So if Ben Konop is Sandy Isenberg's nephew, does that mean that Alan Konop is Sandy Isenberg's brother? Just wondering.
posted by corky at 11:08 P.M. EST on Sat Feb 11, 2006 #
No, Alan Konop is Sandy's brother in law.
posted by psyche777 at 11:22 P.M. EST on Sat Feb 11, 2006 #
I'd vote George Sarantau. He's a good guy, honest. No skeletons, drama, or ladders to climb.
posted by starling02 at 11:23 P.M. EST on Sat Feb 11, 2006 #
Definitely nobody from Toledo City Council. Two of the three commissioners are already from Toledo City Council. Konop and Thurber are from Toledo.
If the rest of the county wakes up and realizes how Toledo is taking over, then the Toledoans running for commissioner will have to start thinking about the entire county and not just Toledo.
I'll be watching to see who is the most inclusive when it comes to discussing Lucas County. If it's Toledo this and Toledo that, forget it.
Do most of the communities in Lucas County have their own weekly newspaper? If so, those would be interesting items to read to see how they are discussing the Lucas County commissioner's race, assuming they are even concerned about it. Maybe the citizens in the other communities are so happy they don't live in Toledo that they don't care about county politics.
posted by jr at 11:57 P.M. EST on Sat Feb 11, 2006 #
I actually know Ben farely well, and given the response I've received on this site, he probably wouldn't want me supporting him on this site. He's one of my professors at UTLAW, and I did an independent study with him last semester, so I got to know him on a personal level. Further, he and I are much different, so don't take my politics to be his.
I've noticed that in some previous comments on other threads, some have criticized Ben because they assume he will run anywhere to get elected. I don't think anything is further from the truth. He knew he would not beat Mike Oxley, and he entered that race upon the request of Marcy Kaptur so that a strong democratic presence could be created in that district. He did it because he truly wants to become a politician, but unlike other politicians, he doesn't want to do it for self-serving purposes. He does it because he grew up here, and he wants Toledo and Lucas County to succeed, and not continue on its path to ever present demise. The point is, if he hadn't run against Mike Oxley, none of us would know who he is, and he wouldn't have a chance. He knew he was going to lose, but now he can do what he truly wants to do, and help turn Toledo around.
Now, Ben and I don't agree on some things, but one thing we both agree on is encouraging young professionals to move to this town. Seeing as how I'll be a young professional in a year and a half, I agree with what he wants to do. It is young professionals that would move downtown in those new luxury apartments and condos. It is the young people that frequent bars, clubs, and tavers. And young professionals typically don't like to cook, so they'll go to restaurants as well (and pay very well for a nice filet mignon). If we create a community that attracts such consumerism, then Toledo, and Lucas County will become strong. Consumerism is the new manufacturing. While Toledo has a strong manufacturing history, it is simply not going to keep Toledo and Lucas County going ahead in the future. Look at Columbus, it's the only growing big city in Ohio. And it's all because of consumerism. They have Easton, Polaris, City Center, the Arena District, and a great art and culture community. That is what the young people want, and it will benefit everyone as a result.
posted by junta330 at 12:00 A.M. EST on Sun Feb 12, 2006 #
Actually JR, Konop was born in Sylvania and grew up in Ottawa Hills. He lives in downtown now because he wants to part of the boom he envisions for the future.
posted by junta330 at 12:02 A.M. EST on Sun Feb 12, 2006 #
Part of what boom? Toledo's or Lucas County's? This is where it gets a little confusing to me. Doesn't Maumee and Toledo have some kind of joint economic development agreement? What's that research center along I-475? Isn't that part of some kind agreement with Toledo or am I dreaming this?
Does the "boom" have to be only in Toledo? Look at Arrowhead Park in Maumee? More of that could sprout up along with retail business and residential development in Maumee's Fallen Timbers area.
