Episode 36 – Breaking Down Mayor Aftab’s “Accomplishments.”

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Is Mayor Aftab over-hyping his achievements ? Join Todd Zinser as he unravels the truth behind his claimed milestones in Cincinnati. From the largest infrastructure grant in U.S. history to groundbreaking financial programs, Todd scrutinizes the reality of these declarations. Was the credit for the Brent Spence Bridge grant truly earned, or are we seeing a puffed-up narrative? And those so-called “baby bonds”—are they really what they seem, or just 529 savings accounts with a misleading label? Todd lays it all out, from grant funding discrepancies to the complexities of city finances managed by nonprofits, inviting you to question the transparency of it all.
Todd sifts through promises of 40,000 new housing units and bold zoning changes. Are these goals feasible, or just political smoke and mirrors? Todd’s critical eye also lands on the hefty millions poured into public safety upgrades—will these truly translate into safer neighborhoods? Lastly, Todd tackles crime prevention initiatives like Act for Cincy, pondering their real impact in the absence of concrete results.

The Collaborative Agreement Refresh – Episode 35

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This episode tries to put the Collaborative Agreement in perspective. There is no longer a formal agreement and perhaps the solution is for all the parties to negotiate an actual agreement rather than keep touting the Collaborative Agreement as if it is still a formal agreement and as if we all know exactly what it means.

The Research Library has a collection of documents concerning the Collaborative Agreement and Refresh.

Review of Iris Roley’s contracts – Episode 34

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City contracts should prioritize the public good, but Cincinnati’s recent agreements with Iris Roley raise serious questions. Why would a city bypass competition and transparency in awarding contracts? Todd scrutinizes the city’s decision-making process, the financial stakes at play, and the city manager’s ongoing review. Caught on body-worn cameras, Roley’s role in police collaboration has drawn criticism, especially from the Fraternal Order of Police. Yet, the city dismissed these complaints, leaving us to wonder about the implications for public trust and accountability.

In our latest Citizen Watchdog episode, we peel back the layers on procurement irregularities within Cincinnati’s government. Uncovering unauthorized commitments, missing documentation, and the peculiar attachment of the Government Square Initiative to Roley’s contract, we expose systemic issues that could undermine taxpayer value. The unfair competitive advantage rule kept Roley from bidding on a program she helped craft, highlighting a critical conflict of interest. Join Todd for an engaging exploration of these pressing issues and the urgent need for transparency and integrity in public contracting.

 

 

Zinser Ltr 10.6.25

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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