By Kris Royer Henninger

Hamilton County Commissioner Bob Bedinghaus

Not all of the Republican supporters who got invitations to a fund-raiser from Hamilton County Commissioner Bob Bedinghaus were amused by the mailing, which was labeled "Passport to the West Side."

The invitation poked fun at the stereotypical differences between east- and west-siders in the county by, for example, listing tips on how to speak and dress like a west-sider.

The invitation's suggested attire for the fund-raiser at Western Hills Country Club: "Business attire. Bowling shirts optional."

A west-sider himself, Bedinghaus was reported to have said that the mailing was "solely tongue-in-cheek" and that "sometimes politicians take themselves too seriously."

But some offended west-siders who sounded off in news reports apparently didn't take it as a joke.

Based on the reaction, does Bedinghaus think he should start taking himself more seriously?

"Absolutely not," he said.

The reaction to the mailing, except for a few people, was overwhelmingly positive, he said.

"I do believe that a little bit of humor in politics is a good thing," Bedinghaus said.

E-mail the editor

print this page

Getting What They Pay For? (February 11, 1999)
More Choices, More Giving? (February 11, 1999)
Riverfront Panel Selection Doesn't Reflect 'Come on Board' Invite, Stadium Activist Says (February 4, 1999)
more...

personals | cover | news | columns | music | movies | arts | dining | mediakit | promotions | home

Drawing the Line
Drop Inn shelter supporters refuse to budge, citing 'prejudice' that would force them out and prevent relocation

Off the Record
Re: My Brother Carries a Gun

Letters