Happy Holidays From The Vice Mayor

Here's a holiday note/budget update sent out today by Vice Mayor David Crowley:



Dear Friends & Supporters:


At this time of year when I want to wish all of you the very best of the season whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or another special occasion. I hope you feel as blessed as we here in my office and at home.


As we come to the end of the year at City Council I am pleased to report that our efforts regarding the budget for 2008 concluded successfully with the inclusion of several items I am passionate about and feel deserve your attention.


To ensure proper staffing among all firehouses around the city, the Cincinnati Fire Department will have a new recruit class beginning in October of 2008. In addition to a new recruit class, the Department will maintain a separate dispatch center that will provide an additional degree of safety to our residents. These programs are essential because they provide our fire department with the personnel and resources needed to perform their jobs.


Also, I am very pleased to report that both the Center for Closing the Health Care Gap and the Office of Environmental Quality will continue to receive funding for their work and service to our city. I am a strong advocate for these programs that play such a vital role in serving our communities.


Furthermore, I am excited that our public view corridors proposal will receive funding. This is a unique program that is geared toward preserving the wonderful public views of our beautiful Ohio River, our downtown, the hills of Northern Kentucky, the Mill Creek Valley that our rolling hills provide to both residents and visitors.


I am sure many of you know that the city’s Human Services Programs have always been a priority for me. This year we made several adjustments to the budget to ensure that the poor and disadvantaged are not falling through the safety net. I am proud to have been a leader in this process, making sure Human Services’ programs and issues were not ignored.


Finally I appreciate your continued support of my work on Council and your confidence in returning me to Council again for my last term. I appreciate your suggestions, questions, comment yes and even the criticisms and I look forward to working with you in the New Year.


Happy Holidays,
David C. Crowley Vice Mayor