LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Toledo is more than bad videos

12/24/2013

In response to your Nov. 29 editorial “Video brand”: Four or five negative videos on YouTube do not change Toledo’s image. Prospective Toledo businesses and residents will not base their decision on these hastily prepared negative videos about our region.

Toledo’s reputation is rock-solid as a world-class manufacturing facility with superb universities, schools, and transportation options.

Toledo has the largest Rotary Club in Ohio, and the 12th-largest Rotary Club in the world. The Toledo Rotary Foundation is the seventh largest foundation among Rotary Clubs in the world, with assets of about $3 million.

The Toledo Rotary Club donated $300,000 to Metroparks of the Toledo Area to help establish a new downtown park called Middlegrounds, south of the Anthony Wayne Bridge. This new park will become a downtown attraction.

The Toledo Rotary Club is helping to promote a positive image of the city.

RIAZ CHAUDHARY
President Toledo Rotary Club North Summit Street

It’s time we stood up for the city
I appreciate Dennis Bova’s Dec. 19 op-ed column in which he stood up to Canadian TV personality Rick Mercer (“Slight Toledo? Cross the border and apologize, Rick Mercer”).

I have gotten upset about people slighting Toledo ever since John Denver’s song, “Saturday Night in Toledo, Ohio.” More people should stick up for our great city.

GAIL GUINN
West Alexis Road

 

Don’t apologize, just come visit
I am writing in response to the remark Mr. Mercer made to a freighter crew: “Enjoy Toledo. Better you than me.”

I do not demand an apology as Mr. Bova did, but I extend an invitation to the city for Mr. Mercer to film a segment for his TV show.

I am not one of the movers or shakers in Toledo. I am a longtime resident who was born here and like living here very much.

A world-class museum, a great zoo, an excellent Metroparks system, a wonderful public library system, and good restaurants are just a few of the reasons my husband and I love Toledo.

My husband and I would do whatever we can to make Mr. Mercer’s stay comfortable and worthwhile.

JANICE FLAHIFF
Lehman Avenue

 

No reason to be bored in Toledo
Rick Mercer doesn’t know what he is missing. As one of the many recent returnees to Toledo after 35 years in the Northeast, I can affirm that Toledo has so much to offer, so much to enjoy, so much in which to become involved.

The Blade and other local publications are filled every week with reports on what is happening in the city. There is no reason to be bored in Toledo.

Mr. Mercer and all those in Toledo who haven’t been paying attention to the city should take a closer look. Toledo is a fun and exciting city.

CATHERINE KANARY SCHREIN
Washington Street