For over a century, the Charter Committee of Greater Cincinnati has championed a simple idea: good government should work for everyone—not just the well-connected. Founded in 1924 as part of a national reform movement, the Charter Committee has helped Cincinnati lead the nation in clean, transparent, and accountable local governance.
We’ve never been a traditional political party. Instead, we’re Cincinnati’s Independent Political Organization, focused solely on making our city work better—from the neighborhood level up. Our candidates don’t take marching orders from state parties or partisan machines. They answer to the people of Cincinnati—and always have.
From the 1880’s to the early 1920’s in Cincinnati, corrupt politicians used nepotism, kickbacks, unqualifed judges, bribery, and other tactics to line their own pockets. Police corruption, government inefficiency, potholes and a proposed new tax motivated a small group of citizens to bring about major reform. Leadership of the reform effort included Murray Seasongood, Henry Bentley, Victor Heintz, Agnes Hilton, Murray Seasongood and Marietta Tawney.
"I am the Boss of Cincinnati. I never dodged that statement in my life. I've got the best system of government in this country. If I didn't think my system was the best I would consider that I was a failure in life."
Cincinnati Post |
June 23, 1905
Sixty-nine percent (69%) of Cincinnati voters passed the 1924 City Charter amendments which introduced the City Council/City Manager form of government. These Charter amendments created dramatic results including a balanced nine member Council with Republicans, Democrats, Charterites and Independents, and a city that was run for the benefit of the people.
"We have the fourth-largest per capita expenditure of any city in the country.
What do we get for it? Nothing,
absolutely nothing...I for one believe that the time has come to cut out every extra tax levy, bond issue or anything else that will give the bunch a chance to squander money. Make them produce the goods on what they have or get out."
Cincinnatus Association |
October 9, 1923
We believe in local accountability, public trust, and a city that works for all.
The Charter Committee is powered by everyday Cincinnatians who care deeply about their neighborhoods. We aren’t tied to national parties or political machines.
Instead, we’re grounded in these core values:
Whether it’s protecting public assets, repealing broken zoning laws, or fixing roads that City Hall forgot, the Charter Committee stands with communities—not special interests.
The Charter Committee was founded to fight corruption—and we still take ethics seriously. We are committed to:
When Cincinnatians vote Charter, they’re voting for leaders they can trust. We’re not here to play politics—we’re here to serve.
Attorney, former City Councilmember, longtime civic reformer.