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The first question asked what was going on with the
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) that has been
featured in local news lately.
“Every organization listed on the resolution is worthy of
support. The actual question is whether the federal
government rules are followed, the rules must be followed to
receive the funding. CDBD is federal money that funds
neighborhood initiatives. We went through this process of
collecting applications and presenting information to City
Council, before additional needs were identified by these
organizations. City Council passed Councilman Sykes’s
resolution, and I signed it. I support those organizations
and signed the ordinance, but the federal government decides
if we are following the rules or not,” explained
Kapszukiewicz.
The second question asked about the retention rates of
minority Toledo Police Officers.
“I don’t know the answer to that question, but when it comes
to gender or race or other areas of improvement, we have to
focus on recruitment and the pool of applications that meet
the criteria. We are going to tweak the standards to
increase the pool of qualified candidates. As I was told by
an officer, the current standard only lowers the available
pool of candidates,” said the mayor.
The third question asked how the new jail will, if the
issues passes, impact homeowners in Lucas County.
“Issue 10, is a proposal to increase property tax. The funds
would be used to build a new jail. I don’t want to speak for
the commissioners, but I will do my best to answer your
question. This, issue is not pushed by the City of Toledo,
but proposed by the Lucas County Commissioners, who operate
the jail. The jail would be built in the Alexis Road and
north Detroit Avenue area, not just a jail but a campus. If
the issue passes, taxes would go up. They would argue that
there is a need for a new jail. A federal judge issued an
order about the jail and its current poor condition. There
is some controversy about the proposed location, but the
commissioners and even the Sherriff believe the proposed
space and campus is the best option. The jail would be only
one floor and offer mental health and diversional services,
in hopes of reducing the jail population. There isn’t enough
room in the old jail site and vertical buildings aren’t the
best anymore. Reasonable people can agree or disagree,
reasonably,” he answered.
The fourth question asked what the difference between Issue
15 and Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments’ (TMACOG)
plan.
“Issue 15 is on the ballot because it is a regional water
plan. Honestly, the suburbs are our customers and if the
suburbs leave and get water elsewhere like Detroit, we could
face higher rates. Toledoans could pay three times our
current rate. We want to create a board, a regional board or
commission to set the rates, and make decisions. Toledo
would still maintain the ability to veto, this issue still
protects Toledo. It’s just changing the charter. Honestly,
the difference between issue 15 and TMACOG is we would share
decision making authority with the suburbs. It’s an
achievable compromise,” answered Kapszukiewicz.
The fifth question was asked by resident, Gail Gant. “What
is going on with St. Anthony Church. Why can’t we save it,
it’s such a beautiful building.”
“We saved it, we did save it. That building would have been
demolished in 72 hours if we hadn’t stepped in. The
cathedral was built in the 1900s and the 10th
tallest cathedral in the country. We don’t know what the
plan is, because the neighborhood must decide the plans. The
Padua Center, the Junction Coalition and the residents will
determine what happens next,” Kapszukiewicz replied.
The sixth question focused on ways the City of Toledo is
working to attract and retain businesses.
“When I talk to corporate leaders or even small business
owners, and I ask them what they see in their future as
possible threats, they say the same. They are worried about
workforce development. There are businesses who invest in
Toledo but invest less than what they could invest. They
can’t find employees to build or transport their products or
services. There are companies who want to build five
structures or expand, but only had enough workforce for
two,” said the mayor.
The final question asked what the City of Toledo was
planning to do for youth who need recreation activities.
“We currently have a basketball program that meets on
Fridays between 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. We don’t do a good
job of publicizing what we do well in the City of Toledo,
but we do need more positive options. I promise by the time
the weather breaks this spring, we will have new ideas for
youth in the recreation area,” Kapszukiewicz said.
Event co-organizer Keith Mitchell delivered closing remarks
and words of gratitude to the Mayor for participating in the
open discussion. “I want to thank the mayor for coming
today. I also want to encourage more events like this in the
future. I know Paul, Fletcher {Fletcher Word, the third
organizer] and I would love to see more events like this in
the city.”
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