Last night our campaign to change Toledo came to a close.  Though we were not successful at the ballot box, our message that Toledo can rebuild its economy and provide economic opportunity for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren hit the mark.  Barb and I are incredibly proud of the work that everyone who supported this campaign did to deliver that message. 
 
Last evening, I called my longtime friend, Mike Bell, and congratulated him on his campaign’s success.  I pledged my support as he takes on the many challenges facing our city.  I know I can count on all of you to make that same pledge as we work together to turn Toledo around.
 
As Thanksgiving approaches, the Wilkowski family knows that we have been blessed to play a role in shaping the future of Toledo.  From our family to yours, we say a heartfelt “Thank You”.

Barb and Keith Wilkowski

Keith and Barb started the day early this morning by voting at their polling place at  7:30 a.m. They then greeted other voters at Hope Lutheran Church on Secor Road. Keith will continue to work hard today, campaigning until the polls close tonight at 7:30 p.m. So don’t forget to get out and vote for Keith Wilkowski!

Keith Wilkowski was  the featured speaker at State Representative Peter Ujvagi’s Chicken Paprikas Dinner last night. The event, a local tradition, was held at St. Stephen’s School hall in East Toledo.

Keith was introduced by State Representative Peter Ujvagi, the host of this neighborhood gathering. The Chicken Paprikas dinner has grown into a tradition and is the kick off to the final push to Election Day. 

 It features traditional Hungarian American cuisine and is attended by labor, small business, political and community leaders.

Keith's new granddaughter Abigail was there to hear Papa's big speech

NAACP President Willie Ann Moore honors Keith with the "Community Service" award

Keith was honored last night at the NAACP 100th Anniversary Dinner Celebration. He received the “Community Service” award for his work as an attorney, providing many hours of free legal services to those in need. Speaking at the dinner, Toledo NAACP President Willie Ann Moore said over the years, Keith has demonstrated his committment to the community through his work with Legal Aid and many other organizations.

Keith with Tom Galloway - Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, State Representative Peter Ujvagi and Don Rozick - Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen

Keith’s late father, Art Wilkowski, served in the Ohio General Assembly from 1969-1983. For years, he lobbied almost single-handedly to bring high speed passenger rail service to the state.  Speaking at the Toledo Amtrak station this morning, Keith vowed to pick up the mantle and to complete his father’s mission.

“Dad was ahead of his time,” said Keith. “Today, momentum is finally building for high speed passenger trains.”

As mayor Keith plans to put Toledo at the forefront of the high speed rail movement.
Keith_Wilkowski_Statement_High_Speed_Rail

Today, Keith received the endorsement of  “The Sojourner’s Truth,” newspaper. The Sojourner’s Truth is a weekly newspaper serving the African-American community in Toledo.

“Vote For Keith Wilkowski” is the title of the editorial encouraging Toledoans to vote for Keith on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

 ”We have based our decision on two factors. First we believe that Wilkowski has a better grasp of the issues facing Toledo. Second, we feel that Bell’s strategic approach to solving the city’s problems will not enable any real change to occur in the way the city is operated.”

Read the full article

Today, Keith outlined his agenda to strengthen Toledo’s middle class. He was  joined by area labor leaders who support his candidacy and his plans to help working families.

UAW Local 12  President Bruce Baumhauer said his union endorsed Keith because he is the only mayoral candidate who stresses the  importance of providing jobs for working people in Toledo. He also noted that Keith’s plan includes strengthening our manufacturing sector while diversifying our local economy.

Those supporting Keith today at the news conference included: From Local 12 President Bruce Baumhauer, Michael Alexander Mark Buford and Prentis Hubbard. From AFL-CIO Executive Secretary George Tucker, John Boellner, Laura Harrison, Laray Chasteen, Joanne Cousino and Lori Hull. Ray Wood – President Local 14, Mike Haupricht – Executive Secretary NWO Building & Construction Trades, Bob Hubbard – President Communication Workers of America(CWA), Brenda Hill – Toledo Federation of Teachers(TFT) and Toledo School Board member, Aji Green- candidate for Toledo School Board.

• Wilkowski Middle Class Economic Agenda
• Labor Organizations Supporting Keith Wilkowski

It looks like Keith may have some stiff competition if he decides to run for Toledo Mayor in 2027.  Keith met 3-year-old Nathan Stubleski  yesterday at the 16th Annual Blessed Sacrament and Greater Close Park Neighborhood Halloween Parade.  And according to Nathan’s campaign sign, he is jumping into the 2027 mayor’s race really early.  Watch out Keith!

Keith Wilkowski is moving forward confidently in the final days of the 2009 campaign with a wide fundraising lead over Independent opponent Mike Bell.

Yesterday, Wilkowski reported to the Lucas County Board of Elections that his campaign committee had $107,815.45 on hand as of October 14, 2009, while the Bell campaign reported a balance on hand of only $42,666.98.  Wilkowski brought forward $66,973.20 and raised $139,894 in the period from August 26 to October 14, 2009 while Bell brought forward $28,500.69 and raised $63,181.52.

“I’m honored and humbled that so many are placing their faith in me to lead our city during challenging times,” said Wilkowski, who placed first in the September 15^th primary.  “Their strong support demonstrates that Toledo is ready for new leadership that will focus on job creation and stand up for middle class families.”

Democratic Mayoral Candidate Keith Wilkowski met with the Sylvania Chamber of Commerce Board yesterday and shared his vision for better cooperation between Toledo and suburban communities.

“I have worked with our suburban neighbors and forged innovative economic development agreements that allowed private business to create literally thousands of jobs,” said Wilkowski. “As mayor, I will continue to work with our neighboring communities to build-up our region’s economy.”

Wilkowski has experience using joint economic development zones as a tool for regional cooperation and increased revenue. Joint economic development zones between Toledo and Maumee and Toledo and Rossford that were established when Wikowski was the City of Toledo Law Director have produced thousands of new jobs and the zones are generating $1 million in tax revenue for Toledo each year.