Mallory: City is 'sick and tired of being divided'

In an interview with the Enquirer's editorial board Monday, state Sen. Mark Mallory accused mayoral opponent David Pepper of using the Black Fist endorsement as a cynical ploy to divide the electorate along racial lines.

Today, the Mallory campaign followed up those remarks with the following written statement:

For too long, our city has been divided by barriers: black and white, east side and west side, Republican and Democrat, young and old. I am running for Mayor to help our city overcome the barriers that divide us.

I want to be absolutely clear: I do not condone hatred of any kind, and I do not support those who preach hatred. I have a long track record and a history of fighting against racial injustice and hatred, as does my entire family.

The only reason that David Pepper is bringing this up is to try and divide this city by race. David's consultants have told him that in order to win he must make race the central issue in this election.

I think that I speak for most of Cincinnati when I say that we are sick and tired of being divided along racial lines. This is the type of divisive leadership that has been hurting our city for years.

The only way to unite this city and tear down the barriers that separate us is to elect a mayor who represents all of Cincinnati. We need a mayor who can work with people of all backgrounds to move this city in a new direction.