Konop for Lucas County

2006-08-23T20:28:00.000-07:00

KARL ROVE COMES TO LUCAS COUNTY

My statement on the visit of Karl Rove to Lucas County today for a $5,000 per person fundraiser to raise money for, amongst others, my Republican opponent George Sarantou:

While Karl Rove hides behind the fences of Inverness and fails to answer the tough questions, my Republican opponent George Sarantou also remains unaccountable to the voters. After receiving $750 in campaign contributions from Tom Noe, which currently sit in his campaign account, my opponent refuses to refund the money back to the taxpayers of Ohio. Instead of being accountable to the citizens of Lucas County, Sarantou, like Rove, chooses to turn his back on the people and keep Tom Noe's money in his campaign account.

That's why, in an effort to empower the citizens of Lucas County to hold their elected officials accountable, our campaign has recently launched www.giveitbackgeorge.com, an online petition urging my Republican opponent to refund the Noe contributions.

George Bush has been one of the many Republican leaders to refund his Noe contributions. Perhaps Rove could talk George Sarantou into following the lead of his boss? If it's good enough for George Bush why not George Sarantou?

Finally, we see here today the long reach of Karl Rove once again meddling in Ohio politics. How far will this reach go? Is Karl Rove trying to inject himself into Lucas County politics? Will my opponent behave like a Karl Rove Republican? One has to wonder after the string of events here in Lucas County today.

2006-05-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

Ethics Part II

Here is a copy of the ethics pledge that I signed yesterday and that my opponent refused to sign:

Pledge Of Ethics And Good Government To The Citizens of Lucas County
I pledge to support the establishment of a County Ethics Commission to supplement the state-level Ohio Ethics Commission, following the example of other local governments around the country.I pledge to hold myself to the highest standard of personal conduct and be accountable to the citizens of Lucas County.
I will take personal responsibility for my actions.
I will be open and accessible to members of the public in every community.
I will promptly respond to all inquiries by concerned citizens.
I will serve the full duration of the term for the office of which I am elected to.
I will be a full-time public servant and will accept no outside income while in office.
I support requiring campaign contributors to report county contracts with their campaign contributions.
I support banning campaign contributors from receiving no bid contracts.
I will promptly disclose any legally questionable activities of which I am aware to the Ohio Ethics Commission or other appropriate authorities.
I pledge to hold Lucas County employees and appointees to the highest standard of personal conduct and make them accountable to the citizens of Lucas County.
I will recommend and support appointments to boards and commissions based on knowledge, experience and integrity.
I will not appoint lobbyists to boards and commissions.
I will hire staff based on knowledge, experience, and integrity and not campaign contributions.
I will support requiring boards and commissions to hold regular meetings during evening hours and in different areas of the county, so that working people can attend.
I support requiring ethics training for all Lucas County employees and appointees to boards and commissions.
I pledge to follow the law of the State of Ohio and of the United States of America.

The question I have for my opponent is, what in the pledge does he find so objectionable that we won't join me in coming out strongly in support of good government?

Does Mr. Sarantou intend to be a full-time commissioner or will he treat it as a part-time job? Will he pledge to serve the full duration of his term or is he, as Pam Haynam asserts, seeking to use the Commissioner's office as a springboard to run for Mayor? Has he learned from past mistakes? If he's given another envelope of cash or learns that a colleague is demanding a bribe for a vote, will he report it to the authorities or again choose to look the other way (which, by the way, could potentially cost the taxpayers of Toledo millions of dollars)?
Voters deserve answers. It's past time for Mr. Sarantou to provide them.

Finally, my opponent stated yesterday that he "will sign the code of ethics that the State of Ohio Ethics Commission has which is the recognized law of Ohio." He suggested that "Mr. Konop do the same." Unfortunately, there is no code of ethics promulgated by the Commission for candidates or elected officials to sign. That is why I proposed my code. It's time for a higher standard of accountability. It's time to end the culture of corruption afflicting our community and our state. It's time for a change.

