Councilman Tom Waniewski's September 2010 Newsletter
Secor Road Update
I've received many emails and calls asking about the status of the Secor Rd. work. The completion date for this portion of the project will be November 26th barring any unforeseen weather delays. Paving will be completed in October, which will open up three inside lanes for travel. We are working on funding to pave more of Secor, especially in the Westgate area. I'll keep you posted in this newsletter.
Police Blotter
Recently, I sent out a survey electronically to Old Orchard residents asking if they would be willing to pay a set amount per month in property taxes for specific police protection. The response was overwhelmingly in favor of specific patrols during a specific time of the day. It costs the city about $67,000 for a police officer, so I budgeted accordingly.
I further learned, however, that specific assessments by precinct may require a few more hoops to jump through. Nevertheless, I am committed to helping lower the frustration I hear in all parts of town as it relates to cracking down on crime. Please know that I am working on some avenues to facilitate this. In the meantime, I've communicated with the Police Chief, and I was told the area would be targeted for the department's directed patrol.
I found the Toledo Police web site to be full of useful information. Here is the link. Bookmark it, and get to know your TPD.
http://toledopolice.com/faq.html
Residential Street Paving
Thanks to a good inquiry from a constituent who reads this newsletter, I looked into the status of residential road paving in the district. Here's the list of streets that are scheduled for completion this year if they haven't been already:
- Pelham from Middlesex to Secor - Imperial from Talmadge to Londonberry
- Meadowood from Kenwood to Central
- Grantwood from Douglas to Bellevue - Stannard from Sylvania to Corydon
Bus Transportation
I will be holding a committee meeting September 14th at 2 p.m. in Toledo City Council chambers to discuss the status of school transportation. In addition to chairing the Intergovernmental Relations Committee, I have had an interest in working with the schools since I was elected. Our neighborhoods, our schools, our city are all connected.
Each year, I offer to come speak to parent organizations about city services. It's my opinion that if you worry less about city issues (crime, pot holes), you can concentrate on your kids' school work. Call me if you would like me to address your parent organization.
Similarly, I enjoy talking with our young people about government and the role of the public servant. If you are a teacher, and you would like your students to learn more about city government, my door and phone lines are always open. You can reply to this email but change the subject line to: "School Request" and leave me your contact info.
Did You Know...
For Sale
The city has sold 14 parcels of land for a total of $2,702 this year. It's part of the Land Banking program. If you'd like to see all the properties the city would like to sell, click here.
http://ci.toledo.oh.us/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=K7woZ6F2l-Q%3d&tabid=155
Genealogy
If you're interested in genealogy, the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library can help you get started. There will be two, free seminars in the McMaster Center at the main library downtown.
- Sept. 21; 6 - 8 p.m. "Genealogy Overview and Census Research"
- Sept. 28; 6 - 8 p.m. "Cemetery Research"
Maumee River Facts I recently took a ride down the Maumee with the Point Place Business Association. In addition to learning about some great local businesses, Mary on the Sandpiper informed me that;
- At 150 miles long, the Maumee River is the largest body of water emptying into the Great Lakes.
- It is 4 million acres.
- It supports 94 species of fish.
- It is home to a growing grain industry visible as you cross the South End Bridge.
Happy Labor Day
I want to wish you a happy Labor Day. It is particularly saddening to write this since I know of so many people unemployed or underemployed. My brother's factory closed in March, and he has been looking for work ever since.
I believe our government leaders have let our business leaders down and thus stymied growth throughout the state.
I attended an interfaith prayer service organized to pray for the unemployed. Former Councilman Mark Sobczak gave a well-researched and thoughtful address about the state of labor in northwest Ohio.
If you are working, please keep an eye on those who are not, and pray for them.
