KENTON RECORDER
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018 ❚ BECAUSE COMMUNITY MATTERS ❚ PART OF THE USA TODAY NETWORK
Blink 2019: Covington added to light and art festival
ELECTIONS 2018
Erlanger mayor candidates talk blight, discord Melissa Reinert Cincinnati Enquirer | USA TODAY NETWORK
ERLANGER – Shortly after the November 2016 election, Erlanger City Council members Randy Blankenship and Jessica Fette smiled for a photograph outside the city building. The two, a longtime councilman and a newcomer, are seen shaking hands, a gesture suggesting a sentiment of unity. Two years later, BlanJessica kenship and Fette are Randy pitted against each other Blankenship Fette in the 2018 Erlanger mayoral race. With election direct mail out before Labor Day and political signs dotting properties all over town, this campaign is a barn burner.
Lighted Roebling Bridge will be used to connect two cities for regional event next October Carol Motsinger and Max Londberg Cincinnati Enquirer | USA TODAY NETWORK
Just one year ago, the Queen City answered to another name: Blink Cincinnati. But when the art and light festival returns in 2019, it won’t simply be Cincinnati’s streets that shine. Officials recently announced that Blink will expand into Covington next year, with lights spanning the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, linking the two cities and symbolizing the regionalism linking the area. “We are one community,” said Jill Meyer, the CEO and president of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, “and it’s just further proof that we are going to grow together. Our future city is connected as one.” Dan Reynolds, the owner of a company that helps produce Blink, broke the news to approximately 30 people atop a Downtown hotel, with the Roebling glowing behind him. “We’re going to cross this beautiful bridge ... and include Northern Kentucky to truly become a regional event,” Reynolds said. In October 2017, Blink transformed 20 blocks, from the banks of the river to Findlay Market, with around 70 pieces of light, color and video. There were sky-high spectacles on our buildings and sculptures on our sidewalks. The festival is the “nation’s largest event of its kind,” according to a news release about the expansion. It’s estimated that one million visitors came through Downtown and Over-the-Rhine for the 2017 event. That’s considered the largest gathering of people in that 20-block span. “The fact that we have a million fans out there waiting to see what we’re going to do is super, super exciting,” Reynolds said. Earlier this year, coordinators announced Blink will return next October, from the 10th through the
Artist David Seitz created this video projection for Covenant First Presbyterian Church, 717 Elm St. The projection ran on repeat from sundown until midnight as part of Blink Cincinnati last year.
New vs. old blood
MEG VOGEL/THE ENQUIRER
According to Blankenship, the past four years has had “considerable division between the mayor and council.” It began when then-political newcomer Tyson Hermes beat longtime Erlanger Mayor Thomas Rouse in 2014. The new mayor’s agenda often faced opposition from City Council, especially during his first two years. The majority on council had been in office for several years. One of Hermes’ first decisions, hiring a new city attorney, was immediately opposed by the council majority. As a result, the council elected to hire its own attorney, former longtime city attorney Frank Wichmann. Among other cases of tumult: ❚ The mayor and council’s disagreement over proposed improvements for the Norfolk Southern Bridge that crosses Dixie Highway; ❚ Differences over a proposed zone change to Commonwealth Station, a business district across from the city building. Turnover in top positions occurred after Hermes took office, including longtime employees like community liaison Rebecca Hopkins, who left in spring 2015, Police Chief Tony Wilson and Chief Administrator Officer Marc Fields, who both retired last fall. Fields, a longtime Erlanger resident, is currently running for council.
13th – and it will continue to be free. Alecia Kintner, the president and CEO of ArtsWave, also announced at the event that her organization will take a larger role in sponsoring Blink next year. “Blink embodies the things we think the arts do: create buzz and reputation, attract tourists, business and talent,” Kintner said. “It brings us together on the street, discovering things together and inspiring kids.” Reynolds said Blink will expand into Covington to about 7th and Madison streets. It represents the fifth zone, adding to the four that stretched in 2017 from the banks of the river to Findlay Market. Our neighbors across the pond predicted the changes that are coming: Organizers also shared that Blink will again feature large-scale projection mapping, murals by international artists, interactive light sculptures and diverse entertainment. Meyer said Blink didn’t light up the area in 2018 to allow artists time to craft their pieces and to find sponsors, in an effort to “continue to make it a free and inclusive event.” The event is a production of Agar, Brave Berlin, Blink Cincinnati, ArtWorks, the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation and the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. Organizations wishing to support Blink can contact Cynthia Oxley, Blink director, at 513-579-3193 or at coxley@cincinnatichamber.com.
Was mud slung? According to Blankenship, attacks got personal during the 2016 council election. Shortly afterward, Blankenship told The Enquirer it had been a “tough campaign, in part, because of the Hermes’ lack of support.” Blankenship said the mayor “actively campaigned against council” in that election. Hermes – who is not seeking a second term as mayor, but is running for council this year – denied the accusation. The 2016 election brought three new council
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