I am writing to encourage you to get involved on any level with the process of selecting a new Mayor for Toledo. In these difficult times when many of us may feel unable to affect change in national politics, the banks or to get the sluggish economy moving we can make a difference in our local government.
Due to the unforeseeable death of Sharon Branstiter as Mayor in April 2007 we have had three Mayors (Jim Chambers, Rod Cross, Monica Lyons) in four years. Due to health reasons Monica has recently resigned and the city council will be looking to fill the Mayor’s seat without any election and possibly very little input from the public unless all of us start getting involved.
Currently two city council members have been placed on the council who were not voted into office. One of these candidates was the only applicant to apply, essentially giving the city council very little options in the selection process. I also understand that a city councilor will be vacating their seat this spring when they will be moving out of the area.
Essentially within a few months we could be looking at having a Mayor and three of the six city council members NOT being elected officials. The possibility of potentially having a Mayor and half of the city council selected by six or less people without any input from the community raises concerns. It seems questionable at the least and could produce unforeseen consequences for the community of Toledo on down the road.
Some of you may be facing barriers that you feel stop you from getting involved such as work, raising a family, over committed to civic organizations or even a lack of energy due to the aging process. Some of you may say “I don’t live within the city limits of Toledo or my politics are different than others.” But if you’ve ever shopped in Toledo, used the recreational facilities including the pool or library, attended any of the Toledo community events (Thursday Markets, Summer Festival, Wooden Boat Show, Quilt Quest, Artwalk, Antique Festival & Car Show, etc.), or enjoyed the beautification of Toledo through flower baskets and public art then you do have an invested interest in how the city of Toledo works.
You may have agreed or disagreed with Sharon Branstitier’s politics. But she was a local person with local history who was highly visible, sought input and involvement from people in and around the surrounding Toledo community. She worked hard to represent all of us no matter our differences and to promote the city of Toledo. She believed in perseverance, patience and the power of one person to make a difference. If Sharon were still here she would tell you to get involved and to make a difference.
Decisions will be made soon on how to select a Mayor or possibly one or two city council members again. I am assuming that a plan to select a new Mayor will be either discussed at the city councils monthly work session on Tuesday, January 10th at 6:15 or at the next city council meeting on Wednesday, January 18th starting at 7:00. Both are open to the public and I am encouraging you to get involved by any of the following ways:
· Contact city hall at 541-336-2247, extension 202 to ask when the process of selecting a new Mayor will be on the agenda? Will it be discussed at Tuesday’s work session or next week’s city council meeting? Ask how you might give input or plan to attend one or both of these meetings.
· Email Michelle Amberg city manager and all the city councilors to give your input on the process. Their names and email addresses are listed below:
· Pass this email on to other friends, relatives, Toledo community citizens or others outside of the city limits who frequent the businesses, enjoyed the activities or benefit from any of the services provided by the city of Toledo.
Email addresses:
Michelle Amberg (City Manager)
Mark Camara
Jack Dunaway
Nancy Lynne
Franki Trujillo-Dalbey
Ralph Grutzmacher
Jill Lyon
Sandy Blackman, Toledo
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