The Truth Staff
Toledo is blessed to have a number of outstanding candidates for the six at-large City Council seats on the ballot in this general election. However, voters are only permitted to vote for as many as six. So these are our six – four current council members: Brittany Jones, Phd; Cerssandra McPherson; Nick Komives and George Sarantou – and two newcomers to the political scene: Rob Pasker and Blair Johnson.
The financial experience of Sarantou, the big issues that Komives has worked on and the community involvement of McPherson, along with the urban planning and non-profit knowledge of Jones presents a fortunate combination of expertise, already on Council, in a number of different areas.
Now throw in the youth and accomplishments of Johnson and Pasker – both entrepreneur/business owners who have been involved in extensive work in the community and we have a well-rounded group of six – veterans and rookies – who are and will be prepared to handle the city’s legislative work now and into the future.
Councilwoman Brittany Jones, PhD
Jones often describes herself as a “bridge-builder,” connecting people who might never sit at the same table—residents and researchers, policymakers and parents, dreamers and doers.
“When we strip away the noise of politics, what’s left is our responsibility to care for one another. Humanity is not red or blue—it is flesh and blood, breath and spirit. We cannot forget that.”
She focuses on people over politics.
“At the end of the day, we all want the same things—safe neighborhoods, strong families, and opportunities for our children. My role is to help create pathways for that, no matter who you are or how you vote.”
As Jones seeks re-election, her focus is not on ideology. She talks about finishing the projects she started, about building systems that last, and about making sure no one feels forgotten in the city she loves.
She believes public service is about leaving a place better than you found it. Not perfect. Not finished. Just better.
When asked why she is running again, she says: “I’m running for re-election because I believe in building solutions that cross divides and actually make a difference in people’s everyday lives.”
Her words are calm, but they carry weight. Leadership, she shows, is not about being the loudest voice in the room, it’s about being the most attentive listener.
Councilwoman Cerssandra McPherson
McPherson’s priorities are community safety, neighborhood revitalization and youth engagement. “Before and during my time on council, I have worked to get funding in place for youth programs in our community,” said McPherson. “If Toledo is to have a brighter future, we need to work together and deliver the types of programs that keep our kids safe and sets them up for a future of success.”
“No one issue stands alone,” said McPherson. “If we can work together to improve community safety, we can start to focus on the equitable revitalization of our neighborhoods while maintaining affordable rents and increasing homeownership. Toledoans being provided the opportunity to invest in communities, whether it be as homeowners or starting a small business, is good for all of us.”
McPherson has highlighted the importance of reaching both youth and seniors who may not otherwise engage with city government.
“We need to reach out to the seniors who are unable to go to different meetings,” McPherson said. “We need to go and have a conversation with them to ask them, ‘What is the need? How can we help you?’ And with our young people, we need to continue to listen to them, and provide opportunities where they can come and speak and be free.”
Councilman Nick Komives
Komives has built a reputation for turning advocacy into action by crafting a steady stream of new ordinances that not only meet urgent needs but also strengthen Toledo’s foundation for decades to come.
“I take pride in the number of ordinances I’ve brought forward, especially those tackling housing rights and discrimination. That work has shown me how interconnected our challenges are. In the next term, I aim to continue exploring creative solutions—whether it’s securing revenue to fund eviction defense or investing in infrastructure that will last for another generation.
“One initiative I’m especially excited about is a convenience drop-off site for waste. It’s a win on multiple fronts: curbing illegal dumping, beautifying neighborhoods, providing residents easier access to services and generating new revenue for the city during challenging budget times.
“My legacy is the cultural shift we’ve created around sustainability. When I began my tenure, I was often the lone voice pushing for environmental initiatives. Today, the entire council embraces them, and the public has responded with strong support. You can see it in the use of services like food waste drop-off sites and in the way sustainability is now part of how we think as a city.”
Rob Pasker
Pasker is running for City Council at large to represent the people of Toledo. He has noted that he wants to create a space for locals to join the movement and allow the people to voice opinions and learn more about his vision.
He is advocating for safe and protected neighborhoods, and stable housing environments which is the foundation for families.
Pasker’s campaign emphasizes grassroots energy, community engagement and bold solutions for Toledo’s future. “This campaign is powered by people who believe Toledo’s best days are ahead. Together, we’re building the momentum to make it happen,” Pasker said.
The candidate’s mission is to open doors for people so they can live their purpose. He wants to create a better version of Toledo. Toledo is one of the best places to invest in America, said Pasker. Out of state investors are buying up the land while the locals are struggling to acquire homes.
He also said that he wants equal response times when police are called across the city. He would like mental health professionals to assist in police interactions with the public and he would like to invest in crime prevention.
“My campaign is about creating real Pathways to Prosperity,” said Pasker. “That means safe neighborhoods, strong housing opportunities and economic empowerment that lifts up families and businesses alike.
Blair Johnson
Sometimes, to make a house a home, you have to first fix what’s broken. That’s exactly how local business owner and community leader Blair Johnson approaches both real estate and public service.
“If the foundation isn’t strong,” Johnson said, “everything else will fall apart. And in our communities, the foundation is people.”
That’s not just talk—Johnson’s lived it. With years of experience in residential remodeling and inspection, he’s seen firsthand how poor housing conditions can affect families. But he’s also watched how a little help—like a new roof, working heat or clean water—can lift people up.
“We don’t need heroes,” he explained. “We need listeners. People who will actually hear what residents are saying and figure out how to help. I’m not running to be a politician. I’m running to be a public servant. I just want to serve again.”
When asked why he decided to run for council, Johnson doesn’t hesitate.
“Our people need help,” he said. “And not just help—they need someone who will really show up.”
He talks about his parents’ backgrounds in service—his mother worked for the U.S. Postal Service, and his father is a Navy veteran and business consultant.
“I was raised to believe in working with people, not just over people,” he said. “That’s what public service is supposed to be about.”