Justin Jeffre: The Enquirer should move this forum to print

In a recent post at CityBeat's Porkopolis blog, Kevin Osborne offered some criticism of this blog project -- which has a stated aim of giving more visibility to non-incumbent candidates, especially those like myself who are not interested in raising a quarter of a million for a part time job that pays $60K.

Here is what Osborne says:

"First, if The Enquirer truly wanted to use its considerable 'reach' to benefit lesser-known candidates, it would publish the material in the newspaper itself, in a printed supplement to the paper or on its much more widely read 'Politics Extra' blog. 'Today at the Forum' is merely one of 26 blogs operated by The Enquirer, and not a particularly popular one at that. In the past, the newspaper has pulled the plug on blogs that didn't receive enough user hits. ('Academentia' and 'Lit Chick,' we hardly knew ye.)"

The key to a vibrant democracy is having deep discussions about the direction of our City. But is another blog from The Enquirer really what it takes to get that job done?

I think the candidates should form a coalition demanding better overall coverage of politics. What about the television stations that use our public airwaves? What are the local news stations doing to promote a culture of democracy here in Cincinnati?

Sometimes, it looks like they are just banking big money off advertisement sales to the candidates with money to burn. But should the future of our City really depend on television commercials with 30 second sound bites? Voter education should the responsibility of any televised news agency that uses public airwaves in our democratic society. FCC licenses should be challenged if they do not wish to promote real discussion about our City. Too much is at stake.

And while The Enquirer does not have the same requirements as televised news to offer equal coverage, I think they should produce a printed voter supplement, as suggested by Kevin Osborne.

What issues are the most important to The Enquirer's editorial board? Let the candidates submit written responses, and publish a voter guide. Do not announce endorsements until after the guide is distributed.