Why does Phil Heimlich avoid legitimate questions and make petty personal insults?

No, not another video of The Dean chasing Hamilton County Commissioner Phil Heimlich to his car—but close.  This time, watch what happens when Justin Jeffre tries to ask Heimlich some simple questions.  What’s becoming more shocking is not the manner with which Heimlich refuses to speak, but his propensity for petty personal attacks and pointless insults.  Is this really something we expect from the character of a public official?  Shouldn’t Phil hold himself to a certain behavioral standard more becoming of an influential leader?

Background on the Questions

Jeffre’s first question concerns whether Phil Heimlich ever accepted commissions from the International Association of Character Cities.  (Read more history about that here, or here.)

Next, Jeffre asks about Heimlich’s history of business relations with Chris Finney regarding something called The Three Centurions.  Given that Heimlich appoints Finney to influential County boards, any business relationship between them seems relevant. 

Thirdly, Jeffre asks if Phil has ever lost a home to foreclosure (following up on how Phil tried to ridicule me the previous evening).  Seems Phil might not have lost to foreclosure, but he may have had an investment gone so bad that mommy and daddy had to bail him out—see this comment.  Allegedly, things got so bad Phil had to move back in with his parents until he turned 40.

Fourthly, Jeffre touches on Phil’s overturning of the voters’ will with the Drake levy.

Finally, Jeffre asks about Phil’s relationship with Mike Daly.  As you can see in this transcript, it looks like Phil might have been prepared to do a favor for Daly after receiving a large campaign contribution.

Leadership and Insults

Should elected leaders make base, pointless insults?  Twice during this video, instead of answering simple questions, Heimlich resorts to attacks.  See for yourself:

(Video requires the free Flash Player.)

What’s most noticeable is how Phil actually decided to come back around to Justin, stop the car, roll down the window—only to make a lame joke about how he likes the Supremes better than 98 Degrees.  (If you haven’t been following along, Justin Jeffre is a member of that pop band.)

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