LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
TARTA on board to lift regio
2/4/2014The Jan. 19 op-ed column by Jeff Gerritt, The Blade’s deputy editorial page editor, “Toledo is losing the branding battle,” pointed out a few of the things that make the Toledo region livable and challenged the community to improve.
I agree that the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority needs to be even more involved as the Toledo region promotes itself. I believe an interconnected public transit system is truly one of our area’s best assets.
With the demands of the Toledo region to attract business, talent, and people to become a stronger, happier, healthier, and more active community, TARTA is up to the challenge.
STEVE ATKINSON
Marketing Director
Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority
West Central Avenue
Resources will boost Toledo
Toledo officials want to promote the area to foreign investors, re-energize our manufacturing capability, and revitalize our financial status. But the city doesn’t need to spend taxpayers’ money on a marketing firm that doesn’t know Toledo. The answer is right under our feet.
Why was Toledo once known for making scales, and why was it once known as the glass capital of the world? Because all the resources necessary for the successful manufacture and distribution of these necessities were available in volume and close proximity. They still are.
Contemporary business has finally become aware that just because labor is cheaper elsewhere, political, economic, and educational stability might not be up to par for exploiting someone else’s resources.
So why not approach the scale and glass makers that were once here, and others, and lure them back with incentives? Even if only one comes back, it’s a start — without overspending and relying on a foreign investor.
ALAN BUCK, SR.
Jackman Road
Broad input a must for branding
A committee should ask ordinary residents and other interested parties to submit their ideas and sponsor a brainstorming session for people to add to others’ ideas.
And The Blade should stop always seeking the negative slant on local happenings.
KENNETH PAUKEN
Gronlund Circle
Conflict ruins Ohio Democrats
Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern wonders why Toledo did not elect a Democratic mayor (“State Dems bet on lingering ire for gains,” Jan. 13). Two reasons: a defective candidate vetting process and a conflicted local party that refused to make a pre-primary endorsement.
Ohio gubernatorial candidate Ed FitzGerald’s first running mate was proven financially embarrassing. And there were questions about Lucas County Auditor Anita Lopez’s finances when she ran for mayor of Toledo.
Ohio Democratic Party conflict means a victory for independents.
MARY JANE KELLY
Erie, Mich.