Not long ago the local rumor mill was suggesting that Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop was going to run for Mayor in 2009, it didn’t appear that rumor had any fact to it. Now however…the talk begins anew with the launch of billboards:

What caught my eye was that I was under the impression that Tony Pizza died on June 19, 2007 so I pondered how he could still be Ben’s campaign chairperson, what earthly method of communication could they have? I knew some felt Ben was magical, but I didn’t realize his powers extended into the afterlife. There are two male Pizza’s related to the now deceased former Lucas County Prosecutor, named “Anthony” one reportedly lives or lived in Los Angeles, I add that just in case it is one of still earthbound Pizza’s who is Ben’s new chair but when you visit the website, www.nowtoledo.net it has the correct address (which this billboard doesn’t list) and doesn’t mention Pizza, it only lists Ben and Gabby Seay, who is also his Executive Assistant and apparently now his Treasurer. It also creates the impression that just maybe…Now Toledo could be a way to test the waters to organize/launch a Mayoral campaign.

I’ll update the story after I’ve had a chance to talk to Ben about these spectral connections…I’m guessing the quote is inspired by this one by Ghandi:

“Be the Change that you wish to see in the world.”

Update: Ben contacted me and said it was done by error and that the sign company was fixing it tomorrow on all five billboards.

This in via email from the office of Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken:

COMMISSIONER GERKEN TO POSTPONE RESOLUTION FOR LOAN AGREEMENT WITH MAUMEE AUTHORITY STAMPING INC.

Please see the attached memo that Commissioner Pete Gerken sent to his colleagues requesting that the resolution for the Authorization of a Loan Agreement with Maumee Authority Stamping Plant Inc. not be acted on in tomorrow’s Board meeting.

Commissioner Gerken feels there is still more information needed in order to make a fair and informed decision and would like more time to ask further questions. The resolution to request action will be postponed until Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at the earliest.
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Two articles in today’s Blade that focus on money concerns, first, Credit troubles may jeopardize Marina District and State wants more arena information on financing.

What’s interesting is both of these topics have been talked about on a variety of other media sources prior to today’s Blade reporting, glad to see they joined in on the coverage.

First the Blade article on yesterday’s Press Conference held by Jan Scotland, who is running against current Lucas County Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak, then the text of the statement made by Mr. Scotland yesterday that was received by email and is shared below as received:

THE KEYSTONE KOPS LIVE ON IN LUCAS COUNTY

You know about a year ago I wrote an article about Toledo’s key stone cop approach to economic development. I was referring to the fictional characters from a series of short comedic films during the early 1900’s. Their antics were typified by hilarious confusion and slapstick pranks.
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Toledo Free Press has the story on their website and for those following this story, it’s a recommended read. Part of the linked article:

Despite the county’s interest in the building, Kitson said United Way would continue moving forward with its plan. He said the agency’s board would have to determine what the building’s value would be before considering a sale to the county.

“I don’t see why the United Way has to just give the building away for free when everyone has said there’s value in it,” Kitson said.
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In via email from the office of Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop, and yes, I took a bit of creative license with the post title:

Konop to Introduce United Way Building Resolution

Urges agency to avoid demolition…explore county uses for historic building

Citing the need to preserve a historic structure in the heart of downtown Toledo as well as improve efficiency of county government, Commissioner Konop will tomorrow introduce a resolution (attached) urging the United Way to reconsider its decision to tear down its headquarters at One Stranahan Square. Konop’s resolution will be voted on at 9:30 AM tomorrow.
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While it’s stated in the Blade article that:

Mr. Napoli and Mr. Chema wouldn’t say how much they were asking for naming rights, but because the stadium will be open year-round and will host other events besides sports, they are expecting much more than the $5 million that Fifth Third Bank paid to sponsor the Mud Hens’ home.

