{"id":17462,"date":"2025-10-16T19:08:45","date_gmt":"2025-10-16T19:08:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/?p=17462"},"modified":"2025-10-16T19:08:45","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T19:08:45","slug":"toledo-free-press-voters-guide-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/16\/toledo-free-press-voters-guide-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Toledo Free Press Voter\u2019s Guide: 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Stephen Zenner<\/a><\/p>\n

In partnership with\u00a0Jaden Jefferson Reports<\/em><\/strong>,\u00a0La Prensa<\/strong><\/em>,\u00a0The Sojourner\u2019s Truth,\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>and\u00a0WTOL11<\/strong><\/p>\n

November is not so far off, and with it comes a general election with the potential of mixing up much of Lucas County\u2019s elected officials.<\/p>\n

98 officials will be elected in Lucas County during the Tuesday, Nov. 4 General Election. Trustees, mayors and city council members may all see some changes as people cast their votes.<\/p>\n

Six At-Large City Council positions and the city\u2019s main executive one, the mayor, will all be up for grabs this year in Toledo.<\/p>\n

As we continue to cover these candidates, we will add to the guide up until the November election.<\/p>\n

Mayoral Candidates<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wade Kapszukiewicz<\/strong><\/p>\n

Political Experience:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mayor of Toledo 2018-present
\nChairman of the Lucas County Landbank from 2010-2019
\nLucas County Treasurer 2005-2018
\nToledo City Council Member from 1999-2003<\/p>\n

Education:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Undergraduate: Bachelor\u2019s in journalism and political science from Marquette University in 1994
\nValedictorian of the College of Communication, Journalism, and Performing Arts.<\/p>\n

Graduate: Master\u2019s in public policy from the University of Michigan<\/p>\n

Professional experience:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Worked for New Ohio Institute, a public policy research organization that studied issues affecting Ohio\u2019s urban areas
\nTaught at both Lourdes University and Owens Community College as an adjunct professor during his time on City Council.<\/p>\n

Website and links:\u00a0<\/strong>wadekap.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz is seeking a third term in office. He joined Jaden Jefferson on\u00a0<\/em>Community Focus\u00a0in April 2025 to make his case for another four years, provide a view of where the city is headed, and respond to ongoing challenges.<\/em><\/p>\n

Roberto Torres<\/strong><\/p>\n

Stephen Zenner<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0sits down with Independent mayoral candidate Roberto Torres to talk about his experiences working in Cleveland and Detroit, in addition to his work in Toledo. The two of them discuss the candidate\u2019s philosophy on economic development, local political differences, and how his experience growing up in a northwest Ohio migrant camp shaped him.<\/em><\/p>\n

Political Experience:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Director\/Advisor of the Mayor\u2019s Office Immigrant Affairs and Economic Inclusion for Detroit, Michigan 2018-2025
\nExecutive Director of the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan 2015-2017
\nExecutive Director of the Northwest Ohio Chamber of Commerce 2013-2015
\nDirector of Economic Development Canton, Ohio 2008-2012
\nManager of Economic Development Specialist Toledo, Ohio 2006-2008
\nDirector of the Office Latino Affairs Toledo, Ohio 2003-2006
\nDirector of the Toledo Youth Commission Toledo, Ohio 1998-2003<\/p>\n

Education:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Undergraduate: Bachelor of Arts from Bowling Green State University, 1985<\/p>\n

Professional Experience:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Consultant with Catholic Youth and School Services in Toledo
\nUnited States Marine Corps<\/p>\n

Roberto Torres is an independent who\u2019s seeking the office of mayor in Toledo. He spoke with Jaden Jefferson in the April 2025 episode of\u00a0Community Focus\u00a0about his previous experience, economic plans, on thoughts on the city\u2019s future.<\/em> Torres spoke with The Sojourner\u2019s Truth Rev. D.L. Perryman in the January 22, 2025 issue \u2013 \u201c<\/em>Back in the Game: Roberto Torres\u2019 Mayoral Ambitions\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At-Large Toledo City Council Candidate<\/strong><\/p>\n

THE LATEST: *On Tuesday, Oct. 6, Carrie Hartman resigned from her role on Toledo City Council and resigned from the 2025 race.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Brittany D. Jones, PhD<\/strong>
\n<\/strong>
\nPolitical Experience: City Council Member At-Large since February 2024<\/p>\n

Professional Experience: Survey & Evaluation Analyst for the United Way of Greater Toledo 2022 to present; Growing Back To Your Roots, Founder\/CEO (2015 – Present); Central State University, Lucas County Agent | Family & Consumer Sciences (2017 – 2018); Children’s Hunger Alliance, School & Summer Nutrition Manager (2015 – 2016); United North Corporation, Housing Program Coordinator (2014 – 2015)<\/p>\n

Education: Undergraduate: Bachelor of Arts Public Affairs, Journalism The Ohio State University 2009<\/p>\n

