Early this year, when he was the only declared candidate for mayor of Toledo, I met with Keith Wilkowski for a talk on politics, the economy and Toledo’s future.

Wilkowski is a deliberate thinker, one who seems to process complete thoughts before speaking — “uh” and “um” are not among his linguistic handicaps.

After our discussion — which touched on communication and transparency in local government, economic development through the Meta-Plan and the importance of having a mayor who can cooperate with local media, but not bow before it — I stood up to exit, offered a hand to shake, and said what I always say after such meetings, which are educational and not intended for immediate public discourse:

“I know, everything we said here was off the record.”

Wilkowski, with no more hesitation than he displayed when ordering lunch, responded, “Nothing I said here today has to be off the record. Everything we talked about I would say for publication, so feel free to use it.”

In nearly 20 years of covering politics and politicians, I have never before been told that after a conversation was completed. That moment has stuck with me as I have watched Wilkowski campaign, and it is one factor in my belief he would be your best choice for mayor of Toledo.

Read the full Michael Miller endorsement