Citizen Watchdog with Todd Zinser

In this episode, Todd discusses the challenges and issues surrounding the city's financial oversight, particularly focusing on the annual financial statement audit and the control environment. He highlights the lack of timely financial information, the importance of strong internal controls, and the need for transparency in funding and procurement processes. He identifies several key areas of concern, including external funding oversight, council-directed funding, audit independence, and conflicts of interest, ultimately calling for improved accountability and governance within the city's financial operations.

In this episode, Todd Zinser discusses the pressing issue of bias-free policing in Cincinnati, focusing on a report by Campaign Zero that analyzed police contact cards over 17 years. The conversation delves into the city's collaborative agreement, the role of the University of Cincinnati in developing an analytical model, and the challenges of measuring police bias. Zinser emphasizes the need for effective data analysis and transparency in policing practices, while also comparing Cincinnati's approach to that of other cities like New Orleans.

In this episode, Todd Zinser discusses the oversight and compliance issues surrounding the city's contracts with Iris Roley LLC and the Cincinnati Collaborative Foundation. He raises critical questions regarding the absence of important contracting documents, the determination of compensation levels, and the management of subcontractors. The Citizen Watchdog emphasizes the lack of transparency and oversight in the city's contracting processes and expresses concerns about the public's perception of these issues. He also highlights the ongoing budget discussions and the need for accountability in city expenditures.

Todd Zinser discusses the various grant programs administered by the City of Cincinnati, highlighting the complexities and challenges associated with funding distribution. He outlines the four primary mechanisms through which the city allocates funds, emphasizing the risks involved in grants and contracts. The conversation delves into the lack of transparency in the funding process, the identification of long-term grantees, and the need for reforms to enhance accountability and public oversight.

Todd Zinser discusses the various grant programs administered by the City of Cincinnati, highlighting the complexities and challenges associated with funding distribution. He outlines the four primary mechanisms through which the city allocates funds, emphasizing the risks involved in grants and contracts. The conversation delves into the lack of transparency in the funding process, the identification of long-term grantees, and the need for reforms to enhance accountability and public oversight.

Todd Zinser explores the complexities of local government investments, focusing on how public funds are managed, invested, and overseen. Guest Ralph Hodge shares insights on investment strategies, transparency, and fiduciary responsibilities in the public sector.

In this episode, Todd Zinser discusses the Rising 15 neighborhoods in Cincinnati and the proposed reparations program aimed at addressing historical injustices related to housing discrimination. He explores the historical context of Cincinnati's housing policies, the various motions related to the Rising 15, and the implications of the reparations motion introduced by city officials. The conversation delves into the funding sources for the reparations program, the challenges it may face, and the importance of understanding the historical context behind these initiatives.

Todd Zinser discusses the ongoing challenges facing the Cincinnati retirement system, particularly in light of a recent mediation regarding a class action lawsuit. The conversation delves into the funding status of the pension system, the implications of the Cincinnati Futures Commission's recommendations, and the potential regionalization of the city's waterworks as a means to address the pension deficit. The episode highlights the city's moral obligations to its retirees and the need for strategic financial planning to ensure the sustainability of the pension system.

In this episode, Todd Zinser discusses the ongoing issues surrounding the Cincinnati railway trust fund and the city's struggle to effectively utilize the funds for infrastructure projects. He highlights the low percentage of funds spent, the challenges faced by the city in managing these resources, and the need for better accountability and transparency. Todd offers recommendations for improving the situation, including increasing the city's capacity to manage infrastructure projects and establishing a more effective drawdown system for fund distribution.

In this episode of Citizen Watchdog, Todd Zinser reflects on the past year of podcasting, discussing key themes such as public safety, railroad issues, internal audits, and ongoing investigations like the lead pipe scandal. He emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in city governance, highlighting conflicts of interest and the impact of COVID funds on local government. Looking ahead, Todd shares his plans for future initiatives and the importance of oversight in Cincinnati.

