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.