Wilkowski & Konop at Block Watch meeting last night…
It’s not mentioned in the coverage on WTVG but two Mayoral candidates were at last night’s Block Watch in North Toledo. WTOL has this part of the story:
Councilman Michael Ashford represents this section of town. He told people to write down their concerns and he would help address them. He, Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop and Toledo mayoral candidate Keith Wilkowski are so concerned about the recent crime, they’ve agreed to personally foot the bill to mail fliers informing citizens about neighborhood meetings.
The Blade article doesn’t mention that but does have this:
When audience members complained about the proliferation of carry-outs in the neighborhood, mayoral candidate Keith Wilkowski, who grew up in North Toledo, advised that residents could “vote a precinct dry” by mounting a petition initiative to put the issue on the ballot. He told them they could expect no help from Ohio’s Liquor Control Commission.
Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop, who also is running for mayor, urged seniors without a cell phone to get one for free at the Zablocki Senior Center, 3015 Lagrange St.
The phones can be used to call 911, he explained. “It’s something I started two years ago, and I’m pretty proud of it,” he said.
Voting a precinct dry is not an immediate fix, nor has that been successful in many of neighborhoods that have tried that, cell phones for seniors is a great program but that also doesn’t help make the area safer nor does it help those who are not seniors.
Ashford is right in stating:
“It is very important that we get our neighbors involved,” Mrs. Ashford said. “You will serve as mainly the eyes and ears in preventing future crime in Toledo.”
Mr. Ashford said he had plenty of experience with Block Watch groups, and explained “It’s how active and organized you are” that determines the value of a Block Watch.
He also told residents to vote in November, when all six at-large council members are up for re-election. Ask the candidates, he said, “where they stand in getting officers back on the street.
Neighbors do have to be more proactive and when it comes to the campaign issues? It’s kind of hard to know where the candidates stand on the issue of getting the officers back on the street because at this point, none of the candidates, council or mayoral have presented real plans that detail where exactly the money is going to come from to not only recall the 75 laid off police officers but to hire the needed police classes. Promises are great, but details as to exactly how it’s going to be done is what matters.