What about this talk of a technology corridor? Doesn't that include areas outside of Toledo? Maybe young people also want to live and/or work in Maumee or Sylvania or Waterville. Aren't these communites allowed to "boom" as well?
posted by jr at 01:00 A.M. EST on Sun Feb 12, 2006 #
These communities, ideally, would be part of the boom as well. The fact is that young people aren't just leaving toledo, they're leaving the entire region. Young people are typically attracted to a city like atmosphere to live, work , and play in. Downtown would probably serve this purpose better than Arrowhead Park or Fallen Timbers. But I agree, Fallen Timbers and Arrowhead park could also appeal to young people. Downtown already has the hens, and it looks as though an arena will be built there soon. Also, the night life downtown is improving as well. I think you're missing my point. There are very few young people here. Getting them back here needs to start somewhere. Nothing better than a central living, working, and playing district to get things started for the whole region. As these young professionals age, and marry, and have children, they will move out into the burbs. And the cycle will continue, more young people downtown, and then more money moving out into the burbs when they move. Everyone would benefit. The key is to have one place appeal to young professionals. Young professionals will not make the economy great by themselves. It will take this movement and recycling that will. Is this anymore clear?
posted by junta330 at 01:28 A.M. EST on Sun Feb 12, 2006 #
Well JR, it sounds like Maumee Mayor Tim Wagener is your choice. He's the only non-Toledo person that will be running. I'm a big fan of his and think he's done a great job as Mayor but I just don't think the powers that be in Toledo will allow someone from outside the city be on the Board of Commissioners. Look what happened to Harry Barlos after one term. The UAW and party elite went after him to replace him with Gerken. Tim Wagener has the most experience and would provide the suburban representation sorely needed but based on voters track records, he won't get a second look.
I still am sticking with Ben because the Blade is with him, so is Lloyd McHaffey from UAW, and Aunt Sandy definitely has some pull in the County.
posted by moderatedemocrat at 02:06 A.M. EST on Sun Feb 12, 2006 #
No, my choices are Thurber, Konop, and Wagener. I only eliminated the Toledo City Councilmen. When I said:
"I'll be watching to see who is the most inclusive when it comes to discussing Lucas County."
I was thinking about the other three candidates.
And I don't care if Copeland and Sarantou do put on a good show. They were just elected or re-elected to Toledo City Council and therefore don't deserve consideration.
I voted for Barlos in '04. If the rest of Lucas County feels Wagener gives them a voice, then the Wagener supporters are going to have to get more people to the polls in May.
I wish these stats were easily available:
* Average Toledo voter turnout for a May primary
* Average voter turnout for a May primary for the rest of Lucas County
I predict the May voter turnout for all of Lucas County will be 13%.
On the Democrat side, Konop and Copeland may split the Toledo vote, while Wagener takes the non-Toledo vote, and maybe that will be enough to give Tim the win.
posted by jr at 02:30 A.M. EST on Sun Feb 12, 2006 #
Junta330 said: "...some have criticized Ben because they assume he will run anywhere to get elected. I don't think anything is further from the truth."
You thought wrong. Just because in your eyes it dosen't seem right, a pig covered in makeup and a frilly dress may look "attractive", but it's still a pig. And Ben will always be labelled a "carpetbagger".
Ex-Toledo Councilpeople in County Commission seats have a history of screwing Lucas County up. If the rest of Lucas County wants to drive itself into the ground, than there is no better option than voting for an "A" teamer.
If Maggie dosen't run, I am voting for Tim Wagener.
posted by BrianInFlorida at 05:14 A.M. EST on Sun Feb 12, 2006 #
BrianInFlorida writes:
If Maggie dosen't run, I am voting for Tim Wagener.
That's interesting. I didn't realize that the city of Vero Beach allows dual citisenship and that you can retain your voting rights in your former hometown. Mighty generous of them.
posted by limedrops911 at 08:43 A.M. EST on Sun Feb 12, 2006 #
My candidate is George Sarantou. This guy is everything a public servant should be. I could also vote for Tim Wagener. He seems to have done a fine job in the city of Maumee.
I'm not inclined to vote for Copeland. His dad, who had not had an original thought since the Nixon administration, was part of the problem we have now. So I don't want him in county-wide office.
