Mayor Pureval’s Conflict of Interest with a City Funded Non-Profit – Episode 33

/in

On September 23, 2025, I sent a letter to the mayor and city council about the mayor’s membership on the Board of Directors for Cintrifuse. He has been a member during his entire term, still is. The mayor’s membership on the board creates a conflict of interest because Cintrifuse receives “leveraged Support” funding from the city.  As a city official who has a fiduciary duty to the city, his membership on the Board creates a divided loyalty to the city and Cintrifuse. That creates ethics issues.

During the mayor’s term, Cintrifuse has received more than a million dollars from the city. The letter is posted below. Episode 33 tells the story about how the mayor’s conflict came to light and what corrective action was proposed in my letter.

 

Ethics Letter to City Hall 92325_compressed

Rethinking Safety in Our Cities – Episode 32

/in

City Hall’s reluctance to invest in public safety is jeopardizing our city’s future. With a staggering $5.42 million supplemental appropriation now on the table due to a tragic crime incident, we critically examine the city council’s approach to safety investments and their over-reliance on crime statistics. Our discussion doesn’t stop there; we also shed light on our pursuit of transparency, revealing significant gaps in documentation related to Iris Roley’s consulting contracts with the city. This episode provides a thorough examination of urban public safety policies, questioning the prevalent narrative that simply addressing societal roots can curb crime.

 

Final public safety supplemental 9.10.25

Original Cramerding, Jeffreys, Owens and Walsh public safety funding motion

Kearney Public Safety Supplemental MOTION 9.8.25

Meeka Owens Public Safety Suplemental MOTION

Albi public safety motion 

 

 

Cincinnati’s Mismanaged Lead Pipe Program – Episode 31

/in

 

Corruption and financial mismanagement aren’t just the costs of doing business—they’re symptoms of a deeper problem. This episode uncovers the shocking findings of an internal audit on Cincinnati’s lead service line replacement program, revealing how misappropriated scrap lead pipes have lined the pockets of a city employee while the city failed to capitalize on their recycling value. As we peel back layers of neglect, a disturbing picture of oversight—or lack thereof—emerges, raising pressing questions about how city resources are allocated.

Are we too complacent in addressing these systemic issues? Join us as we dissect the imbalance in financial auditing and the Civilian Complaint Authority, and why it matters. Explore the broader financial implications of the missing lead pipes over a five-year period and how it highlights a glaring need for accountability and transparency. The episode pushes against the prevailing narrative that treats corruption as inevitable, arguing instead for a robust audit program to safeguard against financial leakage.

Governance, risk assessment, and transparency aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the keystones of effective city management. Additionally, discover how to access the detailed audit report and additional resources on CincinnatiWatchdog.com, complete with graphs, photos, and a unique visual from ChatGPT. Prepare to rethink what you’ve been told about city oversight.

Rethinking City Decisions and Upcoming Elections – Episode 30

/in

This episode sheds light on the urgent need for a formal risk assessment within the city, highlighting my frustration with the city manager’s lack of transparency and dismissive stance on essential reports. We dissect the Cincinnati Futures Commission’s hurried conclusions, questioning the undue influence of business interests and the glaring lack of neighborhood voices, as revealed in a critical memo from Meeka Owens.

As Cincinnati gears up for election season, we can’t afford to overlook the city’s unfinished business. This episode sounds the alarm on the broader implications of the proposed 2026-2027 budget, touching on critical initiatives like regionalizing the water works and leasing golf courses, all stemming from the Futures Commission’s agenda. We urge you to arm yourself with knowledge—review the commission’s report and Meeka Owens’ insights on CincinnatiWatchdog.com. Staying informed is crucial as we navigate these pivotal issues and prepare to make informed choices at the polls.

Todd Zinser LIVE with George Brunemann from RestoreLiberty.US – Episode 29

/in

Join George Brunemann from RestoreLiberty.US  for an engaging conversation with Cincinnati expert and former Inspector General Todd Zinser, who pulls back the curtain on the city’s most pressing challenges. Todd, known for his podcast “Citizen Watchdog with Todd Zinser,” brings his insider knowledge to explore the complexities of crime data accuracy and governance that are impacting Cincinnati’s public safety landscape. In the wake of a viral video from the jazz festival, Todd shares his firsthand experience in addressing the city’s governance and oversight needs, including his communications with the city council about crime reporting and the controversial decision to eliminate a police district. Buckle up for an inside look at how accurate crime data and effective governance are essential to tackling Cincinnati’s ongoing safety issues.

The conversation doesn’t stop there as we scrutinize the city’s fiscal health with Todd’s expert guidance. The challenges of Cincinnati’s financial management are laid bare, from underfunded employee pensions to staggering deficits in infrastructure and fleet management. Todd weighs in on the city’s significant capital spending and the mayor’s administration’s approach to a no-confidence vote from the FOP. As we examine the broader implications of these financial hurdles, Todd’s insights shed light on the critical need for strategic planning and transparent governance to secure a stable future for Cincinnati. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the gritty details of city management and the path to a safer, more financially sound Cincinnati.

https://restoreliberty.us/podcasts

Eliminating District 5, Who’s Watching Out For Safety? – Episode 28

/in

Cincinnati’s controversial decision to eliminate Police District 5 is stirring up more than just civic debate; it’s reshaping the city’s entire crime landscape. With a surge in violent incidents, including a high-profile downtown episode and the heartrending murder of Patrick Heringer, the repercussions of this restructuring are both immediate and profound. Our exploration uncovers the disconcerting lack of communication from city officials as they grapple with escalating violence, while hastily prepared reports on response times raise serious questions about the integrity of their evaluations. Our attempts to engage city leaders about the impact of these changes have been met with silence or inadequate responses, leaving us to question their commitment to public safety.

