West Side group embraces former foe Mallory

Members of POWR PAC cozy up to the new mayor in a photo-op with its endorsed candidates after the inaugural ceremony Thursday. From left, Price Hill Civic Club President Peter G. Witte, Council members Leslie Ghiz, John Cranley, Cecil Thomas, Jeff Berding and Chris Monzel, Mayor Mark Mallory, and Westwood Concern Founder Mary Kuhl.

During the mayoral campaign, David Pepper had no more stalwart supporter on the trail than POWR PAC -- the Partnership of West Side Residents founded by neighborhood activists Peter G. Witte of West Price Hill and Mary Kuhl of Westwood.

But on election night, minutes after it became clear that Mark Mallory would be the next mayor, Witte was already tipping his hat to the new constitution. "He's the man, now," he told a reporter at the Board of Elections.

And when Mallory announced his committee chairs Wednesday night, Witte was ecstatic. "This is a great start. Party lines are blurred. This is exceptional," he said. "I don't know if people will appreciate just how much of an improvement this will be. ... The days of grandstanding are over."

Remember the witty Peter who dogged Mallory during the camapaign? He said Thursday he'd make Mallory an honorary member of POWR PAC.

Peter G. Witte protests a Mark Mallory campaign event in East Price Hill in October.