Episodios

  • Cincinnati's Green Ambitions: Sustainability Challenges and Budget Mysteries

    Cincinnati's Green Ambitions: Sustainability Challenges and Budget Mysteries
    Apr 23 2025
    Unlock the secrets of Cincinnati's ambitious journey towards sustainability with our latest episode on the Green Cincinnati Plan. Explore the intricate evolution of this environmental roadmap, beginning with the pioneering Climate Protection Plan of 2008, courtesy of Mark Mallory, and how it has morphed through the years into a complex, far-reaching strategy for 2023. From the target of 100% renewable energy for city operations by 2035 to encouraging a shift towards plant-based diets, we dissect the bold visions and the challenges of maintaining consistency and accountability. Join us as we spotlight Mayor Aftab Perval's unique focus on equity and climate, and the transformative goals driving the city's environmental ambitions.

    Yet, the journey isn’t without its mysteries. We unravel the enigma of the missing $5 million originally meant for green initiatives, now puzzlingly rerouted to the city's fleet needs, with no clear explanation in sight. Despite poring over Cincinnati's epic 186-page Green Plan, we find it conspicuously empty of cost indicators, raising questions about the financial transparency of these initiatives. For those eager to understand the broader implications and priorities of the city's environmental strategies, we recommend a visit to their website for a more digestible perspective. This episode is just the beginning, with more revelations and discussions promised in upcoming installments.
    Más Menos
    17 m
  • Cincinnati's Missing Audit

    Cincinnati's Missing Audit
    Apr 1 2025
    City corruption exposed: the forensic audit Cincinnati didn't want you to see. Our latest episode brings you inside the tangled web of local governance, examining the unfinished forensic audit that was meant to shed light on murky economic development projects between 2018 and 2020. We unravel the story behind the critical draft report by audit firm Crowe, which the city dismissed as unsatisfactory, likely due to its damning insights into current practices. The episode questions the city's transparency and accountability, with a spotlight on the secretive use of emergency ordinances and discretionary funds, drawing connections to historic corruption scandals in Washington D.C. and Columbus.

    Exploring the realm of forensic audits, we highlight their necessity in providing a thorough investigation that goes beyond balancing the books to ensure no stone is left unturned. Our discussion underscores the importance of completing such audits to uncover unresolved issues and the need to hold city officials accountable for leaving this particular forensic investigation unfinished. With captivating insights into the Economic Development Reform Panel's recommendations and the continuing influence of lobbyists and developers in Cincinnati, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the mechanics of city governance and the public's quest for transparency.
    Más Menos
    15 m
  • Secrecy in Cincinnati Government

    Secrecy in Cincinnati Government
    Mar 25 2025
    Greater Cincinnati is shrouded in political secrecy, but the truth can no longer stay hidden. This episode exposes the clandestine forces at play in the heart of local governance, where sales tax dollars intended for public landmarks are ominously repurposed by shadowy 501c4 groups. With insights from Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus, we peel back the layers of obfuscation surrounding a controversial new arena proposal. The discussion doesn't stop there; we draw parallels to Norfolk Southern's murky railway sell-off and scrutinize Mayor Aftab's entanglements in this political quagmire. The stakes are high as we highlight the influence of undisclosed donors and question the ethical fortitude of decision-makers in the region.

    Accountability in city politics is not just a necessity—it's an urgent call to action. We spotlight the glaring lack of oversight from key city institutions as mega-million-dollar projects proceed without transparency. With upcoming elections on the horizon, the demand for reform is more pressing than ever. The conversation challenges the status quo, urging a re-evaluation of how political funds are handled and advocating for public scrutiny at every level of governance. We consider reaching out to the city's ethics officer to shed light on these covert initiatives, stressing that the citizens of Greater Cincinnati deserve nothing less than honest and transparent leadership.
    Más Menos
    13 m
  • Cincinnati's Struggle Against Public Misconduct

    Cincinnati's Struggle Against Public Misconduct
    Mar 21 2025
    Creating a more transparent and accountable city governance as we uncover the findings from our recent review of the city's Ethics Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline. Expect to learn about the critical privacy issues and transparency concerns that have emerged since the hotline's oversight shifted to the solicitor's office in 2022. With 176 complaints filed over the past three years, the hotline's potential to effectively tackle fraud and abuse remains significantly stunted due to a lack of a structured process. Drawing on my expertise with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, I offer insights into the importance of a trustworthy tip line for employees and highlight some eye-opening complaints, including political contributions and donor disclosures.


