toledoblade.com --

Here is a summary of The Blade's editorial recommendations in key local and statewide contests in tomorrow's election:

MAYOR OF TOLEDO

This is one mayoral election in which substance may mean less than style. Both candidates are men of substance, seasoned political pros, and the only two individuals to serve as Toledo's strong mayor since the switch from city manager government 12 years ago.

Though Jack Ford is a thoroughly decent man who inherited a much tougher economy than his predecessor and current opponent, he has been hurt most by his image as a shy and even dour individual.

Love him or hate him, there is no such mystery about Carty Finkbeiner. If his serious health scare has truly changed him, and if he is ready to share responsibilities for the day-to-day operations of the City, he deserves to once again get back to work for the community he loves. We recommend Carty Finkbeiner for mayor.

TOLEDO CITY COUNCIL

Public preoccupation with the mayor' race has diminished interest in the city council contests, but with seven seats at stake, these are vitally important decisions.

We recommend a blend of experience and new enthusiasm: Incumbents Frank Szollosi, Phil Copeland, and George Sarantou, and newcomers Mark Sobczak, Karen Shanahan, and Bob Vasquez.

There is concern that Mr. Szollosi may not serve out his term and is eying statewide office, but he is a strong councilman and deserves to keep his seat. Mr. Copeland also brings unspectacular but steady experience to council.

Mr. Sobczak, a Teamsters Local 20 official, Ms. Shanahan, a transportation consultant, and Mr. Vasquez, who may be more civically involved in the community than any candidate in recent memory, are an excellent blend of first-time candidates.

TOLEDO SCHOOL BOARD

Two incumbents are stepping down, ensuring a new look for the board of Toledo Public Schools.

We believe the best interests of the district and the children will be served by the retention of appointed incumbent Steven Thomas and the election of two first-time candidates, Jim Whiteman and Robert Torres.

TOLEDO MUNICIPAL COURT

Three seats are being contested for Municipal Court, traditionally one of the busiest courts in the justice system. A good mix of efficiency, energy, and compassion are pre-requisites for judges who serve there.

Accordingly, we recommend the retention of two appointed judges, Lynn Schaefer and Tim Kuhlman, and the election of one newcomer, Samuel J. Nugent. All three impress us with their clear grasp of the challenges posed by Municipal Court, where justice must sometimes be dispensed on the fly.

ISSUE 37

Toledo Public Schools are seeking renewal of a 2.5-mill capital improvements levy. Given the obvious improvements in the school district in recent years, including moving out of academic emergency, TPS has earned the vote of public confidence passage of Issue 37 would provide. The levy has been renewed every five years since 1985. We urge a vote FOR Issue 37.

STATE ISSUE 1

Two years ago The Blade opposed Gov. Bob Taft's "Third Frontier" plan for a $500 million bond issue to provide high-tech research and development grants. The plan was skewed then to favor research institutions in the Three Cs, and nothing seems to have changed now that the proposal is back. We recommend a vote NO on Issue 1.

STATE ISSUE 2

The notion of unlimited absentee voting is worrisome. This constitutional amendment would allow anyone to vote absentee up to 35 days before an election. No reason would be required. We believe in the sanctity - and privacy - of the voting booth and consider going to the polls an important civic ritual in American democracy. Vote NO on Issue 2.

STATE ISSUE 3

Issue 3 is straightforward: it would simply restore, and in some cases, reduce, the campaign contribution limits that were in place until the Ohio General Assembly increased them last year. The Coingate scandal and Tom Noe's federal indictment should remind Ohioans of the harm that can grow out of the buying and selling of influence. Vote YES on Issue 3.

STATE ISSUE 4

Issue 4 would end an old but vile tradition: the gerrymandering of congressional and legislative districts to protect incumbents and help ensure their re-election. It is a despicable system that both political parties exploit when it is their "turn" to have control.

District boundaries would no longer be set by elected officials with a stake in the outcome. Instead an independent commission, starting in 2007, would draft district lines that would make competition the first priority. Vote YES on Issue 4.

STATE ISSUE 5

Last year one of President Bush's most important allies in his Ohio campaign was Secretary of State Ken Blackwell. But Mr. Blackwell was also the state official responsible for counting the votes that narrowly gave Ohio's electoral votes to the President.

Issue 5 would remove the oversight of elections from the duties of the Secretary of State and create a bipartisan board to supervise elections instead. We believe that is long overdue, and recommend a vote of YES on Issue 5.