I've supported MAggie in the past, but am not inclined to support her now. She ran a campaign on honesty in public officials and seems to have violated that. I know she didn't profit from it like Sandy did. But it's still not appropriate.
However, I would vote for any of the above before I voted for carpetbagger-boy. I wonder what else he'll do just because MArcy told him too. We need an independent mind there, not a puppet of Marcy's.
posted by MemyselfandI at 09:08 A.M. EST on Sun Feb 12, 2006 #
Attention span of a gnat.
posted by BrianInFlorida at 11:20 A.M. EST on Sun Feb 12, 2006 #
Brian, I agree that people will always label him a carpetbeggar, but he's really not. If you don't believe me, fine.
posted by junta330 at 01:35 P.M. EST on Sun Feb 12, 2006 #
My candidate is George Sarantou.
George is a fine choice because he is clean and is willing to listen to both sides of the political aisle.
posted by limedrops911 at 05:13 P.M. EST on Sun Feb 12, 2006 #
Maybe he begs on carpet too. I don't know. But when you run in a district in which you do not live, you are a carpetbagger. Ben Ran in the 5th congressional district. He did not live there. He is a carpetbagger.
posted by MemyselfandI at 06:18 P.M. EST on Sun Feb 12, 2006 #
He actually lived in the 5th District. Immediately after quitting his lawyer job in Washington, D.C., he moved to Ada and began teaching at Ohio Northern's law school. After he lost, he stayed there for a while until he got a job at UT's law school. So, he did live in the district where he ran.
posted by junta330 at 07:34 P.M. EST on Sun Feb 12, 2006 #
I can't support either George Sarantou or Phil Copeland. The fact that they don't show enough of a committment to the positions they were just sworn into in January leaving a situation where if one of them does win that another appointment will be made rather than who voters would have selected bothers me. Tim Wagener will have at least completed a large portion of his term as Mayor of Maumee. Ben signed an ethics pledge part of which states: that elected officials should "accept no outside income while in office" and "serve the full duration" of their terms.
So if the choice is between the "carpetbagger" and someone who doesn't keep campaign promises by that quickly trying to move up? The "Carpetbagger" is looking better and better. Though I still will wait until I hear what both Ben and Tim have to say as to their plans for all of Lucas County.
:-)
posted by psyche777 at 08:15 P.M. EST on Sun Feb 12, 2006 #
Question for psyche 777...should Ben Konop sign a pledge that if he loses he will not move to another district/county/city to run for office for at least five years? I like Ben and think he has a great future and for the reasons I mentioned before, I think he'll win BUT, the carpetbagger issue is very real.
I don't have a problem with elected officials running for another office mid-term. The key is mid-term. Not right after they were just elected like Phillip Copeland. Even though Sarantau was just elected, at least he has served a full four year term. Phillip Copeland served all of one year or 25 percent of one term. Big difference!
And as for Tim Wagener, he's been Mayor since 1999 and was last on the ballot in 2003. I remember his name mentioned two years ago as a candidate for state representative but he didn't run for that. Big difference between him and Phillip Copeland.
posted by moderatedemocrat at 08:24 P.M. EST on Sun Feb 12, 2006 #
I hope Ben's roof is in good shape, My vote is for Tim.
posted by Judy at 09:38 P.M. EST on Sun Feb 12, 2006 #
It's winning that creates the promise to the voters. So no, I don't think that campaigning is the problem especially since he's not an elected official right now. I'd point out also he is the only one who whould not create a situation where the voters end up with no choice as to a replacement, with of course the exception of Maggie who is the incumbent.
He got very good numbers when he ran even as a "carpetbagger" which is how this whole issue started and has continued. If you wonder why more good people don't run for office? I don't...I just look at how we treat them.
