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Francis Dumbuya, PhD, provided a detailed PowerPoint
presentation and research document outlining the economic
development impact of education-related expenses for youth.
“Education is important in order to participate with basic
skills in the workforce,” said Dumbuya. “Voters are
skeptical about this levy for a number of reasons, for
example, funds being used for other reasons like teacher and
administration raises. [Toledo Public Schools] pay teachers
a higher wage than other districts in our area. On the other
side, if our kids keep failing then City Council and
Toledo’s Mayor will have difficulty attracting businesses.”
Issue 1 levy supporters TPS Board member Robert Vasquez and
TPS Chief Business Manager James Gant answered concerns and
questions addressed from audience members and event
facilitator. “This levy will support transportation for our
kids. They need transportation. Not voting for the levy will
not help the community. The levy will also support
computers. The district has operated on the same levy funds
since 2001,” explained Vasquez.
Issue 7 levy supporter Lucas County Children Services
Executive Director Dean Sparks provided statistic data to
leverage levy support, and then Larry Skyes shared personal
insight. “Issue 7 is about our children, 12,000 kids receive
services. We address various needs of our kids including
mental,” explained Sparks.
“Vote for Issue 7. I believe in financial responsibility and
Dean Sparks is responsible. We deal with children that are
beaten, bruised, molested, and so many other horrors. We do
what we can, support us,” explained Skyes.
Issue 9 supporter Billie Johnson, Area Office on Area
regional director, encouraged attendees to support that
levy. “Thank you for this opportunity. Issue 9 is a renewal
and due to expanding our services, we are asking for
additional funds. If the issue passes we can provide home
bound meal delivery, adult care, in home services like
bathing and socialization, and senior center services. We
have provided 323 home bound meals, and 45,000 hours of
transportation services among other services. Please vote
for issue 7, 8, and 9,” explained Johnson.
Honorary Levy 8 Chairman Ray Wood addressed the audience
first, in support for the levy. “I personally dealt with
mental health and recovery. I stand in support for Issue 8.
Our community is in need of this, we need to rise up to
support this issue. Without passage of Issue 8, services
will be terminated.”
Executive Director of Mental Health and Recovery Services
Board for Lucas County Scott Sylak explained the history of
the board and services provided. “Since 1945 we have
provided funding to direct service providers. The direct
service provides must make a good faith effort to
incorporate our minority inclusion policy.”
“The clients learn skills to maintain sobriety, which makes
them less likely to get arrested, more likely to care for
their kids, and have fewer emergency room visits,” explained
Rev. Donald Perryman, levy supporter.
The discussion surrounding Issue 8 focused on the length of
time of this levy, 10 years instead of five years. Ohio
House of Representative Michael Ashford spoke in favor of
funding Mental Health and Recovery Services but not for 10
years due to inability to document accountability. “You want
tax payers to take this bill for 10 years, and that’s
unfair. The board doesn’t have enough respect to have forums
before they ask for your money. I understand the services,
but there were so many inaccuracies stated by Scott Sylak. I
support the services, but where is the accountability? If
the levy fails, the board can ask for another five year levy
and services will not be terminated if the levy fails.”
After the issues discussion the forum continued and provided
Lucas County Commissioner Carol Contrada and her opponent,
Kevin Haddad, an opportunity to address November voters.
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