Doc Thompson, 700 WLW‘s newest no holds barred host, talks about the biggest issues in town. We got his predictions for the new year, and you won’t want to miss what he had to say.

1. What do you foresee as THE big issue facing people in Cincinnati next year?

A lack of money! For individuals, businesses and governments, funding is the issue in the Tri-State and nationally. It will be a battle to fund schools and public services. Stupidly, elected servants will continue to make bad choices like the Trolley car.

2. I guess that naturally leads me to Cincinnati’s streetcar: good idea or bad idea? Why?

Horrible idea! It is not needed and it is a waste of money. 20 years down the road we will be discussing how the citizens got screwed, just like Paul Brown Stadium and Great American Ballpark.

3. The “Banks” project and pending casino deal: will they be good for Cincinnati?

They will have some modest benefits. We will have some new, pretty buildings and activities that will help the city promote itself and it will also provide some jobs – but it is not a silver bullet to building a strong city. As other cities have learned, unless you get more people moving to the area, the “Banks” project will cannibalize people and dollars from other areas and events.

700 WLW's Doc Thompson

4. What about on the state/national level? Certainly there are issues we’ll all be dealing with in the coming year – whether it’s unemployment, government-run health care, everything on governor-elect Kasich’s table.  How will these things affect folks in Cincinnati?

Personal income and public funding will continue to come up short. The best we can hope for in 2011 is a slight improvement in the economy. So we will have to continue to come up with things that we can cut, scale back and do without.

5. You’re from Ashtabula. Having been born in Ohio (and spending quite a bit of time in Cleveland), what makes Cincinnati unique to other places you’ve lived/worked? What do you like/dislike about the city so far?

One of the first things I noticed that makes Cincinnati unique is that there are so many distinctive communities and neighborhoods all with their own identity. That is unique and also very cool!

I like that there are so many great local restaurant choices. I love to eat!

I have big shoes to fill and yet people have treated me very well. So, I like the warm welcome that I have received.

Aside from “and Tracy,” [Tracy Jones, former Cincinnati Red and 3 - 6 p.m. co-host on WLW] the only dislike I have is… being subjected, once again, to outrageous Ohio taxes!

6. What do you like best about talk radio?

I get to express my opinions, feelings and frustrations. It is daily therapy! I also get to expose those things that need it and complain about (and/or laugh at) those things that deserve it.

7. Any predictions for your fellow WLW cohorts?

Dismembered Bodies will be discovered in Jim Scott’s Freezer. He is TOO nice!

In March, Sloanie [Scott Sloan, Tracy Jones' co-host] will be moved to noon-3 a.m.; in July he will shift to America’s Trucking Network and begin hosting 5 – 9 a.m. in November!

Willie [Bill Cunningham, noon - 3:00 host] will get realty show called “The Exterminator” where he will eradicate vermin (like bedbugs, Socialists…)

During an “old timers” charity ballgame, “and Tracy” will be assaulted by Morganna.

While at the Clear Channel offices talking with Doc, I ran into another radio personality, Kiss Morning‘s “My Mom Calls Me George.” Check out the webcast below as he shares his thoughts on what he says will be big – for the city and his personal life – in the new year.