However, I haven't said yet I'm going to support Ben, I think that's too early. All I am saying is I can't consider either Sarantou or Copeland because I don't support the way they are doing this. If they wanted to be County Commissioner they should have not ran for City Council. Will that matter to the majority of this area's voters? Probably not, but it's still my opinion.
posted by psyche777 at 10:08 P.M. EST on Sun Feb 12, 2006 #
Tim was sworn in to office in 2004 and has two more years to his four year term from what I understand so as I stated he has completed a good portion of his term. I
posted by psyche777 at 10:17 P.M. EST on Sun Feb 12, 2006 #
I had heard another Republican pulled petitions for Commissioner. Anyone know anything about this?
posted by downtownj at 02:52 P.M. EST on Mon Feb 13, 2006 #
Junta330, "luxury apartments and condos" are not sustainable and are not the future of the middle class. Programming society to respond fiscally to yuppie needs and desires is leading to as perverse a social arrangement as when it's programmed to respond to the needs and desires of only the wealthy.
Largely, these downtown developments are being excluded from taxation. Why do we then try to serve the needs of these freeloading welfare queens?
The "young professional" vision for Toledo is completely farcical since it omits the reality of an sustainable economic base that must support it. What has Mr Konop told us about sustainability and future economic bases? To date, I've heard nothing, really. He tells us "Vision and Values" but not about factories.
Junta330 said: "And it's all because of consumerism."
Consumerism is a cancer eating out the heart of America's sustainable working classes. No one can sanely advocate such a thing. Our society is STILL crashing from consumerism. The average consumer debt is staggering and invokes a unnecessary cost of credit to American living.
Konop and the rest need to let us know how they are going to DOWNSIZE the government in response to a now-inevitable future of very little tax revenue. There can ONLY be little tax revenue since (1) no one wants to tax corporations or other businesses, for fear of being seen as "unfriendly to business", and (2) people are losing wages and benefits in an age of big increases in the basic cost of living (housing, heating, electricity, transportation, etc.). You can't keep spending when your income collapses. This absolute truth is hitting the middle class very hard, as it should; so when will it hit government?
The vision being pushed here is well prototyped by downtown Detroit. You'd have to be truly nuts to desire that kind of thing: a built-up tiny big-money sector in a vast area of Fallujah-looking cityscape. Such concentration of wealth (more pointedly: concentration of benefits) is an elite plot against the working man who should resist the hijacking of his tax money by all means.
posted by GuestZero at 02:36 P.M. EST on Tue Feb 14, 2006 #
GuestZero, young professionals are not rich. They live downtown to have fun. They marry, and they move out. It recycles. Professionals bring eventual wealth to the city, and then that provides jobs for the working class. It all cycles upwards. This is not hard. If you're that concerned about losing your job and that unhappy about your pay, GuestZero, I'd suggest going back to school and getting a better job.
posted by junta330 at 07:21 P.M. EST on Tue Feb 14, 2006 #
Junta330 said: "Professionals bring eventual wealth to the city, and then that provides jobs for the working class."
Firstly, we don't need food eventually. We need it 3 times a day. We working class don't need vast periods of unemployment while the wealthy eventually get around to investing in sustainable domestic enterprises. Mortgage and car payments must be made each month, and they really don't care if your factory closed and tossed you to the tender mercies of the temping companies.
Furthermore, if this silly process you said was really working, then it would BE functioning in Toledo right now. But it's not. What we have are condo buyers flipping (or trying to flip) properties, while not paying their full property taxes.
Junta330 said: "young professionals are not rich."
No, and I never said they were. I called them "yuppies" to differentiate that. But they DO spend money as if they were rich. And that's heavily part of the problem.
Junta330 said: "I'd suggest going back to school and getting a better job."
Bzzt! Republican Myth #23: "There are more jobs and better jobs for people who pursue education." I'm already working with frustrated B-level graduates who can't find other work.
So, no, Junta330, I feel no complusion whatsoever to incur $40K in personal debt just so I can stand in the unemployment line with the other goofballs with degrees.
I have a friend who went back to college, and he regales me with stories of twits like you that he sees on a daily basis. From his stories, you're all going to "get rich", you all love to spend money you don't have, and you all love the Republican Party.
