While the current population of Toledo is roughly 600 people, two candidates hope to be elected the next mayor of a town that could see considerable growth in the coming years.
Since former Mayor Steve Dobosh resigned from the position in September, the city seat is technically vacant at the moment. Mayor Pro-Tem Eric Hayes has performed mayoral duties in the interim period and will return to his seat on the city council once a new mayor is elected.
The Chronicle asked both candidates the same three questions with a request to keep their responses to 150 words per question.
Jake Morgan:
Going forward, what do you see as the biggest challenge facing Toledo?
Toledo’s biggest challenge going forward will be keeping up with growth and progress while hanging on to our history and community spirit. The old-timers and the newcomers have to work together for a community to thrive.
What is the biggest area for growth?
We need to connect more homes to Toledo’s water/sewer system and expand our city boundaries. Administratively, the high turnover at city hall in the past year has left people wondering who’s in charge. It takes time and training to build trust and experience.
Why do you think you're the right candidate to serve as mayor?
The right candidate for mayor is in touch with local residents, business owners, volunteer groups, students, seniors and residents who live outside the city limits. The mayor should be a community leader who listens to the people, stands up for city employees, praises volunteers, and finds creative solutions through teamwork and communication.
Cherie DeVore:
Going forward, what do you see as the biggest challenge facing Toledo?
Growing up in a small town has given me insight on what people expect in our community. The people of Toledo want and deserve transparency and good communication between the citizens and the city government. The biggest challenge we currently face is rebuilding trust, which I will work toward by encouraging open dialogue and being accessible to my neighbors for questions and suggestions. From there, we need to look forward to responsible growth, building both new homes and bringing in new businesses.
What is the biggest area for growth?
To be successful in growing our town, we need everyone to work together efficiently. We must increase revenue to sustain our city programs and public works. We need to increase the business footprint downtown and fill some empty storefronts. By opening dialogue and working together with community members on our planning commission and at council meetings, I know we can find solutions. We need to bring the right mix of new businesses as well as increase revenue in a responsible way which we can start doing by evaluating our permitting process and doing that work ourselves, rather than outsourcing it to the county. This is just one example.
Why do you think you're the right candidate to serve as mayor?
I have passion, experience, and desire to be part of a positive change. Toledo is my home now and was the hometown of my childhood. I have lived in many other places during my time as a military wife, and I brought those different world views back with me when I moved home. My working career has given me experience in people management and business management as well. I am a problem solver who is open to new ways of thinking. I believe in giving back to the community to leave the world nicer than I found it. My passion for this town and its people, and my commitment to bringing us into the future while being mindful and respectful of our history makes me the right candidate for this job.
