LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
City utility funds used improperly?
8/12/2013Your July 28 article “Tough choices saved Toledo from fiscal crisis” quotes Mayor Mike Bell as saying that he used capital- improvement and water and sewer funds to meet the city’s 2010 fiscal crisis.
Customers of Toledo’s water and sewer services reasonably expect that the fees they pay are set aside for repairs to, and replacement of, existing plant and equipment. Toledo is responsible to the users of its utilities for the prudent use of the funds it collects, free of cronyism and alternative uses.
Perhaps it is time to create an independent authority to own and operate Toledo’s water and sewer facilities.
JOHN SCHALLES
Ottawa Hills
‘Fiscal crisis’ story raises questions
Why did Mayor Bell dip into the water and sewer funds while letting the water treatment plant deteriorate?
Why are so many businesses leaving Toledo? What can we do to stop this exodus and attract new employers?
Why does Toledo have so many vacant and deteriorating houses? Instead of demolishing vacant buildings, couldn’t the city find ways to rehabilitate at least the better ones by offering incentives?
KARL FILZER, SR.
111th Street
Column doesn’t pass ‘smell test’
Columnist Keith Burris’ statement that Lucas County Auditor Anita Lopez’s staffers contributing to her Toledo mayoral campaign doesn’t pass the “smell test” is laughable (“Lopez’s negatives mounting,” commentary, July 23).
Do the other candidates’ staffers not contribute to campaigns? Or do their wealthy contributors decline to take a pay cut to work for the government?
Mr. Burris stated that neither Ms. Lopez nor evidently any of her staff has broken any laws. Do other officials’ staff not receive promotions and raises?
Singling out one candidate for what all do doesn’t pass the smell test. Point out those workers who haven’t done the jobs for which they were paid.
Toledo could do far worse than elect a candidate who, in Mr. Burris’ words, has a “true passion for the city, an impressive resume, and … has overcome a lot.”
Electing only wealthy politicians who have never faced adversity leads to policies such as trickle-down economics and corporate welfare.
STEPHEN PETERSON
Bowling Green
Weiner should quit NYC race
It is inconceivable that Anthony Weiner thinks he can run for mayor of New York City with all of his past transgressions and admitted sexual problems (“Just go, Mr. Weiner,” editorial, July 29). He is sick. His wife sticks by him, though.
EDMUND TAYLOR
Sylvania Township