The Primary Election results are in, and we now know who is advancing to the General Election.

First I would like to thank God for giving me peace that sustained me throughout this campaign. I would like to thank my wife and family for their support, as I worked long hours on the campaign trail. I thank those who endorsed my campaign, The Toledo Journal, Midwest Urban, Attorney Lafe Tolliver, former Mayor Jack Ford, and Owens Community College Professor & former Sylvania Police Chief Wayne Seely. A special thanks to all my supporters and the 3,717 people who voted for me.

I entered the race for City Council for that factory worker who lost their job. For that single-parent mother who is struggling to raise her children. For that homeless man eating out of the trash. For that child afraid to play in the neighborhood park. Toledo needs a change, as government solely exists to serve all people. This campaign has been about redefining politics and giving people a voice again. While I did not win the election, I am encouraged and I want the citizens to know that I will continue to work on your behalf. I will continue to work to ensure that everyone is represented in government decisions regardless of gender, regardless of race, regardless of social status…I dream of the day when we can live in peace, be able to be safe in our homes, and have equal rights to economic opportunity and education. We must create a community for all people, and this requires a Servant Leadership approach to government. The greatest leader forgets himself and attends to the development of others.

Congratulations to the Mayoral and Council Candidates who are advancing to the General Election: Keith Wilkowski, Mike Bell, Rob Ludeman, George Sarantou, Joe McNamara, Phillip Copeland, Steven Steel, Polly Taylor-Gerken, Adam Martinez, Kevin Milliken, Constantine Stamos, Terry Shankland, Tricia Lyons, and Terry Biel.

To all the Mayoral and City Council Candidates: Each one of you please hold your head up high. It takes a special person to want to run for public office. It shows that you are passionate and committed to the city. Each one of you have something to contribute, and I thank you for your efforts and willingness to serve.

Stephen Ward may be reached by email at: pastorsmward@yahoo.com.

This entry was posted on Friday, September 25th, 2009 at 12:00 am and is filed under Guest Opinion, Opinion.
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