Bell, other regional leaders back Issue 1

4/30/2010

Toledo Mayor Mike Bell joined several other officials from Lucas and Wood counties yesterday to urge voters to support Issue 1 on the Tuesday ballot.

The issue would allow the state of Ohio to issue bonds for the development of startup advanced technology businesses, Mr. Bell said.

The proponents for the issue made their plea during a news conference at Willard & Kelsey Solar Group LLC in Perrysburg.

"This is quite a success story in northwest Ohio, but it is a steadily growing industry across the state," Mr. Bell said.

"Issue 1 is necessary to keep the momentum going for projects like research going on at BGSU and UT, the incubator and the photovoltaics cluster - all of which are contributing new business and jobs for the region for workers of all skill levels and varying interests."

Renewal of the "Third Frontier initiative" will provide vital support for research, development, and commercialization of advanced technologies around the state, he added.

Perrysburg Mayor Nelson Evans, UT President Dr. Lloyd Jacobs, Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority President Paul Toth, Wood County Commissioner Tim Brown, and Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken were among those supporting the measure.

Third Frontier was conceived under former Republican Gov. Bob Taft and continued by Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland.

Since it began, Third Frontier has invested more than $500 million in emerging technologies.