Overview of the Cincinnati City Council Race
With 26 candidates vying for seats on the Cincinnati City Council, the upcoming election is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years. Currently, all nine council members are Democrats, and eight of them are seeking re-election. However, this year, other political parties and independent candidates are making a strong push to challenge the Democratic dominance. The Republican Party has endorsed three candidates, while the Charter Committee, a reform group functioning as an unofficial political party, has supported five. Additionally, there are numerous independent candidates running, adding to the diversity of perspectives on the ballot.
The race has sparked discussions about how to address some of the city’s most pressing issues, with crime being a central topic. We reached out to all the candidates with a set of questions, and 21 responded. Their answers offer insight into their views on crime and potential solutions.
Candidate Perspectives on Crime in Cincinnati
Anna Albi – Madisonville
As a current Cincinnati City Council member and a Democrat, Anna Albi emphasized the importance of addressing both violent and property crimes. She noted that while shootings are down by roughly 20% and violent crime is slightly lower than last year, property crime has increased downtown. Albi supports funding for crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) measures, such as cameras, lighting, and landscaping. She also highlighted the recent allocation of $5.4 million for safety initiatives, including police visibility and community outreach.
Audricia Brooks – North Avondale
Audricia Brooks, a retired nurse practitioner, believes that providing people with opportunities and hope is a key deterrent to crime. She advocates for promoting positive stories within the community and avoiding sensationalizing infractions.
Jerry Corbett – Mount Washington
Jerry Corbett, a retired water works employee, expressed concern over the rise in gun violence and youth involvement in property crimes. He suggests increasing police presence in high-risk neighborhoods and establishing commissions focused on youth and mental health to address root causes.
Jeff Cramerding – West Price Hill
Jeff Cramerding, a Cincinnati City Council member and attorney, believes in ensuring police have the resources needed to be visible and engaged in the community. He also emphasizes the importance of addressing blight and quality-of-life issues that contribute to perceptions of unsafe neighborhoods.
Don Driehaus – West Price Hill
Don Driehaus, a business owner and Charter Committee-endorsed candidate, stresses the need to improve moral standards and rebuild community strength.
Gary Favors – North Avondale
Gary Favors, a special education teacher and Republican-endorsed candidate, highlights the importance of meeting basic needs like housing, food, and healthcare to reduce crime. He proposes focusing on first responder support, pedestrian safety, and affordable housing.
Steve Goodin – Clifton
Steve Goodin, a former council member and Charter Committee-endorsed candidate, criticizes the city’s crime data, citing discrepancies in reporting. He calls for more police officers, investment in youth programs, and the elimination of ineffective “violence reduction” initiatives.
Ryan James – West End
Ryan James, a former United Way director and Democrat, acknowledges the gap between statistical trends and public perception. He supports a balanced approach that includes law enforcement support and long-term investments in youth programming and neighborhood stabilization.
Mark Jeffreys – Clifton
Mark Jeffreys, a Cincinnati City Council member and founder of a machine-learning company, emphasizes the need for more police officers, crime-fighting tools, and neighborhood revitalization efforts. He also advocates for holding nuisance properties accountable.
Dawn Johnson – North Avondale
Dawn Johnson, a home solutions business owner and Charter Committee-endorsed candidate, believes crime is often a symptom of deeper issues like poverty and trauma. She supports a dual approach of investing in prevention and enforcing stricter laws for those who commit crimes.
Scotty Johnson – Mount Airy
Scotty Johnson, a former Cincinnati Police Officer and current council member, emphasizes the importance of smart policing, officer support, and investments in prevention. His goal is to ensure every resident feels safe regardless of their ZIP code.
Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney – North Avondale
Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, a Cincinnati City Council member, highlights the need for wraparound services to combat gun violence. She advocates for programs involving credible messengers who can reach individuals at the epicenter of the issue.
Liz Keating – Hyde Park
Liz Keating, a former council member and Republican-endorsed candidate, emphasizes the importance of addressing both violent crime and its root causes. She supports proven programs that provide youth opportunities, jobs, and childcare.
Dale Mallory – West End
Dale Mallory, a retired General Electric employee, believes in getting guns off the streets and supporting community policing. He has been involved in gun take-back programs and encourages continued support for police efforts.
Linda Matthews – North Avondale
Linda Matthews, a CEO and Republican-endorsed candidate, urges the mayor to accept state criminal justice support services to make Cincinnati the safest major city in the U.S.
Brandon Nixon – Westwood
Brandon Nixon, a forklift operator, emphasizes the need to address root causes of crime like poverty and youth disengagement. He supports strengthening community policing and building trust between residents and officers.
Evan Nolan – Oakley
Evan Nolan, a Cincinnati City Council member and attorney, believes in continuous evaluation of public safety issues. He supports transparency, communication, and policy improvements in the criminal justice system.
Meeka Owens – Avondale
Meeka Owens, a Cincinnati City Council member, acknowledges the difference between data and public perception. She supports increased officer visibility and funding for public safety initiatives.
Christopher Smitherman – North Avondale
Christopher Smitherman, a financial advisor, believes crime is very high in Cincinnati and emphasizes the need to support police morale and address cold cases.
Seth Walsh – Central Business District
Seth Walsh, a Cincinnati City Council member, emphasizes the importance of adequate funding for the police department and improving public safety in the urban core.
Aaron Weiner – Clifton
Aaron Weiner, a realtor and Charter Committee-endorsed candidate, highlights the need for a police recruitment and retention program to address understaffing. He proposes incentives for officers to live in the neighborhoods they serve.