Citizen Watchdog with Todd Zinser cover art

Citizen Watchdog with Todd Zinser

Citizen Watchdog with Todd Zinser

By: Joe Strecker Productions
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About this listen

 The city of Cincinnati and Hamilton County are run by the same party. There is no overight or dissenting voice....this is where Todd Zinser comes in. Todd bio is below

https://docs.house.gov/meetings/AP/AP19/20150225/102984/HHRG-114-AP19-Bio-ZinserT-20150225.pdf

He will keep an eye out on all the shenanigans in Hamilton County and the City of Cincinnati. Nothing gets by Todd Zinser...the Citizen WatchdogCopyright Joe Strecker Productions Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Proposed Income Tax Increase

    Proposed Income Tax Increase
    Jan 12 2026
    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 COVID relief funds available.
    • There is a concern about overlapping funding for city projects.
    • The earnings tax increase is seen as a political maneuver rather than a necessity.
    • The current city budget is substantial, raising questions about the need for more taxes.
    • Historical context shows a shift in the city's taxation approach.
    • Transparency in city budgeting is crucial for public trust.
    • Future discussions will focus on the city's financial management and tax proposals.
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    21 mins
  • Raising Taxes

    Raising Taxes
    Jan 5 2026
    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 said the increase was $128 million; the correct figure is approximately $184 million. The error understated the increase, and the overall point remains the same.
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    25 mins
  • Dissecting Cincinnati's $8.1 million Settlement

    Dissecting Cincinnati's $8.1 million Settlement
    Dec 11 2025


    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 Cincinnati City Council.
    • Public outrage stemmed from the perception that the city was rewarding rioters.
    • The council's due diligence in the settlement process was questioned.
    • There was a significant disparity between the city's settlement and the county's penalty.
    • The tactics used by police during the protests were scrutinized in the lawsuit.
    • The settlement reflects a broader trend seen in cities across the country.
    • The city opted for a settlement to avoid a potentially larger jury award.
    • Public communication about the settlement was poorly managed.
    • The council's lack of thorough questioning raised concerns about accountability.
    • The situation highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and community relations.
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    19 mins
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