Walking & Comments

I spent several hours Sunday campaigning door to door near where I grew up. My best friend lived on the street when we were in high school and it brought back many wonderful memories. The comments were many and involved taxes (too much); trash (unfair); alleys (so bad they can't be used); crime; roads; guns.

Regarding the taxes, I was asked what as a council person can I do to stop the school levy being proposed (this from a school bus driver). Roads: they are so bad in some areas, it is impossible to get the bus down the streets. Trash: why are we paying an additional tax and getting less service, what was the real reason for the tax. Alley: they are so bad, everyone has to park on the street, they can't get back to the garages. Crime: we need something on the books that removes the children from the home of convicted sexual predators. It was heartbreaking to listen as a mother tell of a daughter who had 3 young daughters and was living with a sexual predator. The grandmother is near panic over it and the safety of the girls; there is nothing legally that can be done. Guns: he wanted to know my position; well, owning a gun is not my preference, but it is your right and none of my business, but we agreed it was disconcerting to think of a concealed weapon in a public park full of children. What of the school levy, council has not input on the TPS, so they wondered what the Mayor has to do with it, why they were talking to the Mayor about the levy. I explained he could only come out publicaly along with Council and advise the voters.

Alleys & Roads: As trash is collected, have the driver of the refuse truck note locations where roads need repair and alleys need cleaning. In the case of the alley, the refuse worker would turn in the report at the end of the run and the city would issue a warning to clean the alley within 30 days and if not cleaned, the refuse team would do so and the owner would receive a bill for the cost of cleanup. This would need union approval, but I'm confident they would work with the city to help effect this change.

When we "dump" our alleys, the owners no longer have access to their garages or off street parking which causes congestion on the streets. The alleys are as much a part of the city infrastructure as the roads and should be maintained. We should not abandon alleys.

Trash tax: CAN IT!!

Finally, after 3 hours and not one question about "strippergate", I commented to my friend who lives on the street and walked with me that no one had even mentioned "strippergate". She looked puzzled and asked, "What's that"?

YouTube Where's Hildo?

In response to the article in the City Paper July 18, 2007, we put together the following video which discusses the issues relevant to District 2. YouTubeAD

Seniors in Self Defense

Karen Shanahan for Toledo City Council – District 2 * Committee to Elect Shanahan
3633 Denise Dr. * Toledo OH 43614
419-345-9862 * www.shanahanselect.com
NEWS RELEASE July 23, 2007
CONTACT: Karen Shanahan
419-345-9862 kesjr@bex.net

Candidate Karen Shanahan Promotes Self-Defense for Senior Citizens

Toledo, Ohio. Karen Shanahan, martial arts student and Democratic candidate for Toledo City Council - District 2, announces that she will host a series of self-defense demonstrations for senior citizens. Sempai Shelly Blanco, of the Martial Arts Center, located at 5122 Heatherdowns and 7430 West Central, will be the instructor. There is no charge for these demonstrations, and the first one will be held:
Date: Thursday, August 2, 2007
Time: 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Place: Margaret Hunt Senior Center
2121 Garden Lake Drive (southeast of Arlington at South Detroit)

The media is invited to be present.
###

news release sent by Ellen Critchley, Critchley Creative
ellen@critchleycreative.com
419.535.0068
fax 419.710.0869

Solar Energy

I'm ready for technology to find a way to replace oil in this country.
The Blade article shows there is some forward movement, but in the scheme of things, this is just the beginning. We've been waiting since the 70's for a "breakthrough" but as the gas prices dropped, the interest waned. On the campaign trailer, I spoke with an inventor who is working on fuel cells and trying to get funding. In believes if the money spent on the Iraq war had been spent on energy technology, our dependence on foreign oil would be down by 70%. I look forward to the day when the USA is no longer paying for foreign oil -- and it is possible... I ready for it to be probable!
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070713/NEWS34/707130364/-1/NEWS

Support of All Local Democrats - Press Release

July 13, 2007: Toledo, Ohio. Karen Shanahan, Democratic candidate for Toledo City Council - District 2, announces that she remains committed to the Lucas County Democratic Party and all local Democrats. She looks forward to working with all party stalwarts - leadership, elected officials, other candidates and volunteers - and to move the party forward together, ensuring victory for Democrats in 2007 elections and in the all-important 2008 Presidential election.

