June 10 , 2005
Behind Every Candidate...
Lynch for Council staff concerned with crime and youth
By Tara Smith
Guest Columnist
Our campaign is focusing on fundraising and growing and mobilizing our volunteer base. We have a lot of activities and events planned for the upcoming months, so having enough money and people are key. We will start our more personal and high-impact activities such as canvassing later in the year.
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One of the things that our campaign is truly blessed with is having dedicated staff. People who really know Damon Lynch III love him. He has a very good relationship with his staff and draws a diverse range of individuals to the campaign, from Grandmothers to youth, from professionals to working-class, from Black to White, each with their own unique qualities. We receive calls every day from individuals wanting to help with the campaign and we embrace them.
One of the issues that our staff and Damon Lynch III is passionate about is youth, crime and safety. The City of Cincinnati is in a state of emergency where our youth and crime are concerned. The system is failing them. Jobs are lacking, the school system needs substancial improvement, and unfortunately, once they get into trouble, it’s terribly difficult for them to integrate back into society. Our young people are dying and their families and community are in despair. Damon Lynch III is restarting the Curfew Centers in Avondale and Price Hill in an effort to get these children off the street and out of harms way. It’s also an alternative to sending teens who violate the curfew ordinance to 20/20 which could stigmatize them.
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Another issue is the development projects that are going on throughout the city. Between the City and County projects, there is almost $1 billion in revitalization and new development projects, yet, unemployment is still high and none of the money has been allocated to help the neighborhoods in need the most.
Damon Lynch III deserves a seat on City Council for several reasons. First, he has a proven track record of working in the interest of Cincinnati residents, particularly the voiceless and the powerless. He knows how to mobilize people and get things done. Second, he knows the issues and has worked to provide solutions to the City’s problems on his own volition. Third, he has courage, which is lacking in today’s leadership. Finally, despite the (mis)perceptions of some, he does indeed care about the city of Cincinnati and has a desire for it to be fair and just to all residents. He has sacrificed a lot for causes he believes in and not many people, including some of the current City Council members, would do so.
"The Podium" is Queen City Forum Magazine's opinion page. Guest writers and staff writers offer their take on social, political and life issues. "The Podium" will feature a new "Behind Every Candidate" each week on Sunday going to the election on November 8th, 2005. The Mayoral Primary will be held on September 13th.
Contact Information
· podium@queencityforum.com
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