This hatred of the working classes just naturally has to stop. The question is, do we stop it before America's planned Third World domestic-economy model attracts the equally Third-World model of violence and social unrest?
posted by GuestZero at 02:23 P.M. EST on Wed Feb 15, 2006 #
Indeed, I will likely get rich, and I do love to spend money I don't have. But I don't love the republican party. I'm a democrat, an idealist, and a liberal elitist. I can openly admit that. I'm sorry you'd rather let your standard of living drop as Toledo's economy falls than think the slightest about the future of the economy and the city.
posted by junta330 at 02:35 P.M. EST on Wed Feb 15, 2006 #
Altho the tax base in Toledo relies upon wealthy residents, you'd get more money by having more people living, working and purchasing in the community.
Empty buildings, unemployment and crappy government makes no taxable income.
Pretty basic.
posted by BrianInFlorida at 05:17 P.M. EST on Wed Feb 15, 2006 #
That's very true, Brian.
posted by junta330 at 05:45 P.M. EST on Wed Feb 15, 2006 #
My college degree has served me well. Maybe it's not your education, Guest Zero. Maybe you're just not very likeable, therefore not very employable.
posted by MemyselfandI at 06:16 P.M. EST on Wed Feb 15, 2006 #
Maybe he isn't very likeable, but he's one of the best posters on here, IMHO. He speaketh much truth.
posted by Foolkiller at 03:53 A.M. EST on Thu Feb 16, 2006 #
MMI said: "My college degree has served me well. Maybe it's not your education, Guest Zero. Maybe you're just not very likeable, therefore not very employable."
Bzzt! Republican Myth #14: "You're having employment problems, so it's all YOUR fault."
When they come down and hand your class of worker pay cuts, one is hard pressed to find some fault in individual responsibility. It's just a class war thing, but since this directly states that the owning class is responsible for firing economic weapons, the wealth-lovers or -apologists start squawking. Even today with companies like Loews STILL restating many past years in direct violation of accounting practices and market involvement, the American press refuses to call it what it is: CLASS WARFARE.
And being a Toledoan is worse. Toledo is a poster child for what went wrong in America's socio-economic picture in the 1970s, then the 80s, then the 90s.
The 1970s ran into the energy-and-materials crunch, where educated and moral men had to either face up to the truth of the rapacity of the American Empire, or they had to lose their morality and continue to seek ways to exploit poor nations who are sitting on the resources the West wanted. Their choice was obvious: continue the vicious predations of Empire.
The 80s saw the owning classes finding many, many ways to avoid taxation, and it was also the start of the means of globalization. Factories started to not only slide away from the First World middle class that built them, but to also slide over borders with vastly decreased friction ... hence leaving the First World culture that created them in the first place. International criminal syndicates like the Medellin and Cali cartels took an old-world type of business and thoroughly formalized it, making criminals major world players.
The 90s saw Americans go complete jackassed insane over the idea of getting rich. American investments started to follow material movements overseas, hence creating a significant underinvestment condition in the First World. Being First World never meant that you were immune from the natural consequences of a systemic lack of investment. So America really started to collapse socio-economically in the 90s from ALL economic classes refusing to invest in their own nation.
As far as I'm concerned, Toledo is in a by-god Depression, and yes, that's the Big-D kind. People think that since they're getting paid good money now, that they'll continue to receive that in the future. I'm BEEN one of the highly paid professionals, MMI. I pulled in $50-70K in the Boston area without much trouble. But that wasn't the problem. The problem was that my profession became assaulted by pretenders, de-qualitization, and finally a monstrous attack by the owning classes which still demand our services but refuse to pay us much for them.
So my hard-charging resume in Boston became toilet paper in Toledo, and as well, the NWO-SEM area. I've heard the apologia many times about my "presentation", yet one is hard pressed to explain how one's previously-winning resume is such a bad presentation when faxed. What facial expression, clothing style, or even body odor is conveyed on a piece of faxed paper?