In this episode of Citizen Watchdog, Todd Zinser delves into the complexities surrounding the COVID funding received by the city, exploring how the funds were categorized, the challenges in tracking their distribution, and the implications for future tax increases. He highlights the lack of transparency in spending and the need for accountability in how the funds were utilized, particularly concerning nonprofit support and budget stabilization efforts.

In this episode, Todd Zinser discusses the mechanics of passing legislation in city council, focusing on the increasing normalization of emergency ordinances. Todd highlights the implications of this trend on democracy, citizen engagement, and the legislative process. Through research and analysis, the Citizen Watchdog reveals the alarming frequency of emergency ordinances and the challenges they pose to public oversight and accountability. Todd calls for reform to ensure that citizens have a voice in the legislative process and emphasizes the need for transparency in local governance.

In this episode of Citizen Watchdog, host Todd Zinser delves into the pressing issue of truancy in Cincinnati Public Schools. He highlights the significant impact that absenteeism has on students' learning environments and the overall school district. Zinser discusses the evolution of truancy management, noting the shift from traditional truant officers to absence intervention teams, which aim to address chronic absenteeism through a more supportive approach rather than punitive measures. He emphasizes the confusion surrounding the definitions of chronic absenteeism and habitual truancy, and the challenges in gathering reliable data to assess the effectiveness of these intervention teams.
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In this episode, Todd Zinser discusses the recent proposal to increase the earnings tax in Cincinnati, examining the city's financial situation, including the impact of COVID relief funds and previous tax increases. Todd argues that the city has sufficient funds and questions the justification for the proposed tax hike, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in city budgeting.

Takeaways
The city has received significant revenue increases recently.COVID relief funds were intended for more than just operational costs.The earnings tax increase proposal lacks a solid justification.The city has not fully utilized the...

In this episode of Citizen Watchdog, Todd Zinzer discusses the complexities of taxation in Cincinnati, focusing on the recent tax increases, historical context, and the implications of government spending. He critiques the current city council's approach to managing taxes and budgets, emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility and transparency in public finance. The conversation also touches on the impact of property tax reassessments and the potential for earnings tax increases, urging listeners to remain vigilant about government financial decisions.

****** CORRECTION NOTICE **********

At approximately 13:20, Todd misstated the gross increase in county property tax collections. He...

In this episode, Citizen Watchdog Todd Zinser discusses the recent $8.1 million settlement approved by the Cincinnati City Council regarding a class action lawsuit stemming from the protests following George Floyd's death. He examines the public's reaction, the council's handling of the situation, and the broader implications for law and order in the community.

Chapters

00:00 Cincinnati's $8.1 Million Settlement Overview
11:49 Public Reaction and City Council's Response
17:06 Implications for Law and Order


Takeaways

The $8.1 million settlement was approved by the...

Join us on Citizen Watchdog with Todd Zinser as we unravel the complexities of the city's lead service line replacement program, which has been running for several years. This episode uncovers startling revelations from a recent audit that found significant mishandling of the scrap lead pipes, intended for recycling, that mysteriously went missing over a five-year period. We explore the implications of this oversight, the environmental hazards it might pose, and the city's accountability in ensuring proper disposal of these potentially toxic materials. We'll also discuss the procedures the city employed to protect workers, but question whether these measures are...

Could Cincinnati transform its city services by handing over the reins of the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program to Hamilton County? Tune in as Todd Zinser dissects the historical and financial intricacies of Cincinnati's administration of this vital nutrition initiative. With a substantial $3.5 million budget in play, Todd grapples with the perplexing lack of transparency in fund allocation between city and county residents. The deep dive zeroes in on the alarming gaps in the internal audit, revealing a failure to meet Generally Accepted Government Accounting Standards (GAGAS) and exposing weak internal controls over EBT cards, crucial for program integrity.

