News Release: "Accentuate the Positive" in District 2

Toledo, Ohio. Karen Shanahan, second-level white belt martial arts student and Democratic candidate for Toledo City Council - District 2, announces release of her third video on YouTube.com. This video accentuates the many positive aspects of District 2 and how negative aspects need to be eliminated.

Shanahan promotes preserving our parks, repairing the rough roads, fostering a small business alliance, encouraging block watch and securing our streets, “canning” the trash tax and advocating for senior citizens.

The video was created for her campaign by Dan Adams, and may be viewed at Accentuate

Small Business Alliance

I've been working with a few of the Small Businesses in District 2 who have expressed an interest in instituting the Small Business Alliance if it will be active and not just a "coffee clutch" as it had become in past years. As a council person, I'll work with the small businesses to define issues which block growth; once define, action items will be assigned to specific committees and results in resolution will be discussed at the following meeting. It will be necessary to prioritize the issues and work through each one. As a member of council, I'll be challenged to resolve government issues which are identified as blocking progress. District 2 is a thriving, progressive area which will move forward with the active participation of small businesses in our District.

Come for a Visit

This is an open invitation to any of the bloggers to "Meet the Candidate" at any of 3 separate events. The invitation is extended by Ellen Critchley and Shelly Blanco:

Karen Shanahan –Democrat for Toledo City Council District 2

Karen is my client. When we first started working together, I didn’t know her well. It didn’t take long to realize that Karen is bright, hard working, a logical thinker, has great ideas and follows through – in other words, she’s sensible and stable. I’m proud of her and her many stances on issues that affect her district and all the citizens of Toledo.

Here are a few casual opportunities to meet her and discuss the issues. If you choose to contribute to her campaign at any of these events, that’s fine, too. Checks should be written to: Committee to Elect Shanahan. No corporate checks, please.

Thursday, August 9 7-9 pm

Pauline Kurschat’s home (Karen's Mother)

1532 Claybourne (west of Byrne, south off Glendale)

Toledo

They will serve hot fudge sundaes!

Saturday, August 11 2:30-4:30 pm

Shelly Blanco’s home (co-owns Martial Arts Center in District 2)

6105 S. Chanticleer Drive (across from Wolfcreek YMCA off Holland-Sylvania)

Maumee

They will serve coffee & desserts.

Thursday, August 23 7-9 pm

Pauline Kurschat’s home (Karen's Mother)

1532 Claybourne (west of Byrne, south off Glendale)

Toledo

They will be serving hot fudge sundaes!

I endorse Karen Shanahan for Toledo City Council – District 2. Please take an opportunity to meet Karen soon so that you, too, will know she is the best choice in the upcoming election. You may also learn more about Karen on her website - http://shanahanselect.com/ , or contact her at 419-380-0244 or kesjr@bex.net.

Thank you for considering Karen Shanahan. I hope you will meet her and that, if you live in District 2, you will vote for her in the Primary on Tuesday, September 11, and again in the General Election on Tuesday, November 6.

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

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.

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!

TALK TO ME

On Monday, I was invited to guest on WSPD 1370 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. with Michael Miller as guest host. Key points were the budget, trash tax, flowers and reasons why I'm running for District 2 Council Seat. The most memorable comment came from Lisa who offered that it was "easy" to sit back and say I wouldn't vote for the trash tax. Let me offer that it would really be "easy" to say nothing; there is no risk in keeping silent. Over the past week as a result of some comments on the air, I've been counseled about a few of the comments and given additional insight as to how careful I must be not to say anything that, once elected, can come back to haunt me. If I were a "seasoned" politician, I would realize the wisdom of remaining neutral and not "pander" to others and say what they want to hear. Is that what voters want, candidates to remain neutral?

My greatest concern is have enough wisdom to act in the best interest of the community and the comments made in "blogdom" offers alternative views and insight to almost every issue. So, fellow bloggers... go for it! Here is your challenge.. voice your opinion today and over the coming weeks on the issues:
Trash Tax
Flowers
Roads
Southwyck
Dorr and Reynolds vacant shopping plaza
Economic develop
Small business
Business friendly
Pay package for city employees
Schools / charter / vouchers / residency
Ambulance take over by the Fire Department
TALK TO ME !!

Missing Ellen Grachek

What a loss for Toledo!! Ellen Grachek, a responsible, intelligent member of city council with a realistic, analytical view of issues chooses to leave rather than do fundraising.

I understand her dilemma as I begin campaigning for council. It would be refreshing for Toledo residents if Ellen were successfully passed legislation which would limit the spending on Council and other local races.

In addition to candidate spending, any legislation must include amounts spent on behalf of candidates by outside organizations such as PACS. These expenditures are not included in candidate’s financial reports, so it would be necessary to include these expenditures as well.

It’s also time to put out the call to the media to provide unbiased, equal and proportionate coverage for all candidates so voters can make formed decisions based on facts rather than sound bites, candidate created ads and name recognition. This would be revolutionary in the world of politics.

What's next?

Since March when Frank Szollosi introduced me at his fund raiser, I've attended every imaginable festival and event, smiled and shook hands with thousands of people, walked in parades, held press conferences and walked and walked and walked. It's been quite an experience and I'm so thankful to Frank, Teresa Fedor, Marcy Kaptur and Wilma Brown for the encouragement and enthusiasm for my campaign as they were the very first to believe in me. My Husband of 40 years, Rex, just keeps ticking... putting up signs, running errands, driving to events and ever and always helpful.

Do you know the very hardest part of all? Fund raising. Campaigns need money to run, money for the signs, the literature, mailings, advertising, stamps, paper, food..... it's hard to find time for a meal or to clean the house or do the laundry or pay the bills, go to the bank, visit a friend, get to church... because there is always something to do for the campaign.

We are quick to investigate then criticize the source of campaign funds and very quick to suggest we need campaign reform; however, how else does a candidate run for office without money? It would be true revelation if the news media spent as much time just covering the candidates without commentary as they do in editorializing on those that are chosen to review. Do you have any idea how hard it is to get any press coverage at all. In regards to the council candidates, Tom Troy of the Blade did an excellent job in 2 synopses of the candidates; but six times that coverage should be done so people are informed and know who is running for office.

There are a number of forums scheduled ... how many will you attend?

When a candidate approaches you at an event or even at your front door, do you duck and hide, turn away? or are you interested enough to say hello? If we don't visit the events or walk door to door, how will you get to know who we are?

Then there are the events which are open to the "sitting" candidates who already hold office and are running for re-election, but closed to candidates who do not hold office. At parades, we walk along the side of the rode as we are not permitted to have a float or participate. At dinners, those holding office are introduced, those who do not hold office are not. And yet, so many people have been so instrumental in helping the new candidates. Without the help of the PAC and Mayor Ford, I would not have survived the past 6 months of campaigning.

One of the best events of all is when the "seasoned" elected officials share their past experiences as a way to bolster the morale and keep us going. It's tough out there, but it's exhilerating, exciting, exhausting and an experience I will never regret. Thank you to every Toledo voter who cast a vote for me in the Primary. I'm out there working hard and again trying to raise some funds for the final 5 weeks before the election. See you November 8th if not before.