What happens when a city’s financial priorities shift away from essential public services? Cincinnati’s decision to reduce police districts from five to four, while funneling resources into projects like a skate park and art organization headquarters, is being scrutinized for its logic and long-term efficacy. We unpack these financial moves and their potential disconnect with community needs. By examining the broader implications of reallocating funds from public safety, this episode asks if Cincinnati’s vision aligns with its residents’ future, or if it’s a gamble that compromises their safety and well-being.

Tensions Between Law Enforcement and Iris Roley – – Episode 27

/in

What are the secrets behind Cincinnati’s groundbreaking approach to reducing violence and promoting public safety. Todd will guide you through the fascinating journey of the Cincinnati Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV) and its deep ties to the city’s Collaborative Agreement, revealing how a focused deterrence strategy spearheaded by Dr. Garcia and David Kennedy took shape. Along the way, learn about the roles played by city officials like Cecil Thomas and Mayor Mallory, and Iris Roley.

Let’s focus our attention on Iris Roley’s consulting work, the transparency issues it faces, and the tensions brewing with the Fraternal Order of Police. As we explore the broader challenges impacting city management, including a controversial incident caught on body-worn camera, the call for an independent assessment of the current situation becomes clear.  Explore cincinnatiwatchdog.com for vital documents, op-eds, podcasts, and more.

 

 

Don’t Shoot _ The New Yorker

Contact Us – Police

Memo re Iris Roley contract 2.15.22

Collaborative-Agreement

Investigating the Tragedy of Patrick Heringer – Episode 26

/in

This episode promises to shed light on the critical oversights in the handling of Mordecai Black, spotlighting alarming gaps in parole supervision and inter-agency communication.

Join Todd as he dissects the complexities surrounding the case, driven by Sarah Heringer’s fervent calls for a transparent timeline and accountability from the authorities. We will scrutinize the role of halfway houses, GPS monitoring, and the puzzling actions of the Cincinnati Police Department as we explore how these elements contributed to this tragic outcome.

Together, we’ll confront the urgent need for reforms in government investigations and explore the systemic failures highlighted by this case. This episode takes a hard look at the Adult Parole Authority’s ranking system and its dire implications for public safety in Hamilton County. Todd advocates for change by engaging with Ohio state legislators and urging the implementation of effective oversight mechanisms. Listen in as Todd unravels the need for multi-agency task forces like SOFAST and better notification systems to enhance community safety and accountability.

This conversation is a call to action, pushing for the reforms necessary to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

 

Sarah Heringer’s Demands Episode 25

/in

Patrick Heringer’s murder shouldn’t just be another statistic lost in Cincinnati’s rising crime rates. We’re demanding answers, accountability, and a commitment to change. Join Todd as he scrutinizes the city council’s lackluster response and highlight Sarah Heringer’s powerful calls for action. From her demand for a detailed timeline of failures to her push for a public safety audit, Sarah’s voice echoes the frustrations of a community seeking justice. We dissect how systemic breakdowns allowed Mordecai Black, the accused, to slip through the cracks, underscoring the urgent need for clarity from city and state agencies.

Amid the broader discussions of youth and gun violence, we spotlight the troubling sidelining of Patrick’s case and probe into the police enforcement issues under Chief Teresa Theetge’s leadership. With public perceptions on the line, we question her support for officers and explore the necessity of state-level intervention to ensure transparency. To keep the conversation alive, we’ve launched CincinnatiWatchdog.com, a dedicated platform for resources and updates on this case. As we unveil Episode 25, listeners can explore cincinnatiwatchdog.com for vital documents, op-eds, podcasts, and more.

Related documents and media have been posted on the BLOG page under, “Sarah Haringer’s June 8, 2025 demands about her husband’s murder.”

 

Cincinnati Financial Freedom Blueprint – Episode 24

/in

This episode promises to guide you through the city’s plan to boost financial stability, launched under the Cities for Financial Empowerment’s City Start program. Unveiled in June 2023, this $2.125 million initiative tackles six pivotal areas, from managing delinquent debt to fostering job mobility, homeownership, and equity.

We’ll explore the city’s commitment, reflected in a projected $11 million spend, and the urgent call for transparency in tracking these transformative interventions. Join Todd as he scrutinizes Cincinnati’s financial management strategies, addressing both city programs and the complexities they bring. From the intricacies of launching a guaranteed basic income pilot to the pressures on childcare and grocery delivery services, we shed light on the delicate balance between discretionary spending and mandatory obligations.

Anticipate exciting revelations about a future grocery delivery pilot and the soon-to-launch Citizen Watchdog with Todd Zinser website, designed to empower residents with insights into city activities. With gratitude, we hope these initiatives will prove invaluable to the Cincinnati community.