Goodbye To Jim Tarbell

Today's special Cincinnati City Council meeting held to swear in new Councilwoman Roxanne Qualls and new Vice Mayor David Crowley quickly turned into a love fest for the departing Jim Tarbell. All those nasty fights about arts funding? No one seemed to remember today.

Tarbell said little, deciding to end his years on council the same way he started them - by playing "Danny Boy" on his harmonica. This time, though, he sat next to "hat guy" Avtar Gill as he did it.

Here's more of what his former colleagues had to say:

Mayor Mark Mallory: He officially proclaimed Tarbell "Mr. Cincinnati." He called Tarbell wise, "someone who truly understands what it means to be a public servant. You embody what it means to be a Cincinnatian." The top hat and tails Tarbell often wore and the red scooter he rides - "those things make you quirky," Mallory told him. "There's nothing quirky about your service to the city of Cincinnati."

Crowley: He said he doesn't have a straw hat or a scooter, though he does have a bicycle - "which got me into trouble recently." (He broke his pelvis this summer in a fall from his bike.)

John Cranley: He admitted getting a little choked up at Tarbell's departure. "It's going to be tough not having Mr. Cincinnati here with us....Even when you're in an argument to the death, you just can't help but love Jim Tarbell."

He told about how, several days after the 2001 riots, council members were waiting outside Timothy Thomas' funeral in Over-the-Rhine for police officers to pick them up. Tarbell said he didn't feel comfortable with the image that portrayed, that city officials needed protection. So instead of waiting with the rest of them, Tarbell decided to walk home. Straight through the crowd which, Cranley said, "wasn't too happy with us."

"And that's why I think you're Mr. Cincinnati. And that's why I admire you."

Laketa Cole: She mentioned Tarbell's history of getting involved in scuffles with criminals. "It's certainly refreshing to see someone who gets involved even at their own risk."

Chris Monzel: "I've been privileged and honored to serve with you...You always have a place to park (your scooter) in my space at City Hall any time you like."

Cecil Thomas: "I'm really sad to see you go, seriously. I'm sure we're going to see you everywhere in Cincinnati and having an even greater impact."

Chris Bortz: He agreed with Tarbell's push years ago for the new Reds stadium to go at Broadway Commons. "That would've been great." He said Tarbell's mentoring was always welcome. "You are, also, the personification of the argument against term limits."

Jeff Berding: He thanked him for his friendship, the books he'd pass along for reference and for the history lessons he provided. "I wish all the best to you and Brenda (Tarbell's wife)."

Leslie Ghiz: She said she still keeps on her refrigerator a note Tarbell sent months ago that referred to the two of them as fighting like an old married couple. That, she said, "made me realize everything is not the end of the world."

There will no doubt be more Tarbell farewell statements Wednesday at his going-away party, 5-7 p.m. at Arnold's.