By John Eckberg
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Executives at Cincinnati-area companies blasted local government, called for lower taxes or elimination of business taxes to bring in new companies, and want safer streets to improve quality of life in the region.

And that's just for starters.

According to a survey of executives of Greater Cincinnati 100 companies, many business leaders also want the region to develop the Cincinnati riverfront, build a light rail commuter system and rehabilitate urban neighborhoods.

Local politicians came in for some scathing comments when local executives were asked how to improve quality of life.

"Compared to other major metropolitan areas, Cincinnati has become a ghost town," reads one response.

Executives lamented the city image, the crime rate downtown and lack of racial harmony in a survey commissioned by Deloitte of the top 100 privately held companies in the region.

"How would you suggest retaining existing companies and attracting new business?" one question asked. A majority of the 43 respondents want tax incentives or reduced taxes to encourage business investment and development.

"Reduce or eliminate property taxes on inventory," one comment read.

"Stronger city leadership and quicker decisions on development," another said.

Some executives laid the blame for trouble squarely on the shoulders of the politicians at Cincinnati City Hall.

"Elect a city council and mayor that are concerned more about good, effective government than getting their name in the news," one executive said.

E-mail jeckberg@enquirer.com.