LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
New mayor showing union slant
1/14/2014Toledo Mayor D. Michael Collins is no independent, because he paid back the unions that supported him in big ways (“City team includes 2 top union officials,” Jan. 4).
I wouldn’t be surprised if the public employee unions get back all they lost under former mayor Mike Bell, and then some.
Did Mark Sobczak, the new commissioner of human resources, and Alan Cox, the new commissioner of housing, retire from their high-paying union jobs? If not, Christmas 2014 really came early for them. Who says politics in Toledo doesn’t pay?
CLYDE APPLEBY
Ottawa Hills
Collins appointees are uninspiring
So far, Mayor Collins seems to show with his appointees that he intends to surround himself with political cronies, campaign officials with no business experience, and those who will rubber-stamp his views of how the city should be run (“Collins’ odyssey: The White House, Harvard — and back to Toledo,” op-ed column, Dec. 22).
Mr. Collins’ appointment of police Lt. William Moton as police chief was as a caretaker to pacify the rank and file who preferred that Derrick Diggs continue as chief.
Mr. Collins’ selection of his mayoral campaign manager, Stephen Leggett, to be commissioner of special projects in the Department of Public Services raises the question of political payback. Although Mr. Leggett seems to be bright, he lacks business experience.
These actions do not give one reason to be optimistic about the future of Toledo. The last person to leave the city should please turn out the lights.
GEORGE MEADE
Perrysburg Township
Mayor, council revive Dark Ages
Mayor Collins and our union-selected City Council will bring us back to the Dark Ages of a union-controlled city (“Collins: Chief is hindering transition,” Jan. 1).
I love this city. To have a council composed of puppets and a mayor who can be like a dictator probably won’t attract new residents.
CHRISTOPHER KNEE
Radford Drive
Thanks, but no on police suggestions
Thank goodness The Blade provided police strategy to Mayor Collins, a former police officer, and to police Chief Moton in the Dec. 23 editorial, “Copping out.” I am sure these two ex-Marines are grateful for tips on police work from the editorial staff of The Blade — but frankly, I don’t think they need your help.
CAPT. JEFF HENNESSY (retired)
Toledo Police Department
Grantwood Drive