Issue 9 debate engages local businesses one month before the November vote

As the controversial Issue 9, Anti-Passenger Rail Amendment, heads into its final month before the November 3rd election, groups opposed to the measure are using local energy and businesses to get their message out. 

The proposed amendment, which would require a public vote on all passenger rail and transit expenditures, has prompted advocacy groups opposed to the measure to release a new website, virtual tour, political cartoons, videos, shirts, banners, and stickers, all designed and produced by local companies.

Business owners, community leaders and activists have built an organized grassroots movement over the past two years opposing the efforts of the Coalition Opposed to Additional Spending & Taxes (COAST) who is promoting the amendment, and previously fought against the 2002 Regional Transit Plan that included regional light rail, buses, and streetcars.

CincyStreetcar.com founder, Brad Thomas, says that, "the Cincinnati Streetcar has been, from the beginning and remains, a citizen-driven grassroots project with a wide breath of support from all across the city."

Thomas says that opponents to Issue 9 are currently working with local cartoonist Nick Sweeney on the popular political cartoons that have been released lately, and partnered with local photographer Ronny Salerno on a virtual tour of the initial phase running through Downtown and Over-the-Rhine.

The local collaborations have continued with Fanattik providing new shirts available at local businesses like Market Wines, Park+Vine, Coffee Emporium, and Mustard Seed Boutique.  Cincinnati-based Decal Impressions has produced several banners and transit proponents have even begun working with Get Sick Productions to produce videos.

"Those pushing for the Cincinnati Streetcar are a diverse collection of residents and small business owners that are working together to improve the city of Cincinnati," says Thomas, who expects the debate and civic involvement to ramp up even more as the election nears.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler
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