Statement from Vice Mayor Smitherman on Pamela M.T.

Smitherman Statement

Like so many women across the country Pamela M. T. Smitherman lost her battle with
Breast Cancer on January 15, 2019 1:03PM. She was only 48 years old. She left behind a
husband of 28 years and 5 children.

Prior to her death Pamela was very concerned that Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld and the
“Gang of 5”​ had said something about her and her fight for life against breast cancer.
She left specific instructions with our family to request that four members of the ​“Gang
of 5”​ not attend her services and release her statement if Councilmember P.G. Sittenfeld
said anything about her, her children, her husband or her family. Her worst speculation
was confirmed Thursday of last week. Pamela wanted her voice to be heard loud and
clear and respected as a woman but specifically an African American woman. She
speculated often that Councilmember P.G. Sittenfeld was the “ringleader” behind the
“Gang of 5”​ and had said something horrible about her. She was very clear that no man
would have the final word or define her struggle for life in any way. Pamela was under
the care of Hospice of Cincinnati and weighed approximately 82 pounds when she
recorded her final statement on this earth four months before she died.

The release of the ​“Gang of 5” ​text messages on Thursday of last week has been
devastating to our children and me as we grieve. This is a low point in Cincinnati politics.
There is nothing political about death. Nothing!

Our family still has not received a personal apology which continues to add to our grief.
We continue to extend our love and support to andy patient or caregiver fighting cancer.

Vice Mayor Christopher Smitherman

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