Business owner Sandy Spang announces run for Toledo Council seat

4/5/2013

Toledo business owner Sandy Spang today officially kicked off her candidacy for one of six at-large seats on Toledo City Council.

Ms. Spang, 53, took out petitions at the Lucas County Board of Elections. She said she would run as an independent.

She was joined by the three councilmen who supported her unsuccessful bid for appointment to a vacancy on council in January - Republicans Tom Waniewski and Rob Ludeman and independent D. Michael Collins.

Ms. Spang said her focus would be on small business incubation, especially in under-served neighborhoods.

"Too often, economic salvation is seen only in terms of a large, outside industry coming to Toledo. Corporations, however, do not invest in communities in order to rescue them. They look for well-run cities with a skilled, collaborative labor force and compelling quality of life amenities including a vibrant arts scene, interesting local businesses and thriving neighborhoods. We need to maximize our outstanding physical and human resources to be just such a city; and by doing so, we will raise the quality of life for every citizen,” Ms. Spang said.

A resident of 2055 Wildwood Blvd. in South Toledo, Mrs. Spang is a graduate of Bowling Green State University. She and her husband, Mark Spang are the parents of three children and own Plate 21 coffeehouse on Rugby Drive and 39 residential and 12 commercial real estate units.

Her community activities have included serving on the rebuilding committee for the burned First Alliance Church near downtown Toledo, completing the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce's 2013 Leadership Academy, and serving on the Future of Toledo: Eliminating Blight and Repurposing Land Committee, a group established by Mayor Mike Bell.

On the ballot this fall are the six at-large seats held by Democrats Adam Martinez, Steve Steel, Joe McNamara, and Shaun Enright and Republicans George Sarantou and Mr. Ludeman. Mr. Martinez, Mr. Steel, and Mr. Ludeman are expected to seek re-election. Mr. Enright, who won the January appointment, is expected to run to retain his seat. Mr. McNamara is giving up council to run for mayor and Mr. Sarantou is prohibited by term limits from running again.

Other candidates who have pulled petitions and signed the Lucas County Board of Elections' candidates' book, although it is not required, are Mr. Martinez, Mr. Steel and Frank E. Wollenbecker, Jr., of East Toledo, who is politically unaffiliated. Former Toledo Mayor Jack Ford, a Democrat, has also announced his candidacy. Candidates must file at least 250 valid voter signatures by July 12. 

Contact Tom Troy at tomtroy@theblade.com or 419-724-6058.