Campos joins race for District 2 post

6/21/2007

Mario Campos will announce his candidacy today for Toledo City Council's District 2 seat, which represents a portion of the south end.

He will enter a jam-packed race as an independent to replace Republican Rob Ludeman, who has reached the three-term limit.

Mr. Campos, 39, of 3717 Beechway Blvd., a native Toledoan, works as a sales manager with Lowe's.

He hopes to make Toledo more attractive to business, especially to businesses in the alternative energy industry. "Right now, a lot of big business doesn't feel welcome in Toledo," he said.

Mr. Campos believes Toledo also could invest in the alternative energy industry through research programs at the University of Toledo.

Mr. Campos is the son of Maria Sue Campos, a Toledo social activist who was director of migrant and low-income affairs at the Economic Opportunity Planning Association for 29 years.

He graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School and Quincy University, Quincy, Ill., and served in the Army.

He credits his time in the military with giving him the worldly experiences that will enable him to benefit Toledo.

"I'm a fresh face," he said, "but I have a wealth of experience."

Jeff Simpson, of 1144 Amanda Circle; Joanna Baron, of 2404 Cheyenne Blvd.; Bob Vasquez, of 2156 Plum Leaf Lane; James Mohn, of 1115 Metcalf Rd.; Ed Cichy, of 1926 South Byrne Rd., and Michelle Wagner, of 4371 Beverly Drive, also are collecting signatures for a possible District 2 run.

Karen Shanahan, of 3633 Denise Drive, and Steve Leggett, of 4130 South Detroit Ave., already have filed petitions for District 2 candidacy.