2009 brings more economic and social challenges than any year in decades. Locally, we are not immune to the downs and downs of the current economy. As we barrel toward Toledo’s mayoral election, it is crucially important that we meet and understand the people who are stepping forward to seek the office of mayor.

So far, only Keith Wilkowski and Jim Moody have declared their candidacies, but there are another half-dozen contenders in the wings — including the potential incumbent. During the next several months, Toledo Free Press will publish in-depth cover story profiles of the candidates. Before the primary, our Web site will feature a special section compiling these in-depth profiles, so Toledo voters will have a concentrated place to learn about the backgrounds and beliefs of the candidates at their own time and pace. It will be a comprehensive collection of articles, leading into the mayoral debates we are sponsoring at the Downtown Toledo-Lucas County Public Library. A pre-primary debate is scheduled for Sept. 8. A pre-election debate is scheduled for Oct. 27. Wilkowski has tentatively agreed to appear at the pre-primary debate; we are awaiting word from Moody.

Sorry, Opal Covey fans, but the immediate plan is to focus on more serious, albeit less entertaining, candidates.

Thomas F. Pounds is president and publisher of Toledo Free Press. Contact him at tpounds@toledofreepress.com.

This entry was posted on Friday, February 13th, 2009 at 1:42 am and is filed under Opinion, Publisher's Statement.
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