Vote of Conscience Not Coercion

The Blade article about Mr. Irish resigning http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070713/NEWS09/707130399/-1/ARCHIVES30
When I suggested to the Blade that the Central Committee should meet to vote on the retention or dismissal of Mr. Irish, I also was adamant that the vote should be taken by secret ballot to ensure a vote of conscience and not of coercion. I have been advised that the National by-laws of the Democratic Party do not allow a secret ballot.

I now understand why nothing ever changes in the LCDP. The comments and subtle threats and innuendos that when along with the recent issue are enough to train a person to only take the safe position and never disagree. Since there are differences of opinions on every issue, the voters then have elected officials and candidates towing the line of mediocrity with the hope of not offending anyone.

There is a chance the party can move forward if the next vote by the Central Committee is made by secret ballot. An interesting experiment would announce a secret ballot vote (I bet more members would attend) and once the ballots are collected, do the same vote by raise of hands. Do you think the results would be the same?

By the way… my vote is for Ellen Grachek to lead the Lucas County Democratic Party!

City Property for Sale

As a child, I grew up in a house on a 30 foot lot, the houses were so close, and we shared an eaves trough. The house next door fell into disrepair as it became rental property and the owners decided to sell. My grandfather lived in the house on the other side of the property, so he and my parents together purchased the house and decided to tear it down. One permit required it be fumigated and when we reached the kitchen and pulled down the plaster, the walls were lined with dead cockroaches, hundreds of them. After it was demolished, the property was split in 1/2 and we then had a 45 foot lot. It was so wonderful, we had a yard to play in and grow gardens and flowers. I flooded the side lot in the winter and had a "skating rink" and it was good.

The point of my story is this, why not sell 30 foot residential lots to the owners of adjoining property for $1.00, agree to bundle all required permits for a total cost of $25.00 and if they demolish the property, give a rebate for the cost once the demolition is completed. This could potentially eliminate 100's of "nuisance" properties, which must be maintained by the city, put them back on the property tax rolls.

Lead the LCDP

I just watched McNamara again about the "stripper" incident. He keeps calling for John Irish to resign. Does anyone know who he recommends for the position? One usually does not call for a resignation if one does not have someone lurking behind the scene ready to jump into the task. Would really like to know.

City Budget on Excel Spreadsheet

If you are an Excel Spreadsheet user, I have converted the budget from the PDF file supplied to Joe McNamara into an excel spreadsheet. It is color coded to match the sections of the original and each section is on a separate tab. Using pivot tables is very useful in analyzing the data to consolidate data. It is posted on my Web page: Sanahanselect.com

Please let me know if you access the spreadsheet and if you found it useful.

Who Should be Mayor

I have a question for Tom Morrissey... who does he believe should be Mayor. If Carty is recalled, does he believe Rob Ludeman is the right person for the job?

Ellen Got it Right

Ellen turned a negative into a positive over the improper conduct of a young lady at the LCDP golf outing by requesting the party to take corrective action though by-law changes and working more diligently to recruit women for office. I wonder why Wade didn't speak with someone at the event and request immediate action when he witnessed the inappropriate behavior. It would not have received the media response, but it would have effectively prevented the continuation of the behavior. Had Wade addressed the incident when it was taking place and they refused to put a stop to it, I could understand creating the media frenzy which ultimately took place.

Karen Shanahan YouTube Ad

I have the priviledge of working with a very creative, talented young man, Dan Adams, an old friend of my Son's. He has created the YouTube Ad and I wanted to share it with you. We need to get down to basics in city government: Repair the roads; Secure our neighborhoods; Can the trash tax; Support our Seniors; Empower small businesses. Let's take a stand today!

