Once again, Toledo Mayor Mike Bell has headed to China in an effort to attract jobs and investors (“Bell, on 4th trip to China, visits trade area near Hong Kong,” Nov. 16). While his intentions are good, the economic impact of locally owned small businesses far exceeds any prospect that may be attracted to our area from China.
Yet for all of the fanfare surrounding the mayor’s periodic trips to China, the needs of small business in Toledo are largely ignored.
The mayor, City Council, economic development authorities, and the numerous city departments that oversee zoning and construction in the Toledo area are out of touch with the challenges that face small businesses.
There is no advocate in city government, no forum for discussion, no ombudsman, and no clear channel of communication to assist with the needs of small business.
Mayor Bell should give consideration to the needs of local small businesses. The glory of China is appealing, but the guts of those already here matter most.
JOEL BEREN
Ottawa Hills
Editor’s note: The writer is president of Cherry Picked Auto Parts in Toledo.
Late-night hoops not the solution
I grew up in a neighborhood that produced many fine athletes who seldom got into trouble with the law; the non-athlete got into trouble (“Program aims to keep youth from violence; Late-night games to run nightly in city,” Nov. 1).
Late-night basketball is wrong because the non-athlete who is a potential criminal will not be interested in playing. There must be another way to attract the non-athlete.
LOUIS AGOSTON
Dover Place
‘Thank you’ must turn into help
I am a military veteran who did not celebrate Veterans Day. A few years ago, like many other Americans, I lost my job. I have been unable to find employment.
Vietnam veterans know that China helped the enemy, and now we have sent China our jobs and borrow their money.
I wish that a small amount of the “thanks for your service” gestures would develop into assistance for those veterans who are in need, before they are broke and homeless.
JOHN WALLACE
Springfield Township
Other Vietnamfigure too busy?
President Obama is considering U.S. Sen. John Kerry as his new Defense secretary (“Kerry eyed as next defense chief,” Nov. 13). Is Jane Fonda too busy?
DEBRA BOWSER
Swanton