Episodes

  • Reviewing of Iris Roley's contracts

    Reviewing of Iris Roley's contracts
    Oct 6 2025
    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 government. Uncovering unauthorized commitments, missing documentation, and the peculiar attachment of the Government Square Initiative to Roley's contract, we expose systemic issues that could undermine taxpayer value. The unfair competitive advantage rule kept Roley from bidding on a program she helped craft, highlighting a critical conflict of interest. Join Todd for an engaging exploration of these pressing issues and the urgent need for transparency and integrity in public contracting.
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    27 mins
  • Mayor's Conflict of Interest With Nonprofit

    Mayor's Conflict of Interest With Nonprofit
    Sep 29 2025
    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."
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    14 mins
  • Rethinking Safety in Our Cities

    Rethinking Safety in Our Cities
    Sep 15 2025
    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.
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    21 mins
  • Mismanaged Resources in Cincinnati's Lead Pipe Program

    Mismanaged Resources in Cincinnati's Lead Pipe Program
    Sep 8 2025
    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 financial auditing and the Civilian Complaint Authority, and why it matters.

    Explore the broader financial implications of the missing lead pipes over a five-year period and how it highlights a glaring need for accountability and transparency. The episode pushes against the prevailing narrative that treats corruption as inevitable, arguing instead for a robust audit program to safeguard against financial leakage. Governance, risk assessment, and transparency aren't just buzzwords—they're the keystones of effective city management. Additionally, discover how to access the detailed audit report and additional resources on CincinnatiWatchdog.com, complete with graphs, photos, and a unique visual from ChatGPT. Prepare to rethink what you've been told about city oversight.
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    25 mins
  • Rethinking City Decisions and Upcoming Elections

    Rethinking City Decisions and Upcoming Elections
    Sep 4 2025
    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 regionalizing the water works and leasing golf courses, all stemming from the Futures Commission’s agenda. We urge you to arm yourself with knowledge—review the commission’s report and Meeka Owens' insights on CincinnatiWatchdog.com. Staying informed is crucial as we navigate these pivotal issues and prepare to make informed choices at the polls.
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    19 mins
  • Todd Zinser LIVE with George Brunemann from RestoreLiberty.US

    Todd Zinser LIVE with George Brunemann from RestoreLiberty.US
    Aug 28 2025
    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 eliminate a police district. Buckle up for an inside look at how accurate crime data and effective governance are essential to tackling Cincinnati's ongoing safety issues.

    The conversation doesn't stop there as we scrutinize the city's fiscal health with Todd's expert guidance. The challenges of Cincinnati's financial management are laid bare, from underfunded employee pensions to staggering deficits in infrastructure and fleet management. Todd weighs in on the city's significant capital spending and the mayor's administration's approach to a no-confidence vote from the FOP. As we examine the broader implications of these financial hurdles, Todd's insights shed light on the critical need for strategic planning and transparent governance to secure a stable future for Cincinnati. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the gritty details of city management and the path to a safer, more financially sound Cincinnati.

    https://restoreliberty.us/podcasts
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    29 mins
  • Eliminating District 5 Who's Watching Out for Safety?

    Eliminating District 5 Who's Watching Out for Safety?
    Aug 22 2025
    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 with silence or inadequate responses, leaving us to question their commitment to public safety. What happens when a city's financial priorities shift away from essential public services? Cincinnati's decision to reduce police districts from five to four, while funneling resources into projects like a skate park and art organization headquarters, is being scrutinized for its logic and long-term efficacy. We unpack these financial moves and their potential disconnect with community needs. By examining the broader implications of reallocating funds from public safety, this episode asks if Cincinnati's vision aligns with its residents' future, or if it's a gamble that compromises their safety and well-being.
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    24 mins
  • Tensions Between City Law Enforcement, the Collaborative Agreement, and Iris Roley.

    Tensions Between City Law Enforcement, the Collaborative Agreement, and Iris Roley.
    Aug 12 2025
    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 Police. As we explore the broader challenges impacting city management, including a controversial incident caught on body-worn camera, the call for an independent assessment of the current situation becomes clear.

    Explore https://cincinnatiwatchdog.com/ for vital documents, op-eds, podcasts, and more.
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    22 mins