Commission Broken, Pepper Says

Candidate Lays Out Objectives in First Interview Since Announcement
by Michael D. Altman
QueenCityForum.com Magazine editor in chief

David Pepper said Sunday in an interview with QCF Magazine that his aims for the County are to broaden the focus of County Commission, end the tag-team partnership that current Commissioners Pat DeWine (R) and Phil Heimlich (R) have practiced, and fix the mismanagement of the County through a more open government.

“The overarching issue is in the last couple of years, county government has shown itself to be broken,” Pepper said about the major issues involving his candidacy. “Ever since Heimlich took over The Banks project, it has been unmitigated disaster. Nothing has happened. It has actually been a move backwards—broken govt.”

Mr. Pepper is also concerned about the “broken policies,” as he sees them, manifesting themselves in gross wastes of money. He cited the severance package and dismissal of former County Administrator David Krings.

“We need to have county leaders talk to all parts of the county. They (the current commissioners have been obsessed with a few issues and they aren’t even handling those right… I think the County Commission only takes place downtown, I would like to see us getting out into the full county.”

Pepper also stressed that he has a very good relationship with the current members of Cincinnati City Council and how important that relationship is for the future of both city and county. “We’ll be able to have a good working relationship with the city (because we) know the issues and people in council well.”

“My goal is to work with Republicans and Democrats. It is clear that the county is pretty even when it comes to Republicans and Democrats.” Pepper said about the two to one advantage that the Hamilton County Republican party currently holds in the Commission “I would not have what it is now which is I have one partner and that’s the end of it,” referring to what many feel is an exclusive hold that Heimlich and DeWine currently have over County policy.

Pepper finally also voiced concern about a non-open government, saying “open government and transparency” is a focus of his.

Pepper has championed open government and public safety publicly for several years, both of which he indicated will be seen in his vision for Hamilton County. The two issues were also highly spoken about by Pepper in his recent narrow defeat in his run for Mayor in November of 2005.

“The Republican majority on Commission has created an ineffective approach to regional concerns. Job loss, crime, safety, prosperity and especially the loss of young Professionals are all heading in the wrong direction,” said Hamilton County Democratic Party executive director Chandra Yungbluth. “David Pepper has plans for positive changes in Hamilton County and has the track record as a proven bi-partisan leader who can get things done.”