Bell is right for Toledo right now
Written by Ben Brown | | lettertfp@toledofreepress.comJobs and prosperity are the top issues in the campaign for Mayor of Toledo. As the region’s leading business organization, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is committed to improving our business climate. But we are at a tipping point. This is a crucial time for our city and region.
That is why the Leadership Fund, a Political Action Committee of the Toledo Chamber, has voted to endorse Mike Bell to be the next mayor of Toledo.
The City of Toledo is the center of Northwest Ohio. What happens in Toledo affects the business climate throughout the region. It is time for strong leadership, a mayor who listens to the concerns of the business community and acts on them. We believe Bell is the best person to lead the effort that will turn Toledo around.
The Leadership Fund met with all the candidates for mayor of Toledo numerous times since January. This extensive interview process addressed various issues affecting the business climate and those specifically facing small business owners. These companies that provide jobs for our region have strong concerns about the declining economy and population and lack of opportunity in Toledo. After the primary, we interviewed the two remaining candidates and focused on their specific economic development plans.
From those interviews, we reached the conclusion that Bell is the right candidate for Toledo right now. His plan is ambitious and visionary, but focused on what we need to accomplish to make Toledo not just survive, but thrive again. Bell’s experience in managing opposing views, yet bringing people to a common consensus is exactly what is needed now. We are past the time of arguing and political power plays. It is time for all the community — elected officials, job providers and the citizens — to work together to bring jobs and prosperity back to our region.
As business owners and employers, we strive for success. For our region to be successful and move forward, we need to create a positive business climate. We need to create an environment in which businesses are welcomed and encouraged to establish and grow. We need positive leadership that understands the necessity of empowering, not impeding business development.
The Leadership Fund endorses Mike Bell as the leader who will take the region forward.
Ben Brown is chairman of the Leadership Fund.
I will definitely be voting for Bell, as ol’ Wilk obviously shares too many beliefs with his hero, Barack Obama, which could only lead me to believe that he would run Toledo into the ground while further corrupting the political machine, just as Obama has done on a national level.
This comment was posted on October 17th, 2009 at 10:41 amMike Bell, has definitely lead men…a very positive fact, indeed . Something NO MAYOR in this GOD FORSAKEN, City has ever done prior to becoming Mayor!( modern history ie.) How though, will he be able to handle the militant unions and their insanely over-compensated members /officials ? The union officials are very good at bleating their case for greater wages and benefits from a populace that is ( or was) mostly union folks themselves! And, all the while…the taxpayer base is shrinking like a grape in the RED HOT SUN ! An interesting phenomenon may occur where the citizens of Little Detroit, just may have a politician who works for them and, not the Yellow Blade and unions ! I Toll the Bell…for Mike !!And, of course…PRAY !!
This comment was posted on October 20th, 2009 at 1:35 pmIn Detroit, Dave Bing invited many unions to a “come to Jesus meeting.”
This comment was posted on October 21st, 2009 at 11:06 amMike has a positive vision for the future of our city. He is what he is, just a home town boy with a love and passion for his town. He wants to see our city back on the map as a wonderful place to live and raise a family. If we don’t turn things around in Toledo, people will leave for other places to find job’s. If you have ever seen Mike out in public, people gravitate to him. He is very well accepted by all races. That speak volumes of the type of man he is. He has an even temper and can evaluate all situations without loosing his composure. That’s what we need. A leader who is stable, knowledgeable and informed of what the citizen need and want.
This comment was posted on October 24th, 2009 at 5:05 amIf you want a better Toledo, then get out their and Vote for Mike.