2006-04-17T22:02:00.000-07:00

Buy Local!

Several weeks ago, Lisa Renee blogged about an idea she thought was worth promoting: supporting local business in Lucas County. I thought it was a great idea and after going back and forth with Lisa and a couple other local concerned citizens, I decided to issue the following statement today:

Statement Kicking Off Buy Local Tour of Lucas County

One year ago this week, Thackeray's Books closed its doors for the last time. Some of the economic consequences were immediate and quantifiable. Employees lost their jobs or were offered lower paying positions elsewhere. Local suppliers and contractors lost a customer. Public services lost a source of tax revenue.

Some of the other consequences were a little harder to measure. Loyal customers lost a sacred place, a treasured Toledo institution that promoted local authors and championed free speech. In a new creative economy where a communityÂs uniqueness and distinctive character weigh heavily in its ability to attract jobs and investment capital, Lucas County lost one more "cool" place.

Communities across the country are realizing that small business is big business. They're preserving their distinctive identity and promoting strong local living economies. How? By working to keep money in their community. It matters. And we can do it too.

As Lucas County Commissioner, I will work with my colleagues in government and with small businesses from throughout the county to launch a comprehensive "Buy Local" awareness campaign. Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak's leadership has laid the foundation for this initiative and I look forward to working with her to make it a success.

The possibilities for promoting local purchasing are limitless. Some communities, such as Philadelphia, promote special Holiday Shopping Weeks. Here in Ohio, commercial food producers are working together to develop a distinct "Ohio Proud" brand identity. Toledo Blade columnist Roberta deBoer has even suggested that we follow the lead of Ithaca, New York where local merchants accept "Ithaca Hours" alongside U.S. dollars.

Today I'm kicking off my "Buy Local" Tour of Lucas County. Later on today I'll be visiting great local businesses like Rohr Fish, PC Horsepower Computers, and The Mango Tree restaurant.

The impact of buying local is real. A June 2004 study conducted by the University of Toledo Urban Affairs Center for Lucas County Commissioner Wozniak compared the economic impact on Lucas County of Thackeray's Books to the impact of the national chain Barnes & Noble.

The study estimated that $100 spent at Thackeray's Books resulted in a local economic return of $44. This return included revenue kept local through wages, suppliers, and profits. The same $100 spent at Barnes & Noble resulted in an economic return of only $20.

The study found that Thackeray's Books added more than $5 million annually to the local economy whereas Barnes & Noble contributed only $1.15 million.

Studies conducted elsewhere have reached similar findings. A 2003 case study of Midcoast Maine covering several lines of goods and services found that local businesses spent 53.3% of their revenue within Maine, 44.6% within the surrounding two counties compared with big-box retailers who spent only 14.1% of their revenue in Maine. (The Economic Impact of Locally Owned Business vs. Chains: A Case Study in Midcoast Maine, New Rules Project, September 2003. From the website of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies -- LivingEconomies.org)

Based on the findings of the Thackeray's study, University of Toledo economist Gbenga Ajilore estimated that as much as $8 million in revenue could be added to the local economy if each household redirected just $100 of their spending to a locally owned store.

Small businesses are also responsible for the largest share of net new jobs each year. The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies reports that the 200 largest corporations in the world still employ less than 1% of the global workforce. Job growth comes from local, independent businesses.

Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner recently launched a campaign to stimulate Âloyalty, pride, and tradition.Â What better way to instill pride in our community than by coming together to support that which makes us unique?

Throughout this campaign I've been putting forth new ideas and a fresh vision to grow our economy and create jobs by promoting development, courting skilled workers, and attracting investment capital. Today I'm proud to announce a plan that can grow our economy by simply keeping money in the community.

Governing is about leadership. With the May primary rapidly approaching, no other candidate for Commissioner, Democrat or Republican, has put forth any proposal of any kind on any issue. Perhaps they are totally satisfied with the status quo. I am not.

