Toledo Chamber of Commerce endorses Bell for mayor

9/30/2013
BY TOM TROY
BLADE POLITICS WRITER

The Toledo Chamber of Commerce today endorsed incumbent Mayor Mike Bell for re-election, along with candidates for Toledo Board of Education and Toledo City Council.

Mr. Bell, a political independent, is seeking re-election in the Nov. 5 election against Councilman D. Michael Collins, also an independent.

Ben Brown, chairman of the Chamber’s Leadership Fund political action committee, said the fund endorses candidates who it believes would promote a “pro-business and job-provider climate” and whose election can be helped by the Chamber’s backing.

Mr. Brown said the chamber will invite its endorsed candidates to chamber events and contribute money to their campaign accounts, though he could not say how much. In 2009, Mr. Bell received a $10,000 contribution from the Chamber.

Also endorsed were city council candidates Republican incumbent Rob Ludeman; Democratic incumbent Adam Martinez; Democrat Larry Sykes; independent Sandy Spang, and Republican Jim Nowak for six at-large seats on council.

The Chamber backed incumbent Bob Vasquez and challenger Tina Henold for three Toledo school board seats.