River Road Park Update

List of City property for sale:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pHEX7CSkhcGPLCz0zueR3eg&output=html

Areis (link)
http://www.co.lucas.oh.us/real_estate/AREISmain/areismain.asp
click on Areis and type in under address 3620 River Rd. and data,

History of previous attempt to sell the Park
http://docs.google.com/Edit?tab=edit&docid=dd7thkjj_1cg5vm6&cancelRevision=dd7thkjj_1cg5vm6:3

Many of the neighbors stopped by and commented: 1.) The city crews have been told not to maintain the river access on the hill; 2.) The hill to the river has become the dumping ground for the grass clippings when the park is mowed; 3.) The property was originally used to draw water for the treatment plant, it has tunnels throughout that go under River Road to the building in the main portion of the park on the north side of River Road; 4.) This unique piece of property should not be sold but maintained for quality of life of future generations of residents of Toledo.; 5.) Several years ago the City leaders met with the neighbors and put together a master plan for the park which included an overlook of the River and park benches.

I spoke with a neighbor with four generations who used the park and Maumee River access. We talk about the quality of life in Toledo and what amenities are of interest to visitors and those who may decide to reside in Toledo, parks are an essential part of our life and we must fight to maintain such valuable green space. It is also time to keep the promises and commitments made by the City administrators.

In 1999, The Mayor was approached by someone who wanted to purchase the property, so the property was quickly put up for sale ($299,900) but through public protest, the sale was stopped. Many of those at the Rally wondered if once again the Mayor had someone preselected for the sale based on another request to purchase the property. I think it is fair for Toledoans to know if this is the situation once again, so I will email the Mayor today and ask. Should I receive a reply, I will let you know.

A list of over 800 City of Toledo properties from the City Website is available to view in an excel spreadsheet which I created at posted at the following Google web page: http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pHEX7CSkhcGPLCz0zueR3eg&output=html

These 843 properties are financially draining our resources; the city needs to divest these properties. Every one of these properties is the responsibility of the City of Toledo and must be maintained. We should concentrate on selling such properties, not parkland that is used and would be used even more if the City properly maintained it.

City Administration has stated this is not a park, however, in Areis (link)
http://www.co.lucas.oh.us/real_estate/AREISmain/areismain.asp

click on Areis and type in under address 3620 River Rd. and data,
the official description of the property is:
"RIVER TRACT 16 N 1/2 BET CANAL & BDWY EXC W 590.56 FT ON N LINE PT S OF N 45 FT ALSO LOT 1 BURNLEY WOOD S & ADJ N 250 FT PT BET BDWY & RIVER EXC NLY TRI 10 FT ON RIVER" "Zoning Description: Parks and Open Space"

The Mayor commented on Fox 36 evening news Saturday evening that I was doing this only to get a few votes and if I wanted the property, I could buy it for the $500,000 value. I'm doing this because I firmly believe we should retain this property for the public quality of life. Though we have a budget crunch and need to be more fiscally responsible, when the budget problem is resolved, this property should still exist for public use. I recognize the cynicism in the Mayor's comment, but the $500,000 price tag is exactly why this property should be retained, so the average resident of Toledo, like you and I, can enjoy the beauty of our city.

Rally to Rescue the Park

3620 River Road at Brookford (west of Toledo Country Club) Please spread the word and attend the Rally. The sign went up on June 1st. On June 2nd when I went to the OLPH festival, a resident stopped and asked if I could do something to stop the sale. It seems every 5 years, they put this piece of parkland up for sale. Twice now, the neighbors have been able to stop the progress and the City took it off the market. This is prime riverfront property and one of the only parcels left in the area that is still public providing public access to the river. Once it is sold, it is lost to the public forever! JOIN ME SATURDY !! SPREAD THE WORD !! SUPPORT THE EFFORT !!


Rally to Rescue the River Front Park
Join District 2 Council Candidate Karen Shanahan at the Park
3620 River Road at Brookford
Saturday June 9
12:00 to 12:30

The City has listed this property for sale.
Do you want to lose this riverfront park?
It is the only remaining public access in the neighborhood.
Do you prefer public access or private ownership
Show your support for the park by attending the Rally
Adults, children, pets are invited.
Bring a sign to “Rescue the Park”
Karen will provide ice cream sundaes and music.
See you at the Park!