MMI, you and your class of wealth-swooners (like this Junta character, who at least admits his worship of money) simply have to get over yourselves. The owning classes will bankrupt you as quickly as they did it to me, as soon as they find a way to replace you with (1) lesser expectations, (2) lower pay by decree, or the clincher (3) skilled immigrant coming in under passports blessed by the US government.
P.S. How many years of direct experience equate to a college degree in the same field? The practiced by unadmitted answer is "no amount" -- and THAT is the farce that you're supporting in one way or another. This becomes doubly farcical when people demand degrees for work that was done perfectly well before by those without such. Superqualifying employees is injust and vicious.
posted by GuestZero at 05:28 P.M. EST on Thu Feb 16, 2006 #
Anyhoo, getting back the primary topic, I really don't know what will happen with Mr Konop now that Ms Thurber decided not to be a contender. His connection to Isenberg could well carry him through some behind-the-scenes influential work ... and as well, his fresh-faced message (note: I consider it particularly vacuous and lacking in necessary detail) could strike a chord with the many disheartened voters of the county's core (i.e. Toledo).
posted by GuestZero at 05:31 P.M. EST on Thu Feb 16, 2006 #
Did Sarantou and Copeland resign from Toledo City Council, so as to prove they are serious and confident about their bids for Lucas County Commissioner?
I heard Sarantou on Bob Frantz's show Thursday evening. I hope Lucas County bounces this guy out of the running in the primary. He doesn't deserve to get past May. He doesn't deserve to be on Toledo City Council.
GS said Thurber did a "disservice" to the party by not announcing her intentions earlier. GS claims Thurber should have informed people about her plans before this week.
Interesting statements coming Sarantou who obviously misled the voters last fall and is now doing a disservice by running for another office. In the past couple of weeks, GS has admitted that he has thought about running for other political offices before last November's election. So why didn't GS inform the public before the November election of his possible plans?
Where does Sarantou come off thinking it's okay for him to criticize Thurber, yet he doesn't think he's doing anything wrong by running for another office three months after being reelected to council. How can he do both tasks effectively?
I was a bit surprise Frantz didn't call out Sarantou on this and ask George if he's committing a disservice now. But then again, I didn't listen to the entire interview because I couldn't stand listening to the bs coming from GS.
If I had known GS was thinking about running for a different office three months after the election, I would not have voted for Sarantou last November. Gee, you suppose that's why he kept his plans secret and defrauded the public? He might not have been reelected to council if he was honest.
Copeland and Sarantou are two more examples of why people don't follow politics and don't vote. Bums like these two aren't worthy of the public's time. Like someone else said, the thing to do is to only vote for issues and ignore the candidates. Except this May. I'll vote against GS in spite.
My new voting guidelines. Vote for the issues only, but if you have to vote for a candidate, make it a spiteful vote against someone else. Make a mockery of the voting system, since the politicians are making a mockery of you and the democratic process.
And for the good of Lucas County, definitely vote against Sarantou and Copeland. Keep these bums caged in Toledo. Limit their harm.
posted by jr at 01:27 A.M. EST on Fri Feb 17, 2006 #
JR, I agree with you to some extent. Copeland is a joke. GS, on the other hand, is a viable republican candidate. Although I did not hear his interview on WSPD, he has served Toledo and wants his beliefs to be recognized by all of Lucas County. The parties work in mysterious ways (well, not really). As noted on Thurber's blog, she knew a long time ago that she wasn't going to run again, as did her party. The Republican party knew in December that she wasn't going to run again. My guess is that the Republicans approached GS in December and asked him to run. This is why rumors have suggested that he would run. Had Thurber stayed, I doubt he would have run against her. Further, GS ran for City Council long before the Republicans probably suggested that he run for County Commish. Of course, they don't tell us these things. Regardless, I think you are being too hasty in judging GS. I, myself, am entirely behind Konop because I believe in his vision, but I think that GS is probably the only viable candidate for the republicans. Also, I fear that you are reserved to give up two seats on coubcil. Two seats which Carty will have a say in. I agree, Carty is an idiot, but city council is much less powerful than county commish.
posted by junta330 at 02:30 A.M. EST on Fri Feb 17, 2006 #
"My guess is that the Republicans approached GS in December and asked him to run."
