Charterites: Pick Pepper

Cincinnati's Charter Committee has endorsed Democrat David Pepper for Hamilton County Commissioner over Republican incumbent Phil Heimlich.

The Charter Committee's focus usually is city of Cincinnati government, but decided to weigh in on several countywide issues for this election.

In addition to Pepper, it also endorsed the proposal to increase the sales tax a quarter-cent to fund a new jail; the continuation of the Children's Services levy and the decreased levy to help pay for health care for the poor -- all issues on the Nov. 7 ballot.

"During his interview candidate Pepper advocated strongly for cooperation among the many jurisdictions in the County and a comprehensive growth strategy for all of Hamilton County, both of which the Charter Committee believes are critical to the success of our region. Pepper’s presentation stressed the importance of compromise, inclusion and collaboration as we move forward with The Banks, the highlight of riverfront development, and the new jail which must deal with rehabilitation and training as well as incarceration," Charter Committee president Michael Goldman noted in a press release today.