Veterans Bridge Dedication, June 23, 2007

We are so very pleased that Rex, my Husband, has been selected to sing the National Anthem at the Veterans' Glass City Bridge Dedication on June 23, 2007. He received a call from ODOT this past week inviting to sing as a representative of the American Legion. He feels so honored to represent the American Legion at such an historic event. We look forward to seeing all of you there. Rex has been honored to sing at a number of events in Toledo. I've included the photo from the 2006 Memorial Service in which he sang (he's wearing the red jacket and saluting)

For those of you who are Mud Hens fans, he will also sing the National Anthem at the game on July 4th (the 43rd anniversary of when we met). It will be a fun day.

OLPH Festival 2007

The OLPH festival was great, see photo of Volunteers from today, Sunday.
Back row is Sensei Hurtseller from the Martial Arts Center (www.ohiomartialarts.com); his son; our Son-in-law, Tony House (Executive Chef of the Navy Bistro); our Son, Herbert Shanahan III (he and his wife were visiting from Columbus OH); Middle row: Sempai Shelly Blanco's 2 sons; Me; Our Daughter-in-law, Chrystal Shanahan; 1st Row: Sempai Shelly Blanco from Marshal Arts Center; our Daughter, Jennifer House; and our Grandson, Henrik House. On the previous days, my Aunt, Margart Aton; her husband, Bob Aton; and Granson, Alex, also campaigned with me.

We met so many District 2 folks and it was good to hear their comments. #1 concern.. job growth; #2 concern.. taxes, specifically the "trash tax", #3 concern.. difficulty of small business working with Toledo. However, everyone agreed District 2 is a fantastic area of Toledo and a wonderful place to live. My Aunt, Margaret Aton, (we're the same age)has had children endrolled at OLPH and now her grandson attends, she was great taking me around to meet and greet her friends at the parrish.

Senior Citizen Care Issues

My husband has had both knees replaced this year, the 1st on March 14th, the 2nd on May 2. For the 2nd replacement it was decided he should go to a senior rehabilitation center for a few days until he was able to walk about and take care of himself and at the same time begin rehabilitation. The doctor recommended a specific center as the “best in the area”. If this facility is one of the best is considered one of the best in the area, then same on Toledo. The stay was a nightmare. He was to leave Saturday; I went on my lunch hour Thursday and had him released. WE MUST TO DO BETTER THAN THIS!

Zooming in on the Zoo

I was putting papers in the recycle box and came across the photo of the polar bear cub, he is so cute and the children visiting the Zoo are so excited about the cubs. How great for our Zoo. After much controversy in 2005, it seems most of the issues are not resolved and the Zoo is again on an even keel. The new Director must be given high praise for her actions in quieting the polarized, heated debates which took place. I know at the meeting I attended in 2005, the answers were less than straightforward and I was very frustrated at the inaccurate and misleading information being provided. It is difficult to question any aspect of Zoo leadership as residents of Toledo have grown up with the Zoo and it is near and dear to us, so when anything the management does is questioned, it is done so at the risk of appearing to be anti-zoo. The issue of eminent domain was the basis of much of the heated argument and discussion and when we were told they could not take anything by eminent domain, when pressed, the word was changed from "couldn't" to "wouldn't" so in truth, the rezoning does allow seizure of land by eminent domain. Though this is not a major issue for me, the fact that the representatives tried so diligently to indicate it "could not" happen was of great concern and frustration.

I LOVE MY ZOO -- and, thankfully, enough public outcry and debate required the necessary changes and prioritization to ensure the Zoo was put back on the right path to ensure it would remain a wonderful attraction to Toledo. This is just one more example of the effect concerned citizens can have when an institution becomes an issue. Thank goodness.. our Zoo is again thriving!

