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Brett Mandel plans to run again for City Controller

It looks like tax reform advocate Brett Mandel is going to run again for City Controller. Mandel, who launched an unsuccessful bid for the job in 2009, is holding an ice cream social fundraiser Wednesday night as he makes a play for the post in 2013

Mandel would face off next spring in the Democratic primary with Controller Alan Butkovitz, who was first elected in 2005. In 2009, Butkovitz easily beat out Mandel and former Common Pleas Judge John Braxton in the Primary Election, before going on to win the General Election.

Mandel said the city needs a tougher watchdog in the Controller's office.

"We are in an ongoing financial crisis in this city and it is as if we don't even have an elected controller," Mandel said.

Butkovitz said he was prepared for the challenge. He said he has had an "aggressive record" on fraud and corrption, noting that his office has found evidence of fraud in the Sherriff's Office and has been asking tough questions about the mayor's proposed property tax overhaul.