Épisodes

  • 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.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    19 min
  • Inside the City's Lead Pipe Scandal

    Inside the City's Lead Pipe Scandal
    Nov 27 2025
    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 sufficient or merely scratching the surface of a much larger issue.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    18 min
  • Fraud Indicators in the WIC Program

    Fraud Indicators in the WIC Program
    Nov 18 2025
    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.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    21 min
  • Holding Leaders Accountable in Cincinnati

    Holding Leaders Accountable in Cincinnati
    Nov 10 2025
    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, waste, and abuse. This conversation is not just about oversight; it's about empowering you, our listeners, to play a pivotal role in ensuring accountability. Visit my Facebook page or www.cincinnatiwatchdog.com to share any insights or information you might have.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    21 min
  • Breaking down Mayor Aftab's "Accomplishments"

    Breaking down Mayor Aftab's "Accomplishments"
    Oct 31 2025
    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 the transparency of it all.

    Todd sifts through promises of 40,000 new housing units and bold zoning changes. Are these goals feasible, or just political smoke and mirrors? Todd's critical eye also lands on the hefty millions poured into public safety upgrades—will these truly translate into safer neighborhoods? Lastly, Todd tackles crime prevention initiatives like Act for Cincy, pondering their real impact in the absence of concrete results.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    27 min
  • The Collaborative Agreement Refresh

    The Collaborative Agreement Refresh
    Oct 20 2025
    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.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    22 min
  • 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.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    27 min
  • 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."
    Voir plus Voir moins
    14 min