CINCINNATI -- The race for Mayor of the City of Cincinnati on Nov. 3 boils down to a choice of personalities and experience.
Whoever is elected will have to steer the city through a projected $51.5 million budget shortfall for 2010. Police and fire layoffs were avoided during the 2009 budget debate, but the recession and the speed of an economy recovery could produce a different outcome in the future.
Incumbent Mark Mallory, a Democrat, cites improvements to the city during the past four years as the main reason voters should give him a second term.
Republican Dr. Brad Wenstrup, a podiatrist and a Major in the U.S. Army Reserves, who served a tour of duty in Iraq, says he has plenty of business and military experience to handle the job.
Tom Chandler is also a write-in candidate.
Mallory, a West End resident, and Dr. Wenstrup, who lives in Mt. Lookout, disagree whether a streetcar system is needed in the city. Mallory is in favor of the project, but Dr. Wenstrup is opposed.
Voters are considering a plan to spin off the Cincinnati Water Works into an independent water district. Mallory says that’s a good idea. Dr. Wenstrup believes the Ohio Legislature should change laws which prevent the water works from expanding.
The question of whether police should be spared from layoffs in the future divides both candidates. Mallory says no, given the size of the projected shortfall. Dr. Wenstrup says yes.
A key issue that could swing voter attitudes is whether the city is in better shape now than it was four years ago when Mallory was elected to replace Charlie Luken.
Mallory says Cincinnati has improved a great deal during his watch. He points to lower crime rates, rising population estimates, and new job creation.
Dr. Wenstrup acknowledges some forward movement, but adds the city has lost jobs since 2005, people don’t feel safe, and things at City Hall are chaotic.
When Mallory was sworn in as the city’s 68th Mayor, it was the first time in over 70 years that voters chose a Mayor who wasn’t a member of Cincinnati City Council. He was also the first directly elected African-American Mayor in city history.
Mallory is a lifelong Cincinnatian who comes from a well-known political family. His father, William Mallory, Sr., is a former Ohio House Majority Leader. In fact, Mallory replaced his father in the legislature, serving two terms in the Ohio House before being elected to the Ohio Senate.
Also a Cincinnati native, Dr. Wenstrup attended St. Xavier High School and the University of Cincinnati. After earning his degree in podiatric medicine, he ran a sole practice from 1986 until 2001. By that time he was a full partner with Wellington Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.
While serving in the U.S. Army Reserve in Iraq, Dr. Wenstrup was assigned to the 344th Combat Support Hospital. He earned The Bronze Start Medal, Combat Action Badge and other honors during his service overseas.
