Krompak, Steingraber

4/6/2010

Dan Steingraber

The Blade/Jetta Fraser
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Six Democrats and three Republicans would like to be your next Lucas County commissioner. Only two, one from each party, will survive the May 4 primary ballot to square off in the November general election. That response to the call to public service demands voters' attention.

In the aftermath of the worst recession in more than 70 years, it has become evident that the old days of nepotism, political patronage, and provincialism in county government must end. The economic future of Lucas County depends on regional cooperation, mutual understanding, and acceptance of new ideas and economic opportunities. It will take energy, independence, and vision to turn that future into reality.

The six candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for county commissioner include a former member of Toledo City Council, a sitting Sylvania Township trustee, a retired professor, a retired public health administrator, a young political strategist, and an attorney connected by marriage to a prominent political family. They are all solid candidates who care about Lucas County's future.

It will take a special person to push needed change without alienating the two sitting Democratic commissioners, both of whom have strong associations with traditional party politics and labor unions. BEN KROMPAK says he is that person, and we are inclined to agree.

Mr. Krompak, a 28-year-old community consultant, has experience working with Republicans and Democrats on issues such as green jobs and the Lucas County Arena, but he has not been around politics long enough to have become jaded. He promises to be an independent voice for all of Lucas County and a strong proponent of regional cooperation that provides tangible benefits while safeguarding local control.

We believe he has the energy and the vision to help lead Lucas County into a better future. Therefore, we urge voters to choose BEN KROMPAK as the Democratic nominee for Lucas County commissioner.

Three names appear on the Republican primary ballot: a Springfield Township trustee, a Toledo city councilman, and a businessman with expertise in real estate. Only one, we believe, displays the potential to get things done as the only Republican on a board dominated by two Democrats. That candidate is DAN STEINGRABER.

Mr. Steingraber is a newcomer to politics. He's fiscally conservative, but not an ideologue; business-friendly, but not blindly averse to regulation. He believes change is necessary if Lucas County is to avert steady economic decline.

The way to accomplish change, Mr. Steingraber says, is to win over others to your ideas through the strength of your arguments. He would bring common sense and logical thinking to the board without being a headline grabber.

As an East Toledo native who lives in Oregon, he understands that many communities don't trust county government. They see the commissioners as another aspect of a Toledo-centric political culture. He aims to change that by building trust through mutually beneficial relationships with outlying communities.

For these reasons, Republicans should nominate DAN STEINGRABER for Lucas County commissioner.