been found, and no support has come from the United Nations. Looking back, is there anything you would have said differently in that speech?

Security - Are we safer now than before 9/11, and does government have a better handle on terrorist activities within our borders? If so, why is your administration pushing for even greater legal authority in areas such as search and seizure, raising concerns about the civil liberties of law-abiding citizens?