Seven bite-size Lemmon Drops to nibble on while rooting for Danica Patrick in the Indianapolis 500:
His popularity is at its peak now, 3 1/2 years after leaving office. If he doesn't run, he will be considered one of Toledo's greatest mayors right up there with Samuel "Golden Rule" Jones.
But if he gives in to political temptation, he risks ruining his legacy.
The expectations for Carty II are way too high. And they simply aren't realistic: Some people are convinced, for example, that Owens-Illinois Inc. would not be moving to Perrysburg Township if he were still in office.
Lest we forget Toledo once suffered from "Carty Fatigue." That's one reason why Jack Ford, his successor and probable opponent should he run, was able to deflect criticism early on he flashed his "I'm Not Carty" pass.
Mr. Finkbeiner left office on a high note because Toledo voters gave the green light to the Marina District a few months before the end of his second four-year term. The city had momentum, and he deserved credit for creating it.
Mr. Finkbeiner is a rare politician in that he became more popular after leaving office. The same thing happened to Jimmy Carter.
The filing deadline for the mayoral race is July 15. Will Mr. Finkbeiner decide to satisfy his ego or preserve his legacy?
Rossford is reaching out to Northwood and Lake Township, among others, to examine the feasibility of creating a joint recreation district.
I hesitate saying this, because petty provincialism supersedes practicality in northwest Ohio, but we might be taking baby steps toward a "uni-gov" system.
What they conveniently forget to mention is that the gambling-related measures were voted on long before casinos came to Detroit and started draining money from Ohio. It's a completely different environment now.
If it makes the ballot in November, the determining factor will be whether voters see it more as a "moral" issue or an "economic development" issue. My guess is that it'll be the latter.