    We raise critical questions about the vulnerability of Cincinnati's public funding landscape. Despite the existence of a fraud hotline, skepticism remains about its effectiveness in preventing similar corruption. Join us as we explore the need for decisive action by the city solicitor's office and the hope for a more vigilant city council to champion fraud awareness and prevention in the future.
    Más Menos
    15 m
  • Should Cincinnati be pounding the table about DEI?

    Should Cincinnati be pounding the table about DEI?
    Mar 18 2025
    This episode sheds light on the city's own DEI efforts, highlighting the strides and struggles of the Department of Economic Inclusion in supporting minority and women-owned businesses. Despite the city's dedication, a 2023 Disparity Study Report has pointed out significant gaps, prompting a deeper examination of the city's financial commitments and grants to foster equity and inclusion within the community.
    Más Menos
    14 m
  • High Stakes at Hyde Park: Unraveling the Turmoil and Community Voices in City Planning

    High Stakes at Hyde Park: Unraveling the Turmoil and Community Voices in City Planning
    Mar 10 2025
    Hyde Park Square is on the brink of a transformation that could alter its very essence, and the stakes couldn't be higher. With three key planning commission members unexpectedly absent, suspicion looms over the legitimacy of the decision-making process. Join us as we confront the heated opposition from the community, whose voices have crescendoed into a powerful chorus against the proposed development. We explore the concerns regarding its impact on neighborhood character and pedestrian safety, amplified by an eye-opening op-ed. This episode connects the dots between local power dynamics and city planning, drawing insights from Dan La Botz's compelling work, "Who Rules Cincinnati."

    As tensions reached a boiling point at the latest planning commission meeting, the disarray between the chairman, a commission member, and the deputy city mayor or manager created an unforgettable spectacle. Although this gripping finale has yet to air on city cable, its repercussions are already reverberating through Hyde Park. With a crucial city council committee vote looming, every resident's future hangs in the balance. Tune in to understand the implications of this pivotal moment and the vital importance of community voices in shaping the destiny of Hyde Park Square.
    Más Menos
    14 m
  • Exposing Audit Oversight Failures in Cincinnati

    Exposing Audit Oversight Failures in Cincinnati
    Mar 5 2025
    Unlock the secrets of Cincinnati's audit oversight as we expose the challenges and gaps in the city's internal audit function. From the startling revelation of the internal audit manager's non-compliance with Municipal Code requirements to the alarming absence of comprehensive risk assessments since 2014, this episode promises a deep exploration of the systemic failures impacting city governance. We delve into the impact of insufficient resources on audit transparency and question the city's dedication to maintaining robust oversight, shining a light on the crucial yet missing peer reviews that could ensure adherence to government auditing standards.

    Our journey doesn't stop there. We confront the hurdles faced in engaging with local government, recounting the silence met when trying to communicate with the city's internal audit manager and the mayor's office for committee appointments. Despite these challenges, we recognize the audit division's efforts in conducting follow-up audits and acknowledge the potential for positive change with new City Council appointments. Experience a compelling narrative that not only questions the current state of Cincinnati's internal audit but also contemplates the future possibilities of reform and accountability. Tune in for an episode that seeks to uncover the truth behind the city's audit processes and the barriers that stand in the way of effective governance.
    Más Menos
    13 m
  • Unpacking Cincinnati's City Budget: Clientelism, Accountability, and Political Dynamics

    Unpacking Cincinnati's City Budget: Clientelism, Accountability, and Political Dynamics
    Feb 27 2025
    Discover the intricate world of Cincinnati City Council's budget decisions, where millions are strategically allocated to over 50 organizations, raising important questions about oversight and transparency. Todd promises you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of how the Achieving Change Together program aims to combat gun violence through financial support to nonprofits, all while navigating the delicate balance of political and financial alliances. Our discussion sheds light on the complexities of clientelism, revealing how mutual benefits between city officials and nonprofits create a cycle of political support that demands accountability and transparency.

    Join Todd as he dissects the political tool of leverage support that influences city government growth and spending. We explore how city officials might use funding to secure votes, drawing parallels to clientelism and earmarking practices that have significantly grown city budgets over the past decade. While acknowledging the valuable work of supported groups, our conversation critically examines the political dynamics at play, especially as we anticipate this year's budget allocations. Prepare to unravel the implications these practices have on city governance, emphasizing the pressing need for openness and responsibility.
    Más Menos
    12 m
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro768_stickypopup