A February report by the Milken Institute ranked Metro Toledo 196th out of 200 metropolitan areas in job growth. We can't turn our economy around with quiet complacency. We need passion and vision, new energy and new ideas. That's why I'm running for County Commissioner.

2006-03-25T20:36:00.000-08:00

Music and the Campaign...

Anyone who has been closely involved with a campaign, or has been a candidate, can understand the ups and downs that come along with the mission. Music, I think, can give a campaign perspective and even direction. As Tolstoy said, "music is the shorthand of emotion."

While I travel throughout the county, knocking on doors, going to fish fries, and talking about ideas I have for helping our community, I listen to A LOT of music. And I'm always trying to identify with songs that correlate to the way the campaign is going, lend some insight into the whole process, provide encouragement, or just get your mind off things.

Here are a few recent favorites that have been guiding me along as the campaign progresses:

"Try and Try Again" by Billy Joe Shaver. One of my favorite lines in country music, and a good attitude for a campaign: "If all you do is lose, you better find a way to win." Also another great line about community: "It's everybody's business 'till we get the good work done."

"Tangled Up In Blue" by Bob Dylan. Because nothing is black and white in a campaign...or life.

"My Favorite Things" by John Coltrane. One of the great jazz saxaphonists of all time can really calm the nerves after a turbulent day.

"When The Man Comes Around" by Johnny Cash. The title track to the last album he ever recorded. I read that Cash was inspired to write this song by a dream about the Queen of England and the Book of Revelations. Hmmm... In any event, it's powerful and makes you realize there's a whole other world out there.

"Ball and Biscuit" by The White Stripes. Blues with an edge from my favorite two member band. This song always gives me a little jolt, perhaps because I was introduced to the White Stripes by this song. At a Dylan concert in Detroit a couple years ago, Jack White joined Dylan and his band unannounced during Dylan's encore and they combined on a memorable rendition of this one. I think my ears are still ringing...

2006-03-19T16:56:00.000-08:00

A Weekend of Door to Door...

I'm convinced the best way to campaign, from both the candidate and the voter's perspective, is by going door to door. After personally knocking on a couple hundred doors this weekend, I can tell you that, as a candidate, the process enables you to learn a lot about the community you seek to represent. I had some great talks this weekend with a variety of folks, was offered food at more than a few houses, and only had to deal with one vicious dog. But along the way I think I made some new friends and got a sense from the voters that they are ready for some new blood and fresh ideas in local government. If you are interested in knocking on a few doors with me in the next several weeks, drop me an email at ben@benkonop.com. Together we can help breathe some new life and ethical representation into local government.

2006-03-11T09:14:00.000-08:00

Go Rockets!!!

As a lifelong UT hoops fan (and current faculty member of the University), I'm pretty pumped about tonight's big game in Cleveland. If the Rockets men's basketball team wins the MAC Championship game tonight (7pm, ESPN), they will go to the Big Dance...March Madness! Good luck to the team and to coach Joplin. As a kid growing up in Toledo who loved basketball and played 24/7, Coach Joplin was a hero of mine and also a coach of mine at numerous summer basketball camps. Bring the championship home to Toledo, Stan!

My prediction: Rockets 61-Kent State 54...Justin Ingram tournament MVP.

2006-03-09T21:07:00.000-08:00

A Little Muskrat Anyone?

I'm back from the dead...probably about 80% strength but good enough to be on the campaign trail. Tonight I'll be out in Jerusalem Township for the annual Jerusalem Township Mens Democratic Club's Muskrat Dinner (also on the menu, ham and kielbasa). The dinner starts at 6pm and is located at 9501 Jerusalem Road. This will be my second trip to Jerusalem Township for a campaign event this year, and if this time is anything like my first stop there, I'm sure it will be a great time. That's a pretty fun group out there to say the least...very soft spoken guys ;-)

If anybody is in the neighborhood and wants to try some muskrat and help a good cause, stop by...

