VOTE411 Voter Guide

I have served as Mayor of Toledo since 2018, following my work on Toledo City Council and as Lucas County Treasurer. As a lifelong resident and longtime public servant, I have gained valuable insight into both the needs and strengths of our community. During my tenure as Mayor, we have achieved a substantial decline in crime through strengthening our police force and investing in youth programs. Toledo has been ranked among the top 10 cities in the nation for new business investment, and we have repaired more roads in the past eight years than at any point in recent memory. We have also worked to revitalize neighborhoods by reducing blight and expanding investments in our public parks. These experiences have prepared me to fulfill the responsibilities of this office and with proven leadership and a deep commitment to Toledo's future.

My highest priority in a third term as Mayor is to build on the progress Toledo has made over the past eight years. We will continue investing in our future by creating good-paying jobs, revitalizing our neighborhoods, and improving our infrastructure through ongoing road repairs. Reducing crime remains a core focus, and we will strengthen public safety by combining enforcement with prevention strategies, such as youth programs and community partnerships. In addition, we will grow our city by developing new housing and transforming vacant buildings into quality homes for Toledo families. Above all, I am committed to ensuring that Toledo becomes an even safer, stronger, and more prosperous city for all of our residents.

I have more than 30 years in public service having served in 6 Mayoral administrations, including three terms for Mayor Finkbeiner, one term with Mayor Jack Ford, one term for Canton, Ohio Mayor William Healy, and most recently, two terms for Detroit Mayor Michael Duggan. I served as Director/Manager for Economic and Community Development, Department of Neighborhoods, Board of Community Relations, Youth Entrepreneur Program, and Youth Commission. Prior to joining the City of Toledo, I was an administrator of Catholic Youth and School Services. I am a graduate of Bowling Green with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/Public Administration. I am a U.S. Marine Desert Storm Veteran. Throughout the years, I have been awarded several distinctions from the U.S. Marine Corps, Office of the Governor, Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, City of Toledo, City of Canton, and City of Detroit.

My priorities are 1.) Safe, sustainable and resilient Toledo neighborhoods; 2.) A supportive environment for investment in Toledo; and 3.) Take a responsible approach to spending public money. I will focus on eliminating slum and blight in our neighborhoods that create an environment for crime and violence. I will increase the Block Watch program from 15 active groups to more than 150. I will increase the number of available affordable housing by eliminating existing policies and fee structures that prevent non-profit and minority inclusion. I will eliminate existing policies and taxing structures that discourages investment, job creation, and minority business inclusion. Also, I will seek to implement a Toledo Benefits Agreement that delivers jobs and neighborhood investment for Toledoans. Last, I will not take funds dedicated for roads and infrastructure improvements to pay for other items. Similarly, I will not use the rainy-day fund for alternate program expenses.