Angered over homicides, Cincinnati mayor won’t use pistol to kick off race

Boston Herald ^ | 08/16/2007

[Responsibility2nd]

CINCINNATI - Mayor Mark Mallory is refusing to fire a starter pistol to kickoff an upcoming road race, saying he doesn’t like the gun’s symbolism in a city that set a record for homicides last year.

Mallory said he’ll blow a whistle at Saturday’s Rhythm Race 5K instead. A pistol filled with blanks is traditionally used to start races and track meets.

"I think the symbolism is just bad," he said. "It’s just something I don’t do."

Mallory made the comment Tuesday while condemning last weekend’s fatal shooting of a man near a youth football tournament held to promote nonviolence in Cincinnati neighborhoods.

Earnest Crear, 19, was in a group of young adults when he was shot just outside the field where hundreds of community members were watching children ages 6-12 play games in the "Peace Bowl." Three suspects fled the scene, police said.

Organizers of the Rhythm Race 5K, which raises money for neighborhood redevelopment projects, said they’re fine with Mallory’s decision.

"We’re just happy to have the mayor," said Elizabeth Sherwood, president of the College Hill Forum, a neighborhood group. "I don’t care if he wants to bang pots and pans together."

Cincinnati had 89 homicides last year, seven more than anytime since city police began keeping consistent records in 1950.

[Responsibility2nd]

I hereby nominate this goober as the marroon of the day.

[JZelle]

I agree w/ the Mayor. I’d use a 12 gauge.

[N. Theknow]

When they called roll in school he probably answered, “Present.”

[Jaysun]

I was hoping he’d at least use a slingshot, maybe a lawn dart.

[NeoCaveman]

He also throws like a girl.

Really, there’s a youtube of it.

[Lurking in Kansas]

Bwahahaha... that'll show'em.

What a moron.

[july4thfreedomfoundation]

The mayor is a girlie-man.

[day10]

That is one of the funniest things I have ever witnessed.

[JZelle]

Oh, it’s that guy? I remember that! That was just awful!

[mtbopfuyn]

He could drop a pink hanky.

[AppyPappy]

What an idiot

[TommyDale]

Has anyone informed the idiot that he isn’t expected to shoot anyone in the head, just fire a starting shot with blanks?

[Mr. Brightside]

Will he at least stick his finger in the air and say “BANG”?

[TommyDale]

You realize that Jerry Springer was himself a Democratic Mayor of Cincinnati?

[NonValueAdded]

Instead he will drop a dainty lace hankie in the color of pink. The swish sound that it makes as it falls gently to erf will be the signal to commence running.

[Tax-chick]

... last weekend’s fatal shooting of a man near a youth football tournament held to promote nonviolence in Cincinnati neighborhoods.

No way!

("I hate when that happens" ping :-).

[Westlander]

Remington 870 with a deer barrel and rifle sights smooth bore in 12 Ga. WooHoo.

[OCC]

Ever see him throw a baseball? I wouldn't trust him with a gun either, even if it is a cap gun.

[andyk]

Let me just be the first to say - bwahahahaha!