Toledo mayoral hopefuls outline proposals; Konop aims to help railroads; Bell wants regional water pact

I'm still playing catch up, so please bear with me ;-)

In this Toledo Blade article published on June 8th, "Toledo mayoral hopefuls outline proposals; Konop aims to help railroads; Bell wants regional water pact" there is some interesting campaign information on the Toledo Mayoral candidates. Let's explore them.


Note: As I don't consider “young Ben” to be a viable candidate, I'll concentrate on Mike Bell in this post.

If, because of some stupid voter quirk, “young Ben” happens to become a viable candidate despite his promise to finish out his full term as a Lucas Co. Commissioner, I'll cross this bridge when it crashes...



”Mr. Bell said, "The city of Toledo should not sell its water system - this is a valuable asset that our taxpayers have built and maintained over generations, and we should never give it up,"

Which I heartily agree with. Selling of our water system, to anyone, would eventually raise the spectre of inflated water costs, especially if it were sold to a “for profit” entity.


”But Toledo's water system has plenty of unused capacity, and selling water to the region can be an important source of revenue to the city budget."

Yes we have unused capacity, during non drought conditions.

I still remember Summers where water usage was rationed; even days, even side of the street, odd days, the odd side of the street.

But our capacity to filter, treat and pump has lessened that probability.

In either case, the drought scenario should be studied carefully be studied, before over extending a promise that we cannot keep.


”He said a new water compact would replace the current system of water deals, which he called "inconsistent and arbitrary."

A water compact, based on all affected/included municipalities, wit everyone having an equal voice would go a long way towards a beginning of establishing trust; something that is non existent today. And, once we have trust, the door to cooperation opens.


”He said a public meeting on water rates in Rossford recently revealed how neighboring communities are looking at other options for water.”
I'm betting that this meeting confirmed what Mike already knew.
And, if anyone knows about building trust/cooperation, it's Mike, IMNHO...


Disclosure:
I used to work for Mike and I know/understand his approach to things and how he manages and will lead, that's also why I'm going to vote for him.

IOW, I've seen Mike in action and I REALLY like his style.

(I know that I am repeating the obvious, but I don't wish to conceal my connection to any candidate, lest I be chastised for omitting these facts.)

BTW, I was a Fire Civilian under Mike for ~12 years.