Next generation of city leaders rallies at historic Verdin Bell Center

Published June 16, 2009 at 12:00 a.m.
On June 11 a group of several hundred people gathered at the historic Verdin Bell Centerin Pendleton.  The gathering was organized by the newly formedCincinnatians for Progress group that is working to fight back againstwhat they see as a California style government of never-endingreferendums.

Cincinnatians For Progresssay "the City Charter is Cincinnati's version of the Constitution andit shouldn't be used as a vehicle for binding referendums that handcuffthe mayor and keep city government from moving forward."

One of the group's most vocal leaders is Bobby Maly from Model Group. Mayor Mallory has also recently been tapped as the group's honorarychairman and many local leaders align themselves with the group'soverarching cause of stopping what they have dubbed the "Anti-ProgressAmendment."

The amendment is the City Charter Amendement thatwould "prohibit the city, and its various boards and commissions, fromspending any monies for right-of-way acquisition or construction ofimprovements for passenger rail transportation (e.g., a trolley orstreetcar) within the city limits without first submitting the questionof approval of such expenditure to a vote of the electorate of the cityand receiving a majority affirmative vote for the same."

TheJune 11 "Rally For Progress" was meant to rally the opposition to thisproposed City Charter Amendment and raise awareness to the campaign. The result was a turnout of what seemed to be the next generation ofcity leaders in Cincinnati.

Young City Council hopefuls, youngprofessionals, student leaders and community activists filled theVerdin Bell Center as they were greeted by Soapbox's own Publisher,Dacia Snider.

Many of the people in attendance are regulars atother city-related events.  The excitement and passion was notable asthe event came on the heels of the announcement that the city selecteda team to help plan, design, fund, build and operate Cincinnati'sstreetcar system.

Writer: Randy Simes
Source: Cincinnatians For Progress



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