Ben

PS. I'm thinking of knocking the last two alleys off my list next weekend...anyone interested in rolling a game or two with me. Email me: ben@benkonop.com?

2006-03-04T19:53:00.000-08:00

Bowling Tour Day Four--POSTPONED

Woke up this morning with a high fever and massive headache...headed over to the emergency room and after several hours of testing was diagnosed with a sinus infection (I still think it might be bowlingitis). In any event, spent the day sleeping and, hopefully, once the antibiotics kick in I'll be back out on the campaign trail. I've been fighting this for a couple of weeks now and it finally caught up to me. But mark my words, I will bowl those last two alleys, probably later this week. Check my blog for notice of the make up dates...

BOWL ON!

2006-03-03T20:42:00.000-08:00

Bowling Tour Rolls On--Day 3

Another good day at the lanes. It appears my scores have stabilized (sadly) in the 130 range. Today I chalked up a 125, 135 and 127. But as usual, I had the best experiences talking to folks throughout Lucas County. I met a bunch of good people at Secor Lanes this afternoon. Not only were they very vocally supportive of the campaign and my bowling, but I appreciated their very straight to the point observations about what needs to be done in our community. I'll be back to visit my friends at Secor Lanes!

Also had a nice time tonight at Twin Oaks lanes. Another case where my Dad beat me by a couple pins...what the heck is going on here?!?! But also had a lot of good talks with a pretty diverse group. And thanks to the husband and wife ownership team for making me feel so welcome...there is a lot of generosity here in Lucas County.

On the last stop tonight, at Westland Lanes, we enjoyed the best bowling blooper of the tour courtesy of my friend and supporter Joe McNamara. I'll let him explain it to you in the comments. But in any event Joe, thanks for taking the time and effort to help plan this tour...greatly appreciated.

One more day left...hope to see you at our last two stops tomorrow:

1:00 PM, Imperial Lanes 5505 W. Central Ave.

3:00 PM, King Pin Lanes 1124 W. Sylvania Ave.

2006-03-02T19:03:00.000-08:00

Bowling Tour Recap--Day Two

Only two stops on the agenda today and while neither of them brought out the best in me as a bowler (my scores: 135, 100) I really did meet some wonderful people. At Jug's Bowling Alley, I talked at length with a retired firefighter about the local economy and the future of our community. He was worried about the prospects for his son in terms of finding a good job so he can raise a family. I think we agreed on some steps our county needs to take to move forward (ethical government for one) and he agreed to volunteer one my campaign.

Also had a fun time at Jug's with the guys at the bar. They talked a little smack about the fact that I ordered a water instead of a beer, but I think they came around after they found out I was a diehard Detroit Tiger fan. We got a great picture with this crew and, as I promised them, it will be up on my website shortly. Thanks for the support guys.

At my evening stop in Oregon at Bay Center Rec Lanes, I was once again joined by my parents and, I'm sad to report, my Dad actually beat me tonight on a clutch 10th frame strike. Nice job Dad!
Ran into some old friends there and made some new ones too, including a group of twenty somethings who were pretty excited that a young person was trying to make a difference in the community. They were all Michigan fans too, so we got along just fine.

Another day of the tour down, and two more to go. I'm really enjoying it, meeting a lot of great people, and learning a lot from the working men and women of Lucas County.

To be continued...

2006-03-01T19:31:00.000-08:00

Bowling Tour Day One

Friends, thanks to those of you who stopped by and bowled a game with me today on the first leg of my tour. My scores today were inconsistent (146, 98, 155, 125), but more importantly I met a lot of good people at the alleys and learned a lot from my fellow bowlers. Several small business owners I spoke with at Miracle Lanes really gave me some good insight on what it's like to operate a business in our local economy. With tax burdens and health insurance costs rising, it's not a pretty picture. Also heard a lot of worries about public schools in Lucas County. On the positive side, several gentlemen out at New Glass Lanes were very happy with the Powertrain announcement.