What if your neighborhood was quietly being reshaped by unregulated group homes, or if the seniors in your community were living in appalling conditions? In our latest episode, we pull back the curtain on a host of pressing issues facing our city, starting with the growing concern over group homes in East and West Price Hill.

We also examine the shift in how schools manage truancy, moving from truant officers to innovative absence intervention teams.

Our journey doesn't stop there. We tackle the complex world of government contracts and grants, focusing on identifying and preventing fraud...

Is Mayor Aftab Purval over-hyping his achievements ? Join Todd Zinser as he unravels the truth behind his claimed milestones in Cincinnati. From the largest infrastructure grant in U.S. history to groundbreaking financial programs, Todd scrutinizes the reality of these declarations. Was the credit for the Brent Spence Bridge grant truly earned, or are we seeing a puffed-up narrative? And those so-called "baby bonds"—are they really what they seem, or just 529 savings accounts with a misleading label? Todd lays it all out, from grant funding discrepancies to the complexities of city finances managed by nonprofits, inviting you to question th...

This episode tries to put the Collaborative Agreement in perspective. There is no longer a formal agreement and perhaps the solution is for all the parties to negate an actual agreement rather than keep touting the Collaborative Agreement as if it is still a formal agreement.

City contracts should prioritize the public good, but Cincinnati's recent agreements with Iris Roley raise serious questions. Why would a city bypass competition and transparency in awarding contracts? Todd scrutinizes the city's decision-making process, the financial stakes at play, and the city manager's ongoing review. Caught on body-worn cameras, Roley's role in police collaboration has drawn criticism, especially from the Fraternal Order of Police. Yet, the city dismissed these complaints, leaving us to wonder about the implications for public trust and accountability.

In our latest Citizen Watchdog episode, we peel back the layers on procurement irregularities within Cincinnati’s...

Mayor Aftab's conflict of interest created by his membership on the board of directors of Cintifuse, which is a non-profit receiving a lot of money from the city as a "Leveraged Support Partner."

City Hall's reluctance to invest in public safety is jeopardizing our city's future. With a staggering $5.42 million supplemental appropriation now on the table due to a tragic crime incident, we critically examine the city council's approach to safety investments and their over-reliance on crime statistics. Our discussion doesn't stop there; we also shed light on our pursuit of transparency, revealing significant gaps in documentation related to Iris Rowley’s consulting contracts with the city. This episode provides a thorough examination of urban public safety policies, questioning the prevalent narrative that simply addressing societal roots can curb crime.

Corruption and financial mismanagement aren't just the costs of doing business—they're symptoms of a deeper problem. This episode uncovers the shocking findings of an internal audit on Cincinnati's lead service line replacement program, revealing how misappropriated scrap lead pipes have lined the pockets of a city employee while the city failed to capitalize on their recycling value. As we peel back layers of neglect, a disturbing picture of oversight—or lack thereof—emerges, raising pressing questions about how city resources are allocated. Are we too complacent in addressing these systemic issues? Join us as we dissect the imbalance in financ...

This episode sheds light on the urgent need for a formal risk assessment within the city, highlighting my frustration with the city manager's lack of transparency and dismissive stance on essential reports. We dissect the Cincinnati Futures Commission's hurried conclusions, questioning the undue influence of business interests and the glaring lack of neighborhood voices, as revealed in a critical memo from Meeka Owens.

As Cincinnati gears up for election season, we can't afford to overlook the city's unfinished business. This episode sounds the alarm on the broader implications of the proposed 2026-2027 budget, touching on critical initiatives like...

Join George Brunemann from RestoreLiberty.US  for an engaging conversation with Cincinnati expert and former Inspector General Todd Zinser, who pulls back the curtain on the city's most pressing challenges. Todd, known for his podcast "Citizen Watchdog with Todd Zinser," brings his insider knowledge to explore the complexities of crime data accuracy and governance that are impacting Cincinnati's public safety landscape. In the wake of a viral video from the jazz festival, Todd shares his firsthand experience in addressing the city's governance and oversight needs, including his communications with the city council about crime reporting and the controversial decision to e...

