Well-Deserved Praise for Banks Project Manager

The Enquirer wrote a very nice story on John Deatrick, the person the County and City brought on about a year ago to oversee and implement the Banks Project.

As opposed to highly political appointments that too often can sink governent and waste taxpayer $$$ because they are unqualified and/or make politically driven decisions (ie. Hamilton County, 2005-2006), John is the epitome of a good, professional, competent public servant.

John came back to Cincinnati from Washington to help us complete the project.

He was instrumental in the County/City successfully securing millions of stimulus dollars, as well as keeping the project on time and under budget. And as some argue that we should do nothing but leave a parking lot and mudpit at the heart of our riverfront, John articulates well why that is not the answer: "It's a real problem to have empty surface parking lots where we should have a beautiful riverfront," he said. "Getting the central riverfront developed is absolutely critical to getting any economic benefit."

Read about John here.

Bringing Hope To Our Kids

Source (here)

About a year ago, I sat down with a small group of faith leaders and other citizens who are passionate about helping our most vulnerable young people. We talked through ways they might apply that passion to the critical need of supporting and caring for foster children in our community.

And most importantly, we agreed that the top solution is simple (in theory): find as many loving, caring adults to help and support our foster kids as possible.

Well, this weekend (the last of May, Foster Care Awareness Month), their incredible hard work and passion will come to fruition through a multi-day, multi-location effort called "Every Child's Hope." Twenty six churches and congregations will be involved. Their goal is to inspire people across our community to help kids in foster care--whether to become foster or adoptive parents directly, or for those who are not in a position to take those steps, to help support foster kids or foster families in all sorts of other ways.

These types of grassroots and community efforts that will ultimately make all the difference. And as I said in the State of the County Speech, there is no better prevention program than proactive support (and ultimate adoption) of foster kids.

Thanks to the leadership of the Coalition of Care for organizing this wonderful, compassionate effort.

Here's an Enquirer story on the effort, and here's the website for Every Child's Hope, laying out this weekend's program.

Always Remember

Photos from the Newtown Memorial Day Parade.

Let the County Know YOUR 2010 Budget Priorities

This year, the County Administration is seeking more public input than ever as they put together the 2010 County budget. If revenues continue to stagnate, we will have some very tough choices to make, and public input on those choices is incredibly helpful.

So the Administration is rolling out on online survey to understand public priorities. It's quite long, but very exhaustive. But it will only be helpful if many people, and a true cross-section of citizens, take it.

If you have a few minutes, take the survey here.