Formal Announcement of Candidacy

Karen Shanahan for Toledo City Council – District 2 * Committee to Elect Shanahan
3633 Denise Dr. * Toledo OH 43614

www.shanahanselect.com

NEWS RELEASE May 19, 2007

Shanahan Announces Run for City Council District 2

Toledo, Ohio. Following a martial arts session at Martial Arts Center on Heatherdowns Boulevard, Karen Shanahan announced her candidacy for the Toledo City Council - District 2, for the election in November 2007. She chose this location because she enjoys the practice of martial arts there and because it is a good example of a successful small business in District 2.

Shanahan’s remarks:

I’m Karen Shanahan, here to announce my candidacy for Toledo City Council - District 2. I’m ready to serve and ready to make a difference. Although I’m a relative newcomer to politics, I have life experience that will benefit the citizens of District 2 and all Toledoans.

I’m committed to be your voice on City Council and, when elected, my main goals will be to:

Create the “Rough Roads Repair Registry” of District 2
Balance the city budget, not ask for a family budget balancing act
Bolster Block Watch
Supplement senior citizen support
Stand with Small Business in District 2

1. Create the “Rough Roads Repair Registry” of District 2
Our neighborhood roads need repair. As I create the “Rough Roads Repair Register,” I’m asking every homeowner in District 2 to send an email or call me if a road in our District needs repair.

2. Balance the city budget, not ask for a family budget balancing act
Our residents dig deep into their pockets to fund programs. I’ll ask the questions to ensure the funds are responsibly budgeted.

3. Bolster Block Watch
This is a great resource that encourages neighborhood interaction and security. By meeting regularly, getting better acquainted with our neighbors and receiving input for the Police representative, it increases awareness of what is occurring in the neighborhood and forms a stronger connection with each other.

4. Supplement Senior Citizen Support
Increase awareness of the conditions at the senior care facilities. After my husband recently had a stay in a rehabilitation center, it is obvious we must do better to care for our senior citizens. The services provided were marginal at best.

5. Stand with Small Business in District 2
The Martial Arts Center is a glowing example of a small business success story in District 2. The owners are enthusiastic, positive and energetic, and they continually give back to the community.

Because of the needs of the Reynolds Road corridor, we are going to reorganize the Small Business Alliance and I’ve pledged to lead the formation and implementation of an Action Task Force to tackle and resolve issues for small business in District 2.

I’ve contacted a nationally known economic development advisor who grew up in Toledo. He is willing to offer suggestions and advice to move District 2 forward.

I am a native of Toledo, grew up in the Old South End in a blue-collar family with strong Union affiliations. Rex and I have been married 42 years and have two adult children and one grandchild. I went to college after raising my children and am currently employed as a logistics professional at The Hub Group, where I focus on problem solving for customers from California to Texas to Indiana and other states in the Midwest. I will bring this problem-solving expertise to City Council.

I am Karen Shanahan - and I thank you for showing your concern for our community by joining me today in my run for Toledo City Council – District 2.

FR #1 Walbridge Park Shelter House

What fun we had and so good to have supporters offering encouragement for the campaign. Lisa Renee, Migueal and Emily are such an inspiration and wealth of knowledge. Richard Brown stopped by even though he was getting ready for his fantastic Press Conference kicking off his campaign. He will do well and will be a positive influence on the School Board. Great and many thanks to my daughter, Jennifer House, grandson, Henrik House (9), Margaret and Bob Aton and their grandson Alex (9) and Nancy and Fred Heaney and June Boyd for their tireless help at the event. The most fun of all was watching the 2 9-year old boys singing karoke to "What's New Pussycat" (I did the whoa, whoa, whoa), too funny and they were really sincere and working hard. Gary Anderson, my campaign manager, remains steadfast and diligent in pushing me along.

Next FR... watch out... we're having a disco party with disco ball, DJ and the whole nine-yards. no charge... free will donations at the door and WE WILL ROCK !! Don't miss it... it will be the 3rd week in July.. more to come!!

I'll be on Andover tomorrow canvassing from 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Come join the fun!