The Cincinnati Museum Center may have a tough time getting its first-ever levy request past the Hamilton County commissioners, despite the unanimous support of the commissioners' own Tax Levy Review Committee.

(Yes, even committee member Chris Finney, a leader of the aptly named Coalition Opposed to Additional Spending and Taxes, voted to give the museum a shot at taxpayers.)

The commissioners have only until Dec. 10 to approve the request if it's going to make the March ballot.

The 0.2-mill levy would cost the owner of a $100,000 home less than $6 a year and raise about $3.5 million a year for the Museum Center, located in Union Terminal.

Commissioner John Dowlin is aboard, but his two fellow commissioners could be a hard sell.

Commissioner Todd Portune is undecided: "There's no question that the Museum Center is an architectural treasure that needs to be preserved. The question in my mind is whether a tax is the right vehicle to accomplish the goal."

And Commissioner Phil Heimlich said he doesn't want to put a new levy request on the spring ballot without knowing whether the other two commissioners will support requests for tax increases next fall.

The Drake Center, for instance, could renew its request for a 39 percent increase. The tax increase proposal was put on hold until there is more information about costs for long-term nursing care.

Cindi Andrews

MIAMI TOWNSHIP: Two people have announced plans to run for the 66th District House seat being vacated by Republican Rep. Jean Schmidt, who is running for Ohio Senate in 2004.

Miami Township Trustee Joe Uecker and Batavia certified public accountant Donovan L. Donohoo both hope to replace Schmidt.

Uecker has served as a trustee for 13 years. He thinks legislators need to attract businesses and toughen crime laws.

Donohoo also sees business development and employment as paramount, in addition to education.

The 66th district comprises Miami, Goshen, Union and Batavia townships, plus the villages of Amelia and Batavia and portions of Milford and Loveland.

Marie McCain

MASON: After four years as this Warren County city's mayor, John McCurley decided not to seek re-election so he can spend more time on his bid for Warren County commissioner.

Council this week unanimously approved Councilman Peter Beck to the two-year term. Beck, who frequently questions expenditures, is in his second term and has the most experience after McCurley.

Come the March primary, McCurley will face off against Deerfield Township resident Dave Young and John Lazares, superintendent of the Warren County Educational Service Center, for the seat Commissioner Larry Crisenbery is vacating.

Erica Solvig

Around the Suburbs is compiled by Enquirer reporters.