A special thanks to the owners of Timbers Bowling Alley in Maumee for your hospitality. I enjoyed our talk as well...you guys have got a great family business.

All in all, a fun and interesting day at the lanes and I look forward to day two in about twelve hours.

Last but not least, must give a big thanks to my parents who spent the evening bowling with me. Dad has some skills on the lanes! Plus, today also happened to be my 30th birthday, so it was great to spend it with my folks. They are the best, no doubt.

2006-02-23T18:11:00.000-08:00

Vision for Dorr Street Campus Village

Here are my remarks I offered today at our press conference on Dorr Street. We had a nice collection of student leaders on hand who were really pumped up about the proposal. I think it is a job creator for all of Lucas County and that's why I'm excited about it too. Also, with news today that Toledo ranks 196 out of 200 metro areas in job creation, we have to really get aggressive and think boldly about how to grow our local economy. In any event, let me know what you think...here's my outline:

Statement Supporting Establishment of a Student Village Commercial District

A quarter-of-a-billion dollar economic engine, the University Of Toledo fuels our economy as a major employer and a regional center for research and development. It is home to thousands of tomorrow's scientists and engineers, doctors and lawyers, artists and teachers, civic leaders and entrepreneurs.

Growing our regionÂs economy and creating jobs demands that we invest in developing our workforce. While it is true that people follow jobs, it is increasingly true in the 21st century economy that jobs follow people. Thus it is imperative that our University attract and retain our nation's best and brightest students, researchers, and faculty.

Three weeks ago I announced the Cool County Initiative, a strategy for growing Lucas County's creative workforce by investing in the quality-of-life amenities that citizens expect from their community.

Central to this strategy is the University of Toledo and its students and staff. It is for that reason that I am here today to declare that the establishment of a Student Village commercial district on Dorr Street will be among my top priorities when I am elected Commissioner.

The trend of declining enrollment at UT must be reversed not only for the good of the university but for the future of our region's economy.

The University's ability to attract and retain students is tied in no small part to the quality of student life. A redeveloped commercial corridor with shops and restaurants will attract students to the University and attract badly needed investment to Toledo's central city.

The popularity of this recently opened Jimmy John's sub shop is testament to the strength of the student market. The combined purchasing power of students and traditional area residents represents an extraordinary opportunity for businesses large and small.

As Commissioner, I will marshal all of the resources of the county and our regional economic development partners to help make this dream a reality. From establishing design standards to providing infrastructure and offering help with project financing, the county can play a major role in helping to transform this long-neglected area into a thriving urban village that will strengthen both the University of Toledo and the neighborhoods that surround it.

Most importantly, this initiative will help create jobs for all of Lucas County's citizens. In the 21st century economy, institutions of higher education must be directly linked to a community's economic development plan. Universities are research hubs that generate spin-off businesses. Universities also attract talent to a community which leads to economic growth by then attracting business and generating entrepreneurs. As Commissioner, I will make sure that the University has no stronger partner than county government. And that will be a benefit to all of our residents.

2006-02-16T21:14:00.000-08:00

Our Blog Featured Tonight on FOX 36

A nicely done nightly news story tonight on some local bloggers, including yours truly. Here's the link to the overview:

http://www.foxtoledo.com/dsp_story.cfm?storyid=26650

Good to see my friend Lisa Renee get some exposure too. She's doing a great job blogging local and national politics at:

http://liberalcommonsense.blogspot.com/

Blog on!

2006-02-14T07:56:00.000-08:00

My Reaction to The Noe Indictment...

1) We should have publicly financed campaigns in this country which would greatly lessen the likelihood of this type of scandal.

2) The Republicans should pay for this at the polls in November...but this isn't just a Republican issue. The system is broken and there should be systemic reform (see point one). That being said, if the facts alleged against Noe are true, those politicians connected with him should be very closely scrutinized by voters, to say the least. The Noe indictment, on a micro level, is a big blow for the R's.