Not according to Sarantou.
George Sarantou was interviewed on Bob Frantz's Feb 8, 2006 "Eye on Toledo" show. My notes:
"GS said he was approached by "people" last summer and/or fall about the LCC position if MT doesn't run for re-election."
If WSPD or Bob Frantz would make available MP3 downloads of the show, that would help.
I thought I heard GS say again on Frantz's Feb 16 show that in March of 2005, his only office of choice was Toledo City Council. But that changed in April 2005 when the Noe stories broke.
It certainly seems Sarantou was considering another office before the November election. Other people definitely approached Sarantou about other politicals offices well before last December.
"This is why rumors have suggested that he would run."
I don't remember hearing anything in December about GS running for LCC, but I could have missed that bit of news. The first I heard of GS possibly running for LCC and abandoning his Toledo supporters was after this Jan 27 Blade story.
"Among the challengers eyeing her seat: Maumee Mayor Tim Wagener, lawyer Ben Konop, and Toledo City Councilman Phil Copeland, all Democrats, and George Sarantou, a Republican councilman from Toledo who said [Jan 26] he believes Ms. Thurber cannot win in November."
George said of Thurber:
"I do not think she can win this race."
While running for council reelection last fall, Sarantou was dishonest with the public by not admitting that he was giving thought to possibly running for commissioner or auditor in 2006. If politicans announce intentions for another office less than 12 months after their last general election, then they should be forced to resign from their current position.
Or if the politicians had any integrity or wanted to earn some, the politicians should voluntarily resign. Since neither option will happen, then the next thing is to make sure as many people as possible vote against Copeland and Sarantou. They have proven to be untrustworthy.
To hell with whatever party Sarantou and Copeland represent. What's more important to me is the fact that both are on Toledo City Council. Gerken and Wozniak are from Toledo City Council. No more. This is why the rest of Lucas County needs to wake up and make sure Copeland and Sarantou don't make it past the primary.
Gerken and Sarantou both voted for Toledo's 2003 strict smoking ban, which was overturned or ammended by voters in 2004. The voters said Sarantou and Gerken were wrong in their abuse of political power. The strict ban hurt small businesses in Toledo, and it hurt Toledo's tax revenue collections.
After the summer 2003 strict ban, people headed to businesses in the burbs. Toledo wanted the burbs to implement a ban too to make things fair. The burbs gave Toledo the middle finger. Who in the hell does Toledo think they are to tell the burbs how to conduct business?
And now Gerken is county commissioner and Sarantou could be as well? No frigging way.
posted by jr at 03:45 A.M. EST on Fri Feb 17, 2006 #
Again, I did not hear the interview on WSPD and was merely speculating. If what you say is correct about him thinking about running for LCC before the November election, then I agree with you. He should be forced to resign from his current position.
posted by junta330 at 04:38 P.M. EST on Fri Feb 17, 2006 #
Feb 17 Blade story about the May primary races.
Sarantou said:
"When Larry decided he would run for auditor, obviously I decided I would not run for auditor. Commissioner has always been my first preference."
I don't understand this choosing process for which political office to seek. Sarantou trivializes it. This isn't like trying to decide which movie to see. But that's what it sounds like. And we're suppose to take Sarantou serious?
Info about Sarantou's competition via psyche777's Glass City Jungle blog:
"Sylvania School Board Vice President Pam Haynam who became a board member in January 1998. She is the owner of a small technology consulting firm, and has over twenty-five years experience in Toledo's Fortune 500 companies. Ms. Haynam is a Miami University graduate with a B.S. in Applied Science. Ms. Haynam also holds an MBA in Finance from The University of Toledo. She actively volunteers in the school district and was Sylvania Schools 1997 Educator of the Year for Community Volunteerism."
posted by jr at 09:46 P.M. EST on Fri Feb 17, 2006 #
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