Only 3 council members support parks tax

If it was up to Cincinnati City Council to put the permanent parks tax levy on the ballot, it might never have gotten there.

An Enquirer poll of Council shows only three of the nine members are on record supporting the plan, which is billed as a way to improve and maintain parks.

Three members -- Yvette Simpson (D), Amy Murray (R) and Charlie Winburn (R) -- flat out say they don't support the levy. David Mann (D), Kevin Flynn (C) and Christopher Smitherman (I), are on the record as supporters. The rest say they aren't sure.

The election is Nov. 3 and early voting has started.

This summer a group of citizens, with support from Mayor John Cranley, gathered enough signatures to put the issue on the ballot, a move that bypassed Council. Mayor John Cranley spent the summer championing the idea he says will bring 16 new projects to 27 neighborhoods and provide care and maintenance to all city parks. Opponents have argued the plan commercializes parks and adds an unneeded tax.

On Monday, supporter Brewster Rhoads will debate opponent Don Mooney, a Cincinnati attorney at an Enquirer-organized debate.

A look at where Council stands:

Wendell Young, D: Undecided

Yvette Simpson, D: No. "I am a huge supporter of parks, but I have huge concerns about Issue 22, a permanent tax without a repeal or clawback provision that does not allow the legislative body to expressly evaluate projects for which taxpayer dollars are spent. Further, many of these projects can and should be funded within our capital budget, or in partnership with the Port Authority."

David Mann, D: Yes. Mann has supported the idea from the get-go. "This is a tremendous opportunity to transform our parks."

Christopher Smitherman, I: Yes. "It's not perfect, but if we waited until everything was perfect we'd never get anything done. Our parks are iconic and they need our support."

Amy Murray, R: No. "There are many great, transformational projects in this levy. As Transportation Committee chairwoman, I've been working on some of these projects like the Wasson Way and Oasis Bike Trail for two years. However, I don't think a property tax levy should be in the City Charter."

Charlie Winburn, R: No "I want to support the parks with Norfolk Southern." The Norfolk Southern is a railway owned by the city and leased to Norfolk Southern. It brings in $20 million a year. Some have suggested selling it.

Chris Seelbach, D: Undecided. "Knowing most people don't support tax increases, my biggest concern is a matter of priorities. Our Parks System is one of the best in the country, while our childhood poverty rate is one of the worst. Should we not be putting everything behind the likely 2016 Preschool Promise ballot initiative, ensuring that every child, regardless of income, attends high quality preschool for up to two years before beginning kindergarten?"

Kevin Flynn, C: Yes. Flynn, a Charterite, had voiced concern Council didn't have a say about projects the money would be spent on, but after researching the issue he's convinced Council does have a say.

P.G. Sittenfeld, D: Undecided. "I think it's good to create a vehicle to continue investing in our world-class parks system, but I do have some concerns about short-term and longer-term public accountability. I'll reach a final decision before I go vote."

UPDATE 2 p.m. Sittenfeld's stance instantly became fodder in his U.S. Senate primary race against Democrat Ted Strickland:

The Parks debate: If you go

When: Monday, 5:30 p.m.

Where: The Phoenix, 812 Race Street, Downtown

Send questions to Cindi Andrews and candrews@enquirer.com