Toledo has taken a bold step forward by electing Mike Bell, an independent with a 2-to-1 disadvantage in campaign funds, to the office of strong mayor of Toledo. Voters who took a chance for change by voting for Mr. Bell should be proud of themselves. They have shown for the first time in recent memory that the Democratic political machine that has controlled our destiny for years can be overcome and defeated.
Toledo voters should be ashamed of the low turnout at the polls. One year ago, Toledo and Lucas County helped to elect President Obama in a landslide. Where were all these fired-up voters on Election Day 2009? It makes you wonder what exactly was important to these people. Why did they vote last year so enthusiastically, but chose to sit home this year?
According to the official count, only 33 percent of registered voters turned out in Toledo, and just 36 percent in Lucas County. That "hope and change" idea won't last too long if all you are going to do is vote whenever the next presidential candidate of color appears on the ballot. Voting should be a privilege and a responsibility, not a "scheme" to get one person elected to a high office.
Mike McMahon
Robinwood AvenueSelf-sacrificing leader at OSU
As a 2001 graduate of the University of Toledo, I have much pride in the institution and am not one to shower praise liberally on its in-state competitors. But the decision by Ohio State University President Gordon Gee to donate his annual bonus to a scholarship fund (The Blade, Oct. 30) is commendable. It shows exactly the kind of self-sacrifice and administrative leadership that is sorely needed in these challenging times for higher education.Will Fischer
West Village DriveA bright idea: donate light bulbs
FirstEnergy Corp. is sitting on 3.75 million compact fluorescent lightbulbs that they want to sell us for the price of $3.50 apiece. These bulbs can be purchased at home stores for about $1.75 each. Shouldn't they have waited before buying bulbs to have their plan approved by the PUCO?
Not only does FirstEnergy want to get into the lightbulb business, but they want to charge us 60 cents a month for three years for delivery and a "lost revenue" fee.
What's next? Is Columbia Gas going to sell us 95 percent efficient furnaces at twice the price we could buy them for in a store, and then charge us $50 a month to cover their lost revenue from our gas savings?
FirstEnergy, why not donate the bulbs to low-income people or sell them at cost?
Mark Ridenour
Edgebrook DriveToledo embraces Mike Bell
Welcome home, Michael
Bell!
GEORGE WEIDNER
Barrows Street
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