Article published June 24, 2009
Local politicians press pitches for more funds
From the audience at the panel discussion in Perrysburg, Keith Wilkowski hands Vice President Joe Biden a letter.
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THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON
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By NEENA SATIJA
BLADE STAFF WRITER
Joe Biden came to Perrysburg to champion the future of Ohio's green economy. But local politicians were more concerned with asking for extra stimulus money to solve Toledo problems rather than for solar-energy panels.
In an unusual display of partnership, Mayor Carty Finkbeiner and Dan Wagner, Toledo Police Patrolman's Association president, wrote a joint letter to the vice president asking for a grant to recall laid-off police officers.
The mayor and police-union boss have been at odds over a new contract for months.
The letter, hand-delivered to Mr. Biden's staff, requested stimulus funds to help bring back the 75 officers the city laid off May 1.
"A letter from the Justice Department affirming a Stimulus Grant with a date certain to receive same, would be deeply appreciated," the letter concluded.
Capt. Dennis Marzec says maps and lists showing the smaller water mains are ‘on every rig.’
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THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER
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Mayoral candidate Keith Wilkowski had his own pitch for millions to replace Toledo's aging waterlines, but initially had a hard time presenting it.The Democrat was in the audience at Mr. Biden's town hall meeting. As head of "Toledoans for Obama" who helped the Obama-Biden ticket take Toledo and Ohio in last year's election, Mr. Wilkowski could expect to be heard, but Mr. Biden didn't appear to recognize him.
"Sit down, man," Mr. Biden told him as Mr. Wilkowski stood to ask a question. After a few moments, Mr. Biden gave him a chance to ask his question.
"The gentlemen right here is going to have a conniption fit," the vice president said, instructing someone to give Mr. Wilkowski a microphone.
Mr. Wilkowski used his time to press for federal money to replace inadequate water supply lines in older Toledo neighborhoods.
Mr. Biden replied that the spigot is flowing.
"He certainly nodded knowingly about the need for investment in infrastructure and cities," said Mr. Wilkowski, adding that Mr. Biden assured him of the Obama Administration's commitment to those areas.
As for their exchange at the meeting, Mr. Wilkowksi acknowledged that he was being "very aggressive" in voicing his concerns. "I think he's just, you know, being jocular and friendly," he said of the vice president's remarks.
Water infrastructure in Toledo has been a big story in Toledo since a fire in the historic Westmoreland neighborhood in West Toledo destroyed a couple's home two weeks ago.
Firefighters said that the 4-inch water main they tried to use to put out the fire failed to provide enough water.
Toledo Fire Chief Michael Wolever said yesterday the list of streets with 4-inch water mains was placed on every fire truck Saturday night.
"We are trying to get a user-friendly electronic capable version to our dispatchers," the chief said. "Reading that on the way to a run is not easy."
Capt. Dennis Marzec of Fire Station No. 9 in South Toledo said his station has maps and lists of streets with the smaller water mains. "Everyone got it. It's on every rig."
Contact Neena Satija at:
nsatija@theblade.com
or 419-724-6272.
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