This form of government is referred to, as a reform model which aims at applying efficient and business-like methods to city, government. The ward system was seen as a way for corrupt political machines to control cities and neglect city-wide concerns. Political patronage was a costly, inefficient and disruptive way to run a city. The aim of at-large elections was to reduce the influences of the ward boss and thereby the geographic base for machines. A second aim was to provide a city-wide view of community problems.
Today there are different concerns about Cincinnati's government.
Shifts in population, shifts in the size and priorities of city government budgets, shifting political alignments and emerging groups and interests have created a different context within which the system of government in Cincinnati operates. Most recently concerns center around leadership, accountability and the election of the mayor.