Crowley: No TID For Me

Cincinnati City Council member David Crowley wrote to Mayor Mark Mallory Tuesday, saying he would like his name removed from consideration for appointment to the Hamilton County Transportation Improvement District (TID).

Crowley was Mallory's choice to represent the city on the TID, which considers road improvement projects and other transportation issues throughout the county. But some members of Cincinnati city council -- specifically members of the so-called "Fiscal Five" who opposed Crowley and three other members of council over several budget issues in December -- have tried to block that appointment in recent weeks.

The "fiscal five," a nickname that Enquirer columnist Peter Bronson slapped on Jeff Berding, Chris Bortz, Leslie Ghiz, Chris Monzel and Laketa Cole becasue of their desire to cut social services and the Health Department, waged a prolonged battle with four members of council over the 2007-08 budget.

It appears those disagreements have spilled over on new issues in the new year.

Crowley's group, which included John Cranley, Cecil Thomas and Jim Tarbell, negotiated an increase in social service spending if additional year-end revenue comes in as expected. The group also fought for, and won, a less-severe cut to the Health Department.

Crowley raised the white flag on the TID issue Tuesday, saying he's more interested in restoring a functional working relationsihp with council than serving on the board. Here's his memo:

Mayor Mallory,

I very much appreciate your invitation to serve as the City's representative to the Transportation Improvement District (TID). Due to no fault of my own this decision has led to much distracting debate and controversy over the last few weeks. After further reflection I am writing to ask that my name be removed from consideration for this appointment.

My keen interest in the transportation issues under the jurisdiction of the TID are outweighed by my desire to foster a civil and productive atmosphere among City Council. In my mind this is far more important than engaging in battles over whom you as the Mayor wish to appoint to a given board or commission. In the end it should be your decision as the mayor and in the future I will continue to support you in this regard.

It is my hope that this action will enable us, the City Leaders, to focus our collective energies on the many other critical issues facing our City such as the needless violence on our streets and the lack of economic opportunity for certain segments of our community. I look forward to continuing this very important work together with you and the rest of Council.

David