Since running for Mayor in 2005, Justin Jeffre has stayed politically involved in the community, and the following news stories are a small sample of the work Justin has engaged.

Additionally, he is the co-publisher of The Cincinnati Beacon, the City's leading political blog and newest print newspaper.

"Justin Jeffre's journey from Pop star to media activist"

Jeffre has become a serious member of the local independent-media movement. His work has included chasing politicians who don't want to answer his questions -- and taping them as they try to walk away from the camera; filming a contentious election in the Cincinnati Chapter of the NAACP, where he was jostled by people who didn't want him there; and spending up to five hours taping an anti-war sit-in at U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot's local office.

"98 Degrees Singer Turns Up Heat On Politicians"

Cincinnati political journalist Kevin Osborne, of the weekly City Beat, described Jeffre's new venture as helping to redefine the former cover boy.

"Since his defeat in that [mayoral] race, he became involved with the Beacon," Osborne said. "I almost see that as his penance and as a way for him to gain some political credibility. Now, Jeffre is seen at various political events and rallies so often, people have started to forget about his boy-band past, and I think he likes that."

Osborne said the opinionated Beacon ruffles the feathers of more than a few politicians and journalists.

"Vote Gained, Tax Opponents Not Likely To Switch Sides"

"We're going to campaign against the sales tax increase," said former pop singer and Green Party member Justin Jeffre. "We think that just because you say your plan is comprehensive doesn't make it comprehensive."

"Decision might come today on renewing city pot penalty"

But council chambers were filled Tuesday with people who think the measure only clogs the crowded Hamilton County Jail and invites police officers to target poor people and minorities.

Among them: former mayoral candidate Justin Jeffre, former member of the band 98°. With a hand-rolled cigarette behind one ear, he told council's Law and Public Safety committee that the law is "disgusting."

"I want you guys to think very seriously about this," he said. "Because there will be a price to pay" on Election Day.

"Exclusive Charter"

When Jeffre applied for membership in September, Charter cashed his check but didn't communicate with him for months. After he made several inquiries, he was offered a spot on one of the party's working committees but still hasn't gotten word on whether he can attend meetings and give his input on the group's policies.

"Readers pose what-ifs on Strickland, Blackwell"

We are supposedly fighting a war to bring democracy to the Middle East when we need more in Ohio. We are prisoners of a corporate party duopoly. Independent candidates are shut out of debates by partisan organizations like the Chamber of Commerce. It's bad enough Chamber members can out spend average Americans in the political process, but to shut out candidates that have met the requirements for ballot status is undemocratic, un-American and a violation of our human rights.

Imagine if the Whigs and Democrats had been able to shut out a third party of Abolitionists. The most important part of the electoral process is to have deep discussions about the direction of our state. We need a debate from A to Z, not A to B. The Libertarian and Green Party candidates are well qualified to participate in this discussion.

Independents are the overwhelming majority, and we demand our voices be heard.

Justin Jeffre

"Do good, eat well at charity fundraisers"

Among other SIDS events:

The kickoff, Chefapalooza at the Midwest Culinary Institute, will be 5:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday. Chefs will be paired with local celebrities. Brown of Jag's will be partnered with singer Kathy Wade; Cook of Daveed's with J.T. Roberts, general manager of the Cincinnati Kings soccer team, and Julie Francis of Nectar with Justin Jeffre, formerly of 98 Degrees. $50 and $150 (VIP tickets).