3) This case certainly has a political dimension, but at its base it seems to be all about greed. Politics was just a means to an end for Noe as far as I can tell. Public policy was the last thing on his mind.

4) Sadly, there probably will always be Noe type figures lurking around the political process. That is why it is important that elected officials focus on ethical conduct while in office. I'm trying to do my part...see the last post!

I'm intersted in hearing your thoughts on the subject.

Also, if you want to learn more about my position and prior involvmenet related to this case, check out:

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050611/OPINION04/506110312

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051102/NEWS24/511020463

Ben

2006-02-09T19:52:00.000-08:00

Ethics Pledge

Earlier today, I unveiled my ethics pledge to the citizens of Lucas County. I signed it at a press conference this morning at One Government Center. I think the issue of ethics in government is of the utmost importance to the future of our democracy and I take this pledge very seriously. It's a contract between me and my constituents. If you vote for me, this is what you'll get:

Pledge of Ethics and Good Government to the Citizens of Lucas County

I pledge to support the establishment of a County Ethics Commission to supplement the state-level Ohio Ethics Commission, following the example of other local governments around the country.

I pledge to hold myself to the highest standard of personal conduct and be accountable to the citizens of Lucas County.

I will take personal responsibility for my actions.

I will be open and accessible to members of the public in every community.

I will promptly respond to all inquiries by concerned citizens.

I will serve the full duration of the term for the office of which I am elected to.

I will be a full-time public servant and will accept no outside income while in office.

I support requiring campaign contributors to report county contracts with their campaign contributions.

I support banning campaign contributors from receiving no bid contracts.

I pledge to hold Lucas County employees and appointees to the highest standard of personal conduct and make them accountable to the citizens of Lucas County.

I will recommend and support appointments to boards and commissions based on knowledge, experience and integrity.

I will not appoint lobbyists to boards and commissions

I will hire staff based on knowledge, experience, and integrity and not campaign contributions.

I will support requiring boards and commissions to hold regular meetings during evening hours and in different areas of the county, so that working people can attend.

I support requiring ethics training for all Lucas County employees and appointees to boards and commissions

I pledge to follow the law of the State of Ohio and of the United States of America.

_________________________________

Ben Konop

2006-02-05T08:58:00.000-08:00

The week ahead in the campaign...

Should be an interesting and exciting week as always on the hustings. We have a new radio and TV ad coming out this week called "Values for Lucas County." It will be posted on benkonop.com shortly and begin airing by the middle of the week.

Also on the agenda, a trip out to Spencer Township for a visit with the Spencer Township Democratic Club. This will be the fifth Democratic Club I've visited in the last several weeks and I'm hoping to hit them all by the end of the month. Last Wednesday, I had a great time at the Black Democratic Women's Caucus. Thanks to Olivia Holden for the warm welcome. Also, thanks to Rex Palmer from the Maumee Dems for his hospitality. They have a great group out there as well.

Other than that, more of the normal campaign rhythms...knocking on doors and raising money, etc...

Stay tuned for some other interesting tid bits to come out this week.

2006-02-05T08:45:00.000-08:00

Prediction: Seahawks 27-Steelers 24...

You read it here first. Big Ben's last second heroics fall short and Seattle escapes with a narrow victory. Shaun Alexander takes the Super Bowl MVP.*

*Disclaimer...I've always been a bit of a Seahawks partisan. Dave Krieg was one of my favorite players from the mid '80's. I also was a big Steve Largent fan...before he got to Congress.

2006-02-03T20:13:00.000-08:00

Let the blogging begin...

Friends, In an effort to reach out directly to the citizens of Lucas County I'm starting this blog which I will update frequently. This should be an interesting and productive endeavor. I am a big believer in the power of the internet to democratize the electoral process, and I think this can be one small step in that direction.