CincyPAC

While many specific CincyPAC issues depend upon the topics most important to our members, several main items remain among our core values:

ISSUE AGENDA

2009/2010

• Access to Economic Prosperity: Supporting economic and workforce development programs.

  When the city of Cincinnati comes to mind, it should be synonymous with access to economic uplift and opportunity.  Being recently named one of the top places to find a job in the United States, Cincinnati should be a breeding ground for entrepreneurs, small business and a place to find quality job training opportunities.  Particularly, the city should pursue the implementation of tax incentives to promote the growth of small business within the city. 

• Adequate Public Transportation: Promoting a multi-modal transportation plan that includes: street car, light rail, improved Metro bus service and bike trail access and expansion. 

  Cincinnati is in the midst of redefining its transportation needs and assessing how we can bring better transportation options to its citizenry.  A multi-faceted approach is needed.  Metro Bus routes, fees and schedules should be considered to promote efficiency and ease in travel.  The extension and up keep of bike trails should be continued, as many of our citizens are looking for a truly green alternative in transportation and recreation.  A street car should also be supported that would connect downtown and uptown in the first phase.  Finally, the city should work together with the region towards the long term goal of acquiring a light rail system.

• Health and Environmental Sustainability: Supporting green initiatives, weatherization and advancing energy development programs encouraging wellness and health. 

  Cincinnati should be even more aggressively pursuing a position as a leader in the area of environmental sustainability.  To ensure that everyone is doing their part to save our environment, the city needs to offer incentives to homeowners and business owners to become more Green.  In these hard economic times, health care has become increasingly costly for businesses, employees and individuals.  We need to encourage the city to work with organizations, (such as the Health Improvement Collaborative of Greater Cincinnati), to decrease costs for all involved.    

• Adequate Funding and Programming for Entertainment Venues, the Arts and Historic Landmarks:  Investing in assets, strengths and projects to improve and enhance quality of life for residents, employees and visitors.

  Cincinnati has a variety of unique venues and entertainment districts; thus there should be no shortage of opportunities to see various types of entertainment in a variety of venues with available public transportation to and fro.  It is paramount that the city keeps these venues fresh and thriving and rejuvenates districts that have seen decline in recent years.  Along with maintaining and updating our historic landmarks, we need to compliment these venues by beautifying our gateways and major roadways with green space.  It is vital that the banks include a variety of restaurants, unique commercial space and entertainment facilities.  Additionally, Cincinnati has great arts and no shortage of major art institutions.  There needs to be a sustainable model to support the smaller arts groups in the city, as well as continued support for the Fine Arts Fund, to ensure diverse and top notch programming that will expand the arts institution patron base. 

• Diversity & Inclusiveness:  Broadening diversity and inclusiveness programs to welcome people of varying social and economic class, race, gender, age, sexual orientation and culture. 

  The city of Cincinnati has made major strides over the course of the last decade in addressing the issues of diversity and inclusiveness, but there is still room for improvement in these areas.  We encourage the city to partner with our local organizations, chambers and communities to look at this issue and promote awareness and strengthen diversity programs throughout the city.

• Access to Quality Education: Supporting vibrant, adequately-funded, well-managed schools.
  Cincinnati must ensure that the youngest members of our community are equipped with the knowledge and life skills to succeed as thoughtful citizens and productive members of our city’s workforce.  That work starts in our schools, where we support adequate funding, teacher and principal accountability, and strong community involvement.  Strong schools bolster strong communities, stabilizing home ownership, promoting neighborhood safety, and anchoring property values. We believe education must be among Cincinnati’s top priorities. 

To learn more about our issues or to get involved, please contact Candace Klein.