The Cincinnati Dealer - Bortz Probably Shouldn't Vote On Anything

Bortz Probably Shouldn't Vote On Anything

By Gerard Oh | Dealer staff writer

Wed, Dec 28, 2005

CINCINNATI - In only his second Council meeting, newcomer Chris Bortz abstained from two city development issues on the agenda, citing a conflict of interest.

Bortz, counselor for family-owned Towne Properties - founded by his father Neil and run by his uncle Arn - cannot by law vote on any issue in which he is financially or personally interested in.

With so many development, property, and housing related issues facing the city at the moment, some City Hall watchers think Bortz should just not vote on anything.

"Maybe he can vote on reducing Council salaries or something, but I think that's about it," said Bill Keegan of downtown.

Quick Poll

A weighted voting system, Proportional Representation (PR), may be on the ballot. How do YOU feel?

	This poll is invalid since I can't rank my choices.
	Leslie Ghiz is my #1, but I can't decide who to rank #2, Pat Fischer or John Eby.
	I can understand why the NAACP supports PR, since Charlie Winburn would likely replace Laketa Cole on council in 2009.
	I prefer the current model of electing the same 9 people every two years.
	I'm torn about PR. I would love to rank Sam Malone in dead last on a PR ballot, but I don't know if I could stomach voting for him.
	Does this mean Justin Jeffre and Michael Earl Patton will stop running for Council after they discover they still can't win under PR? Then I'm all for it.
	This system will only encourage more crazy people to run for City Council... and so I support it.
	Call me old-fashioned, but I would prefer it if the candidates with the most votes win.

What Grinds Your Gears?
Send your column and an optional photo to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . We love photos.