Graduate: Master of Arts in City\/Urban community and regional planning from
\nWayne State University 2015<\/p>\n

PhD: Doctor of Philosophy in spatial integrated social science from the
\nUniversity of Toledo 2021<\/p>\n

Website: brittany4toledo.com\/<\/p>\n

Jones spoke with The Sojourner\u2019s Truth reporter Asia Nail in the September 17, 2025 issue: <\/em>Brittany Jones: \u201cFrom Writer to Leader, A Journey of Service and Survival\u201d<\/em><\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Edwin J. Beczynski<\/strong><\/p>\n

Education:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

High School: Bowsher High School, 1980<\/p>\n

Professional experience:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Served in the United States Air Force from 1980-1985
\nLocal Restauranteur<\/p>\n

Website:<\/strong>\u00a0edfortoledo.com\/<\/a>
\nToledo Chamber blog
\n<\/a><\/p>\n

September 23, 2025 edition of Jaden Jefferson\u2019s\u00a0<\/em>Community Focus: Toledo business owner and city council candidate Ed Beczynski answers the question of if he\u2019ll still be involved in his businesses, if elected; discusses neighborhood redevelopment; and offers his take on other matters.<\/em><\/p>\n

Mac Driscoll<\/strong><\/p>\n

Political Experience:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Has served as City Council Member At-Large since February 2024<\/p>\n

Education:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Undergraduate: University of Toledo 2014<\/p>\n

Graduate: Cleveland State University 2018<\/p>\n

Website:<\/strong>\u00a0macfortoledo.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

In December 2024, Jaden Jefferson spoke with Toledo City Council At-Large Member Mac Driscoll on\u00a0<\/em>Community Focus. Driscoll discussed the mayor\u2019s proposed budget for 2025 \u2014 and discusses what he\u2019s heard from residents.<\/em><\/p>\n

Blair M. Johnson<\/strong><\/p>\n

Professional Experience:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

BMJ Enterprises, General Contractor and Handyman
\nBMJ Auto & Logistics LLC Owner
\nBreaking the Glass Founder
\nProject Toledo 419<\/p>\n

Education:<\/strong><\/p>\n

High School: Start High School<\/p>\n

Associate: Owens Community College, Criminal Justice and Corrections<\/p>\n

Undergraduate: Attended University of Toledo<\/p>\n

Contact information:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Phone: 419-407-6512<\/p>\n

Email: BlairJohnson4Toledo@gmail.com<\/p>\n

Website:<\/strong>\u00a0blairjohnson4toledo.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Social media:<\/strong>\u00a0facebook.com\/BlairJohnson4Toledo<\/a><\/p>\n

To learn more about Blair Johnson, read\u00a0\u201cFixing What\u2019s Broken: A Conversation with BMJ Enterprises Founder and City Council Candidate\u201d<\/a>\u00a0by Asia Nail with The Sojourner\u2019s Truth, one of our TFP Voting Guide partners.<\/p>\n

Blair Johnson is a local contractor who, for the first time, is taking the dip in the world of local politics. In Jaden Jefferson\u2019s September 15 edition of<\/em>\u00a0Community Focus, Johnson discusses his run for an at-large seat on Toledo City Council.<\/em><\/p>\n

Nick Komives<\/strong><\/p>\n

Political Experience:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Toledo City Council Member At-Large since 2018<\/p>\n

Professional Experience:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Executive Director of Equality Toledo since 2015
\nDevelopment Officer at the United Way of Greater Toledo since 2015<\/p>\n

Education:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Undergraduate: The University of Toledo Bachelor of Arts in Law and Social Thought, 2012<\/p>\n

Associates: Owens Community College Associates in Arts in English, 2010<\/p>\n

Social media:\u00a0<\/strong>facebook.com\/nickkomives<\/a><\/p>\n

For more information on Nick Komives, take a look at\u00a0this WTOL11 interview<\/a>\u00a0with him from September. WTOL11 is a media partner of the Toledo Free Press. On September 17, 2025, Komives spoke with The Sojourner\u2019s Truth Reporter Rev. D.L. Perryman \u2013 thetuthtoledo.com<\/p>\n

Erin Kramer<\/strong><\/p>\n

Professional Experience:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Owens Community College Director of Admissions, Adjunct Instructor, Admissions Representative, 2017-present
\nUniversity of Toledo Success Coach, Adjunct Instructor, 2007-2019<\/p>\n

Education:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Undergraduate: University of Toledo Bachelor of Arts in Communication 1996<\/p>\n

Graduate: University of Toledo Master of Arts in English Literature 2005<\/p>\n

Website:<\/strong>\u00a0kramerforcouncil.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Erin Kramer is a Democrat seeking an at-large seat on Toledo City Council. In this\u00a0<\/em>Community Focus\u00a0interview with Jaden Jefferson, she discusses economic development, housing, youth programming and more.<\/em><\/p>\n

