Carty Finkbeiner has served in various Toledo public offices for 22 years. A native of the city, Finkbeiner grew up in the city’s Westmoreland historic district before entering city politics as a City Councilman for eight years, vice mayor for two years and mayor for 12 years.

During his political career Finkbeiner served as a Republican, a Democrat and an Independent. His mayoral administration, meanwhile, has earned even measures of celebration and scorn in the wake of successes and scandals. Fresh off his July 13 letter declaring he will not seek a fourth term as Toledo’s mayor, Finkbeiner spoke with Toledo Free Press via phone about his time in office.

Toledo Free Press: What legacy will you have in the city of Toledo?

Carty Finkbeiner: That will be up to others to determine. I think the building accomplishments my administration has made will hopefully speak for themselves. I am also very proud we have a very safe city and that crime has been reduced over the last three and a quarter years by 18 percent.

TFP: Do you have any unfinished business?

CF: I would love to be able to complete the Marina District but that will take somewhere between six and 10 years. I would like to see the Intermodal we are working on in the present time get constructed. We are tearing down the Southwick Mall and I would like to see new buildings go up there. Those are three specific things I would like to cut the ribbons off and put the finishing touches on.

TFP: Given your Democratic affiliation, will you endorse Democratic mayoral candidates Keith Wilkowski or Ben Konop?

CF: I do not plan on endorsing anyone between now and the September primary. There are some good men and one good woman attempting to get their message out there and I will not impede that process.

TFP: What has inspired your loyalty to the city of Toledo?

CF: I like the down-to-Earth honesty and genuineness of the people of Toledo. I don’t think even my critics believe I am an insincere or phony person. I like people that are straightforward and down-to-Earth and tell you they like you if they like you and tell you they don’t like you if they don’t like you. Those are people I respect and those I have the greatest fondness for in the city of Toledo.

My folks blessed me by raising me in Westmoreland which remains a great neighborhood today. From the very beginning being born and raised in Westmoreland, through my education and vocational experiences, I really have had a chance to be a part of every neighborhood in the city of Toledo. I feel extremely comfortable and at-home in any neighborhood in Toledo.

I like the fact Toledo is central to so many wonderful Midwestern communities and the water of the Great Lakes too.

I am a great believer in Toledo, the region and the Midwest in general.

This entry was posted on Monday, July 13th, 2009 at 3:09 pm and is filed under 2009 Race for Mayor, Community.
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