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I will not re-state Bell’s credentials here
but they are impressive and appropriate. And shi is of the
right age to make a lasting impact on the federal bench.
Bell has also just been named one of this
year’s Milestones Award winners by the YWCA, an honor she
will receive at the annual lunch on March 23.
If you are familiar with her qualities and
want to help promote her candidacy, contact Senators Sherrod
Brown and George Voinivich at their local offices. Send a
copy to the office of judicial appointments, White House,
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C.. Your letter will
be sent to the proper place to be vetted by a selection
committee.
It seems to me that State Representative Edna
Brown is best qualified to move to the Senate. Brown is one
of the most deeply experienced state representatives in the
legislature. Has anyone considered that Brown has nearly 50
years of governmental experience behind her? And this spry
60-something bundle of energy continues to maintain a busy
schedule that would wear out most 30-year olds.
Her Democratic opponent in the primary is
City Councilman Joe McNamara, a very likeable young man but
McNamara has four years of government background compared to
Brown’s 32 years in the City – six on City Council – and
nearly 10 years as a state representative. Brwn has been
through a lot, done a lot and knows a lot. She has 12 times
the experience of her opponent.
I think Brown has an uphill battle because
McNamara has some really powerful friends, notably John
Block of The Blade and retired Ohio Supreme Court Justice
Andy Douglasm, who has great ties to several powerful
unions, including police and fire.
Brown does not have a political machine per
se and will have to quickly assemble a campaign apparatus in
order to compete with Joe Mac.
Art Jones and Earl Murry are going to bump
heads in the primary for the Lucas County Commissioner’s
race. It is too bad that they could not have gotten together
before the deadline and worked out their differences. Now,
neither will get the benefit of a black bloc vote that
typically goes to the African-American candidate if he or
she has at least some name recognition. Both of these guys
are well-known, albeit for different reasons. My guess is
that Carol Contrada, an attorney and Sylvania Township
trustee, will punch through although Michael Zychowicz, an
attorney, is a Skeldon in-law so that connection might help.
And his family name is strong in the old Polish precincts of
the 4th Ward – at least what is left of it.
Zychowicz lives off Corey Road and will make
a game of this race. He did a fundraiser for me in 2005 and
was a very gracious host. Good luck to him!
Contact Jack
Ford at
jack@thetruthtoledo.com
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