Cincinnati's controversial decision to eliminate Police District 5 is stirring up more than just civic debate; it's reshaping the city's entire crime landscape. With a surge in violent incidents, including a high-profile downtown episode and the heartrending murder of Patrick Heringer, the repercussions of this restructuring are both immediate and profound. Our exploration uncovers the disconcerting lack of communication from city officials as they grapple with escalating violence, while hastily prepared reports on response times raise serious questions about the integrity of their evaluations.

Our attempts to engage city leaders about the impact of these changes have been met...

What are the secrets behind Cincinnati's groundbreaking approach to reducing violence and promoting public safety. Todd will guide you through the fascinating journey of the Cincinnati Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV) and its deep ties to the city's Collaborative Agreement, revealing how a focused deterrence strategy spearheaded by Dr. Garcia and David Kennedy took shape. Along the way, learn about the roles played by city officials like Cecil Thomas and Mayor Mallory, and Iris Roley.

Let's focus our attention on Iris Roley's consulting work, the transparency issues it faces, and the tensions brewing with the Fraternal Order of...

This episode promises to shed light on the critical oversights in the handling of Mordecai Black, spotlighting alarming gaps in parole supervision and inter-agency communication. Join Todd as he dissects the complexities surrounding the case, driven by Sarah Heringer’s fervent calls for a transparent timeline and accountability from the authorities. We will scrutinize the role of halfway houses, GPS monitoring, and the puzzling actions of the Cincinnati Police Department as we explore how these elements contributed to this tragic outcome.

Together, we'll confront the urgent need for reforms in government investigations and explore the systemic failures highlighted by...

Patrick Heringer's murder shouldn't just be another statistic lost in Cincinnati's rising crime rates. We're demanding answers, accountability, and a commitment to change. Join Todd as he scrutinizes the city council's lackluster response and highlight Sarah Heringer's powerful calls for action. From her demand for a detailed timeline of failures to her push for a public safety audit, Sarah's voice echoes the frustrations of a community seeking justice. We dissect how systemic breakdowns allowed Mordecai Black, the accused, to slip through the cracks, underscoring the urgent need for clarity from city and state agencies.

Amid the broader discussions...

This episode promises to guide you through the city's plan to boost financial stability, launched under the Cities for Financial Empowerment's City Start program. Unveiled in June 2023, this $2.125 million initiative tackles six pivotal areas, from managing delinquent debt to fostering job mobility, homeownership, and equity. We'll explore the city's commitment, reflected in a projected $11 million spend, and the urgent call for transparency in tracking these transformative interventions.

Join Todd as he scrutinizes Cincinnati's financial management strategies, addressing both city programs and the complexities they bring. From the intricacies of launching a guaranteed basic income pilot to the pressures...

Reflecting on my early days in Cincinnati politics, I recall the challenges faced by non-Democratic candidates trying to make their mark in a predominantly one-party city. This episode brings those memories into sharp focus as we introduce the Charter Committee's latest slate of candidates for the 2025 City Council elections. With Laketa Cole, Steve Goodin, Don Driehaus, Dawn Johnson, and Aaron Weiner on board, there's palpable excitement about their potential to reshape the city's governance. We explore the Charter Committee's esteemed history, while examining the hurdles these non-Democratic contenders might face.

The episode takes a thoughtful look at the...

Gun violence is one of Cincinnati's gravest issues, but is the ACT for Cincy initiative truly making a difference, or is it another instance of big promises with little follow-through? Join Todd as he scrutinizes the allocation of $3 million towards community grants, dissecting components like Boots on the Ground, Safe and Clean, and the Human Services Violence Reduction Fund. Despite the fanfare, the mayor's silence on this topic during his recent Cincinnati Edition appearance speaks volumes about the initiative's impact, or perhaps the lack thereof.

Turning our attention to the city's financial health, we question the transparency and...