During the Toledo mayoral campaign, much was made of the fact that both candidates were running as independents. D. Michael Collins won with strong support from the unholy trinity of Toledo politics — the Democratic Party, unions, and The Blade (“Mayor Collins: Keep your promises, lose the rancor,” op-ed column, Dec. 1). Now that the smoke has cleared, one has to ask: From what is Mr. Collins claiming to be independent?
In the short time since he won the election, Mr. Collins has resurrected former mayors Carty Finkbeiner and Jack Ford, along with their egos and myopic visions for this city. He has appointed assorted recycled politicians from the ranks of Democrats and local unions to serve on his transition team, act as his advisers, and serve on committees.
I am a former special education teacher. I frequently reminded my students that you can say or tell people anything, but you will be evaluated and judged by what you do.
GREG WHETSTONE
Bowen Road
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Commanders should be checked
In response to your Nov. 14 article “Screenings of top nuclear commanders to intensify; Applicants’ health records, Web presence face review”: I am a retired Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority driver who recalls that more than a few times, I was called off the bus for random drug and alcohol screening. To refuse the screening was grounds for dismisal.
As degrading as it was to produce a sample when summoned, such screening is an effective tool in keeping drunks and drug addicts from jeopardizing the safety of the public.
I would think that our Air Force’s top nuclear commanders should not object to random screenings in the best interest of our country.
CAROL HILL
Palmetto Avenue
Honor Flight workers saintly
At the United Methodist Church of St. Andrew on Heatherdowns Boulevard, several parishioners worked hard to cook a big breakfast for several hundred guests to raise funds for Honor Flight Northwest Ohio (“Church raises $14,685 to benefit Honor Flight,” Nov. 26).
This event proves what a few people can do to express our patriotism and help a great cause. With luck and the money collected, more veterans will make the trip to Washington to see the World War II Memorial.
My husband was fortunate to make that trip in April, 2012. He had a great time.
RITA LONGENECKER
Lambert Drive
What would Spiro Agnew say?
David Shribman’s Dec. 2 op-ed column, “In praise of Gerald Ford,” mentioned former Vice President Spiro Agnew, whose name brought back memories.
If Mr. Agnew were here today, he would look at the narrow-visioned, mean-spirited people of the Tea Party and — with apologies to cartoonist Walt Kelly — would say: I have met the nattering nabobs of negativism, and they are us.
WALTER SMITH
Dorr Street