Konop proposes Web link for city

4/30/2009

Toledo mayoral candidate Ben Konop yesterday told Start High School students of his plans to keep college students in Lucas County by helping them get jobs.

Mr. Konop's plan borrows from an idea used among colleges and universities in Philadelphia called "Campus Philly."

A Web site would connect Toledo-area colleges and universities and link students to job and internship opportunities in northwest Ohio. In addition, it would educate students about Toledo's social, cultural, and community volunteer activities.

For example, the site campusphilly.com prominently includes a link called "career postings."

"The model in the city of Philadelphia is mainly a private sponsorship," Mr. Konop said. "Obviously, there is a gain for the private sector having this network set up."

Mr. Konop, a Democrat in his first term as a Lucas County commissioner, is one of several candidates vying to replace Mayor Carty Finkbeiner when his third term ends this year. Mr. Finkbeiner, also a Democrat, is eligible to seek another term but hasn't said whether he'll do so.

Mr. Konop also elaborated on his proposal to fund a University of Toledo scholarship for high school graduates and displaced workers from savings worth $3.5 million a year in county operations.

Recipients would get the scholarship on condition of agreeing to work up to 2,000 hours of volunteer community service in Lucas County after graduation.