Why I Started Citizen Watchdog
On February 7, 2025, I recorded the first episode of Citizen Watchdog.
I didn’t begin this project because I thought Cincinnati was uniquely dysfunctional. I started it because I believed too many decisions were being made without sustained scrutiny. Major policy shifts were passing quickly. Financial commitments were stacking up.…
The president of Cincinnati’s Fraternal Order of Police is accusing City Manager Sheryl Long of quietly negotiating a potentially multi-million-dollar settlement with the family of Ryan Hinton.
This controversy involves the Hinton Settlement, which has sparked numerous accusations.
Hinton’s father, Rodney Hinton Jr., is now charged with the murder of Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy Larry…
The shocking report and confirmation of Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval’s private vehicle repossession should concern every citizen and taxpayer of Cincinnati. This incident adds to worries about Cincinnati financial mismanagement, raising questions about leadership accountability.
The elected leadership of Cincinnati is trusted to have the expertise to balance a budget with complex and nuanced layers…
Former Vice Mayor Christopher Smitherman has officially announced his candidacy for Cincinnati City Council as an independent. Known for his long track record in public safety, fiscal responsibility, and government accountability, Smitherman is now turning his focus toward returning to City Hall.
Supporters can meet him in person and sign his petitions at Jim…


