Joe Does The Queen City

Vice President Joe Biden was in Cincy today for a speech on the stimulus package and how it is working, funding projects like the renovation of the old American Can Company in Northside.

Vice President Joe Biden today defended the $787 billion federal stimulus against critics who say it isn't creating jobs.

"When they say we’re not saving jobs, count the cop that still has a job, count the teacher that will be showing up in the classroom in September who would not be able to show up but for this," he said during a speech this morning at a redevelopment project on Spring Grove Avenue in Northside. "These are all essential services affecting the quality of life of our children and our families.”

Biden was in Cincinnati to promote the Obama Administration's stimulus package by appearing at a project that uses federal stimulus money.

About 200 people gathered behind the former American Can company building to hear Biden speak.

The abandoned red brick factory is marked by graffiti. Weeds have overtaken the grounds. City officials, though, have said that $1.6 million in stimulus money will help developers transform this site into a hub of activity for the Northside neighborhood as developers remodel it into apartments and retail.

Biden said the factory project would create 100 jobs. He also mentioned that the Cincinnati Police Department and the University of Cincinnati are getting stimulus money that will either save or create jobs and "do good."

It's a smart idea to get out there and show people jobs that this package is creating. It's an even better idea to actually deliver the jobs. The plan is supposed to deliver money over 18 months, but the bulk of the money is going to be needed very, very soon.

Still, Biden made some good points.