As advocates of a sales tax increase that would pay for a $2.6 billion light rail system for Hamilton County prepare to officially begin their campaign, they have the region's largest corporate employer as a major contributor.

        Procter & Gamble has endorsed not only the MetroMoves plan, which includes the proposed light rail system, but also the proposed half-cent sales tax increase that is on the Nov. 5 ballot.

        In addition, the company's top public/community relations executive will serve as a co-chairman for the political action committee that will campaign in favor of the issue.

        “The thing for the company and for me personally is that this will drive the economic vitality of the region and make it a better place to live,” said Charlotte Otto, P&G's global external relations officer and chairwoman of Downtown Cincinnati Inc., who confirmed P&G's stance. The “Let's Get Moving” campaign will announce its other co-chairs this evening at the campaign's official kick-off event.

        Ms. Otto said that P&G would also be contributing financially to the levy campaign, although an amount has yet to be determined. P&G employs about 13,500 workers in the Tristate, including about 6,000 at its global headquarters downtown.

        Campaign manager Betsy Neyer said that backing from corporate Cincinnati was important, but not any more so than grassroots support.

        “We need a balance,” she said. “There have been everyday people who have been watching this issue. . . . and we anticipate that they'll be coming out.”

        A campaign to oppose the levy is also gearing up, with the Alternatives to Light Rail Transit group planning to unveil its leadership Monday.

        “It doesn't surprise me that P&G would endorse something like this; it's in their best interest since the first line would link two of their major facilities,” said Chris Finney, an Anderson Township lawyer who is working with the anti-light rail tax effort. “The question is whether this is good for Hamilton County residents.”

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