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.

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.

Gun violence is one of Cincinnati’s gravest issues, but is the ACT for Cincy initiative truly making a difference, or is it another instance of big promises with little follow-through? Join Todd as he scrutinizes the allocation of $3 million towards community grants, dissecting components like Boots on the Ground, Safe and Clean, and the Human Services Violence Reduction Fund.

Despite the fanfare, the mayor’s silence on this topic during his recent Cincinnati Edition appearance speaks volumes about the initiative’s impact, or perhaps the lack thereof.

Turning our attention to the city’s financial health, we question the transparency and results of Cincinnati’s financial freedom blueprint. What are the true outcomes of initiatives like the $800,000 spent on “Boots on the Ground”? Can such social spending eventually sink the city into fiscal instability? We’ll discuss our concerns about these potentially risky financial maneuvers and ponder the implications for Cincinnati’s future.

There is a link to the city’s “ACT for Cincy” provided below.

Here is Cincinnati’s “ACT for Cincy” plan:

ACT-for-Cincy-Blueprint_January-2025_compressed

By exploring real incidents like the bridge fire and the mismanagement of the city’s fleet, we promise you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the critical need for open governance. Todd crafted a 12-point transparency agenda aimed at enhancing clarity and accountability, setting the stage for better oversight and informed citizenry. Our conversations address how these issues affect not just the current landscape but shape the future of governance in Cincinnati.

Our episode also sheds light on the glaring absence of cost accounting systems for major projects like the Connected Communities and Green Cincinnati Plans, highlighting the need for improved financial oversight.

The lack of public engagement tools, akin to the federal process for commenting on ordinances, further underscores the need for reform. By championing the incorporation of citizens’ voices in governance, we advocate for a system that prevents oversight and ensures responsible spending. Join us as we outline a future where Cincinnati’s government operates with the transparency its citizens deserve.

Transparency Agenda for Cincinnati

I told you so. . . . Nearly $6 million has been funneled into the shadows, and the integrity of the city’s campaign finance system hangs in the balance.

Join us as we unravel the strings of alleged corruption surrounding the 2023 railway election, where Norfolk Southern, the city council, and Mayor Aftab’s roles have sparked controversy. The lack of transparency and manipulation of campaign finance rules have raised serious questions, and our recent op-ed in the Enquirer zeroes in on the city’s broken promises regarding anti-corruption reforms, shifting the narrative beyond Sittenfeld’s pardon.

We’re demanding accountability and transparency like never before. The clandestine operations of the Norfolk Southern Steering Committee, especially regarding the sale of a public asset, are under the microscope. Why is there so little clarity about the committee’s composition and their dealings with Aftab? And what about the staggering funds channeled into a related campaign—were they used responsibly? Our conversation doesn’t just stop there; we propose legislative reforms to tighten the reins on corporate contributions to ballot issue campaigns in Ohio, calling for stringent campaign finance rules to ensure the integrity of public asset sales.