2 on TPS board say no to run for Toledo City Council

11/15/2010

Mr. Vasquez and Ms. Sobecki held a news conference at the TPS administration building, 420 East Manhattan Blvd., in an attempt to quash speculation that they would leave the financially troubled school district.

As a result of the Nov. 2 election, Councilman George Sarantou, a Republican, will move to the Lucas County Board of Commissioners and Democrat Michael Ashford will represent the Ohio 48th House District.

"I decided I was not going to because I am committed to TPS … and continue working for transformational change in the district," Mr. Vasquez said in an interview later.

Mr. Vasquez and Ms. Sobecki said the speculation about their potential candidacy was diverting attention from their work.

"The fact that people were using my name as a possible candidate for the position was a distraction and I wanted to put that to rest," said Mr. Vasquez, who was elected to the school board in 2005.

Ms. Sobecki said she was flattered people thought she could step into the role.

She said she took it as a vote of confidence that "they have that kind of faith in me."

"The first and foremost thing on my plate is I have a $39 million deficit to deal with," said Ms. Sobecki, who was elected to the school board in 2007.

"That is what my focus is on," she said. "I want to make sure … people don't have to worry that we are jumping ship."

The Lucas County Democratic Party has asked potential candidates to apply for two vacancies by Thursday.

Both seats are expected to be filled by Democrats because that party has a majority on the 12-member City Council.

Contact Jim Sielicki at:

jsielicki@theblade.com

or 419-724-6050.