By Tricia Hall
The Truth Reporter
Toledo City Councilman John Hobbs III launched another series of Neighborhood Town Hall Meetings on June 1, 2023 at The Refreshing Place located at 2500 Nebraska Ave.
“The reason why I’m here is to hear from each of you. I may not have all the answers but I will get answers for you. I understand that council meetings occur before you get off work, so I’m here to hear from you so when issues come before council, I can hear from the neighborhoods,” shared Hobbs III.
The purpose of the resident-based discussions is to bring community members together, where they can ask questions and speak on specific concerns or policies. Prior to opening the discussion to open comments, he discussed safety, youth summer programs, neighborhood blight and small business support. Residents received a city summertime newsletter and District 1 newsletter.
“This booklet was distributed to every parent on the last day of school this year and two million was allocated to benefit youth programming this summer. Last summer we had 66,000 youth participants, so we know that providing youth programming works. I know this isn’t offered year-round, but we’re working on that. Let’s celebrate these three months of programming that we are offering, so the youth have something positive to do this summer,” shared Hobbs.
The additional Neighborhood Town Hall Meetings – each begins at 6:00pm.
- June 7, Eleanor Kahle Senior Center, 1315 Hillcrest Ave
- June 13, Reynolds Corners Branch Library, 4833 Dorr St
- June 15, Monroe Street United Methodist Church, 3613 Monroe Street
- June 26, Resurrection Baptist Church, 3360 Nebraska Ave
- June 28, Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3265 Glanzman Rd
“I want to thank Bishop Rowell, his wife and church family for allowing us to be in this space,” shared Hobbs.
Following the June series, the next series of Neighborhood Town Hall Meetings will be held in September 2023. According to the City of Toledo’s profile on Councilman John Hobbs III. Councilman Hobbs was appointed to serve District 1 in September 2020 by Judge Puffenberger. Councilman Hobbs serves as vice chair of the following committees: Public Safety & Criminal Justice Reform, Regional Growth, Development & Small Business Enterprise and Water Quality & Sustainability; he is also a member of the Education, Recreation & Employment Committee, Finance Debt & Budget Committee, and Zoning & Planning Committee.