Values

  • Independence. The Charter Committee (Charter) is an organization of politically independent and diverse citizens that believes independent thinking and local non-partisan action should be used to assist and encourage effective city government.  Good, effective government enables Cincinnati to be a great place to live, work, play, and do business.
  • Good Government. Charter believes that good and effective government is the result of high standards in professional management.  Charter will advocate to uphold these standards and to promote excellence in public employees.  High standards of professionalism in elected officials are also essential.
  • Informed Electorate. As an organization, Charter welcomes diversity of thought and ideas.  To help ensure effective and responsive local government, Charter works to increase citizen participation and to build an informed electorate. Citizen participation is increased and citizens are best represented by an at large system of electing city council that is fair and equitable.
  • Pride in Cincinnati. The Charter Committee understands that Cincinnati’s magnificent assets, its unique history and its diverse communities and culture are tremendous strengths.  We must celebrate these strengths, for it is these strengths that can lead the way for our neighborhoods and urban center to flourish and attract new residents.  Long term planning for Cincinnati and a 21st century vision for the region are essential to our area’s prosperity.
  • Support for Candidates. Charter will nominate and work to elect candidates to elective office who uphold these values. 

Vision

A Great Place to Live: the Neighborhood
  • Neighbors feel safe and expect a public safety staff that provides fair, effective enforcement of laws and regulations.
  • Neighbors work with each other and the police to make the neighborhood safe.
  • Both new and older, well-maintained housing.
  • Walkable destinations for business and pleasure
  • Green places in the neighborhood for play, exercise and enjoyment; including public & private properties with cost effective and practical green   solutions.
  • Well-maintained streets and right-of-ways.
  • Easy-to-use city services.
  • Neighbors with a willingness to participate in having fun and solving problems together.

A Great Place to Live: the City
  • A school system that produces a quality workforce, enables graduates to advance to higher education or to get a good job and produces civic minded citizens.
  • A City with great parks and natural areas.
  • A City that fosters a business friendly culture. Makes a priority to grow small businesses and innovative companies. Responds to the public service needs of business.
  • Large & small places (public and private) to experience the arts.
  • A vital arts & music scene and support for local artists of all types. 
  • A streetcar connecting downtown and uptown through a vibrant Over the Rhine.
  • Management that demands accountability
  • A City that uses best practices to manage roads, water, sewer, and other public services.

A Great Region
  • Elected officials working together in regional bodies to achieve long term strategies.
  • Governments sharing services and resources in the region.
  • A transportation plan for the region that includes a plan for financing it; including more bike paths and a County-wide bus and light-rail system.
  • Water and Sewer services for the region
  • Adequate jail and treatment services.
  • Access to quality health services.

Responsible & Responsive Management
  • A City that responds to the public needs while balancing its budget responsibly.
  • A Civil Service system that is based on merit and promotes excellence in public sector employees.
  • A school system that responds to the community’s needs while balancing its budget responsibly.