If we flash back to the past, the amount of money that was expected to be generated by the naming rights when the Arena was being planned is out there. Back on September 2006 as one example, on Conklin & Company where Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken was on, it was summarized:
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This in via email from earlier today:

Toledo City Councilman McNamara and Lucas County Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak Announce “Green-Collar” Workforce Initiative

Formation of “Green Employer Council” is first step in development of innovative job-training and placement program

Toledo, OH – “Green-collar” jobs are defined as well-paid career track jobs that contribute directly to preserving or enhancing environmental quality. Now an innovative program being launched by Toledo City Councilman Joe McNamara and Lucas County Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak seeks to help give area residents a leg up on these green career ladders.
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We don’t get many candidates who visit over here in my part of South Toledo, some supporters during campaign season to drop off literature but just a few moments ago, Jan Scotland stopped by doing door to door in this neighborhood. He braved past the Hillary Clinton for president sign on the door, and two little yippy dogs to drop off a small campaign card that states:

Scotland for Commissioner

Jobs - We need to make Lucas County more friendly to Businesses because it’s businesses that hire people, not politicians.

Taxes - Lucas County Government is growing at twice the rate of inflation, and it’s all coming from your wallet!!

I introduced myself to him, had a brief chit chat about why it’s important that there be a choice for voters at all elections and warned him about the stray cat that likes to try to trip people…

The cover story of this week’s Toledo Free Press is one that is being experienced by many in this area, they are residents who at one time lived a different life here in Toledo that have now found themselves the “new poor”. The additional article that tells you the story of three Toledo residents that could be multiplied in many parts of NWO.

Michael Miller has made me cry before when I’ve read his column, Picasso’s last words can make me tear up right now just thinking about what he penned, having experienced that exact same moment. I felt a slight twinge after that because I didn’t know about this as I sat down to write my Blog it! Toledo this week, had I known I would have honored the felines instead of the canines. With my oldest cat approaching 17, while he is in surprisingly good health for a guy his age, I dread the day that I know will come. Axle is affectionately known as the cat union supervisor in this household, if a food dish, water dish or litter box is not to his liking, he lets you know to the point you’ll wake up with him on your chest should he feel the situation warrants immediate attention. He’s been known to nip a nose of a sleeping person who fails to arise upon his command…
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That apppears to be the suggestion in this week’s Toledo Journal which these paragraphs demonstrate:

Less noticeable but crucial to victory will be using his reputation to gain support in the African American community, which typically gives 80 to 90 percent of its vote to Democrats. Historically in local elections, it has been African Americans who have elevated Democrats, giving them the votes needed to offset the Republican votes in the county’s outlying areas. ”That’s what my expectation would be,” Mr. Scotland, an insurance agent, said about winning significant support from black voters. ”I would hope that when people look at all the time that I’ve put into various projects throughout the community … that they would understand that that’s what is important, more important than what my affiliation is.

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This in via email from the office of Lucas County Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak:

Commissioner Wozniak and Others to discuss Local Impact of Just Signed Federal Housing Bill

Following the passage of the federal housing bill meant to offer assistance to homeowners struggling to make payments on their homes, Commissioner Wozniak who co-chairs the Lucas County Save our Homes Taskforce will discuss the impact the bill will have on local efforts to prevent home foreclosure.
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This in via email from the office of Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop:

7,000 Seniors and Veterans Still without Economic Stimulus Payments

Local partners reach out to nursing home and veterans groups to help file returns

With the rising costs of utilities and healthcare, it is important that Lucas County Seniors and Veterans receive all the help they can. Over 7,000 Lucas County Seniors and Veterans still not have taken the necessary steps to receive their economic stimulus payments.

The Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition as teamed up with the Area Office on Aging of Northwest Ohio and the Lucas County Veterans Services to assist Seniors and Vets in filing their 2007 tax return in order to receive the benefit.
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This in from the office of Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop:

MOBILE MEALS OF TOLEDO TO RECEIVE MUCH NEEDED ASSISTANCE
AGENCY DEDICATED TO HELPING OTHERS, GETS HELP FROM COMMUNITY-MIDWEST RETAILERS ASSOCIATION DONATE $5000 FOR RISING FUEL COSTS

For over 40 years, Mobile Meals of Toledo has been helping those who need it most by delivering nutritional meals throughout the community to seniors and the disabled. Now, with gas prices hovering around $4 a gallon and operating costs soaring, Mobile Meals is getting some much needed help from the community. Tomorrow, The Midwest Retailers Association will announce a $5,000 donation to Mobile Meals to help it deal with rising fuel costs and continue to service its over 600 people throughout Lucas County.
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