Cranley holds back charter amendments from vote

Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley hit the pause button this week on a series of possible amendments to the City Charter, saying first the upcoming Parks Levy needs to be put on the ballot.

But he’s made no secret he does not support the amendments, which would change the power structure of city government. Among the changes discussed is giving council the power to fire the city manager.

Council’s Rules Committee was to discuss the changes Tuesday and take a vote. Instead, Cranley exercised mayoral power that allows him not to move legislation to committee.

“Whatever amendments are ultimately recommended by the Charter Review Task Force will get a vote by City Council,” Cranley said. “Although I think some of the amendments are ill-advised and would take this city backward, I will not stand in the way of the process.”

Signature collection is underway for the Parks Levy, a 1 mill, permanent, citywide property tax levy that would be used to upgrade and maintain city parks. Submission timing is important because the lower the issue number, the more likely voters are to consider it.

The deadline to put as issue on the ballot is Aug. 20, meaning now council would have to have a special session to move possible charter amendments. Council meets this week, but is on summer break until September.

In the meantime, after a Friday meeting with Cranley that was not open to the public, the Charter Review Committee is re-considering the amendments it asked for.

It originally made four recommendations:

•As the charter reads right now, only the mayor may initiate the removal of the city manager. City managers have often said they have 10 bosses, meaning the mayor and the nine City Council members. However, if only one person can initiate the removal, the perception is that the city manager works for that one person. The amendment would allow a super majority of council – seven members –to remove the city manager unless the mayor concurs with such removal.

•Clarifying that the charter does not contain a perceived pocket veto by the mayor. The amendment would make sure that all proposed legislative matters are referred in a timely manner to the appropriate council committee.

•Council would be allowed to discuss “very limited” matters in executive session.

•Clean up. This includes language concerning bond repayment, start dates for council and the mayor, moving the mayoral primary to May, and, as required under state and federal law, allowing employees of the city to engage in political activity not related to city politics.