Politics

WVXU has been covering the stories of politics and corruption at Cincinnati's City Hall since early 2020. We have now launched an initiative to more closely examine Cincinnati politics and the individuals who have shaped it, along with the current allegations of corruption. We'll also explore proposals for change, and seek feedback from local leaders and community members on what can be done to restore trust in City Hall.Trust in Local Government, WVXU's Public Integrity Project will analyze our council-manager form of government and the charter amendments designed to reinforce ethical standards at City Hall; take a historical look at corruption in Cincinnati government; talk with the candidates for Cincinnati mayor and continue with an ongoing series of features, interviews and candidate profiles.

Smitherman & Sundermann Discuss Issues 1 & 2, The Anti-Corruption Reforms On May Ballot

91.7 WVXU | By Michael Monks

Published April 19, 2021 at 4:01 AM EDT

After the indictments of multiple Cincinnati City Council members, local voters will get the chance to weigh in on how members of council could be removed from office if future corruption cases arise. Vice Mayor Christopher Smitherman and Council Member Betsy Sundermann have both introduced charter amendments addressing corruption.

Issue 1 on the May ballot, introduced by Smitherman, adds a special prosecutor in cases where there is statewide action to remove a councilmember from office. Issue 2, introduced by Sundermann, gives council the authority to suspend a member internally.

Last Thursday, a fourth council member, Wendell Young was indicted on a felony charge of tampering with records. Three others - P.G. Sittenfeld, Jeff Pastor and Tamaya Dennard - were replaced on council last year after they all faced bribery charges.

Joining Cincinnati Edition to discuss Issues 1 and 2 are Cincinnati Vice Mayor Christopher Smitherman; and Cincinnati City Council Member Betsy Sundermann.

Listen to Cincinnati Edition live at noon M-F. Audio for this segment will be uploaded after 4 p.m. ET.

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The "Trust In Local Government: WVXU's Public Integrity Project" examines Cincinnati politics and the individuals who shaped it. Read more here. Support for this project comes from The Murray and Agnes Seasongood Good Government Foundation.