Cerssandra McPherson<\/strong><\/p>\n

Political Experience:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Toledo City Council Member At-Large since 2020<\/p>\n

Professional Experience:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Special education paraprofessional for 32 years in Toledo Public Schools<\/p>\n

Website:<\/strong>\u00a0mcphersonforcouncil.com\/meet_cerssandra<\/a><\/p>\n

Councilwoman McPherson spoke with The Sojourner\u2019s Truth Rev. D.L. McPherson in The Truth\u2019s 01.07.21 issue \u2013 \u201c<\/em>Jumping in at the Deep End\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tom Names<\/strong><\/p>\n

Political Experience:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Involved in northwest Ohio politics since 2017, when he ran for Toledo Council but was defeated in the primary.<\/p>\n

In 2019, Names ran for Toledo City Council again for the District 5 seat; he lost to Sam Melden<\/p>\n

In 2020, Names ran for Lucas County Commissioner as a Republican, losing to Tina Wozniak.<\/p>\n

Groups:<\/strong>
\nCoalition for Peaceful Toledo Neighborhoods
\nAmerican Legion
\nTree Toledo
\nSylvania Moose Lodge
\nBavarian Sports Club
\nHungarian Club<\/p>\n

Professional Experience:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Worked at Solid Fuels Technology
\nPrincipal Engineer at Burns and Roe Enterprises, Inc.<\/p>\n

Education:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan<\/p>\n

Undergraduate: Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Lafayette College<\/p>\n

Website:<\/strong>\u00a0toledovotes.com\/candidate\/tom-names\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Social Media:<\/strong>\u00a0facebook.com\/Tom4Toledo<\/a><\/p>\n

Contact:<\/strong>\u00a0TomNames2019@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Tom Names, a candidate for an at-large seat on council, talks about his plans on Jaden Jefferson\u2019s<\/em>\u00a0Community Focus.<\/p>\n

Rob Pasker<\/strong><\/p>\n

Professional Experience:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Won 20 under 40 Toledo award 2024
\nCertified Branch Office Manager with NID Housing
\nBroker\/owner of Pasker Real Estate
\nPresident of Pasker & Associates LTD
\nCo-Found of Go Matcha, Go
\nSubstitute teacher for Toledo Public Schools<\/p>\n

Education:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Associates: Columbus State Community College Associate of Arts<\/p>\n

Bachelors: Franklin University Bachelors of Business Administration<\/p>\n

Website:<\/strong>\u00a0paskerfortoledo.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Social media:\u00a0<\/strong>facebook.com\/RobPTV<\/a><\/p>\n

Contact:\u00a0<\/strong>PaskerforToledo@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n

On Jaden Jefferson\u2019s\u00a0<\/em>Community Focus\u00a0on Sept. 21, Northwest Ohio realtor Rob Pasker III discusses his bid for an at-large seat on Toledo City Council and the issues he\u2019d like to address, from economic development opportunities to youth programming. <\/em>To learn more about Rob, read\u00a0\u201c<\/em>Rob Pasker: Building Business, Educating Clients, Spreading Joy<\/em>\u201d<\/em><\/a>\u00a0by Asia Nail with The Sojourner\u2019s Truth, one of our TFP Voting Guide partners.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

George Sarantou<\/strong><\/p>\n

Political Experience:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Toledo City Council Member since 2021
\nFinance Director for the City of Toledo
\nProbate Court Administrator<\/p>\n

Professional Experience:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Financial Advisor for three decades
\nReading mentor with TPS<\/p>\n

Website:<\/strong>\u00a0votesarantou.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

In September, Stephen Zenner interviewed George Sarantou about his experience as a Toledo City Council Member At-Large, as well as his plans for improving the lives of Toledoans.<\/em><\/p>\n

Tom Waniewski<\/strong><\/p>\n

Political experience:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Served as a Toledo City Council Member for District 5 from 2007 to 2020
\nRan for Lucas County Commissioner 2024, and lost to Pete Gerken
\n2017 ran for mayor of Toledo, but lost the primary to current mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz.<\/p>\n

Professional experience:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Worked as an investigative reporter before moving into politics
\nStarted Access Toledo
\nServed as chairman of the United Way Board
\nRetired as development director of Catholic Charities<\/p>\n

Website:<\/strong>\u00a0tomwa.wordpress.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

High school:<\/strong>\u00a0St. Francis de Sales School<\/p>\n

Undergraduate degree: University of Toledo, 1978<\/p>\n

Graduate degree: Bowling Green State University, 1998<\/p>\n

A former member of Toledo City Council, Republican Tom Waniewski is now running to unseat Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken. He joins me on this week\u2019s Community Focus, to discuss how he\u2019d lead in the position, if elected.<\/em><\/p>\n

Issues on the ballot<\/strong><\/p>\n

Issue 1:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

(Renewal) A Lucas County Tax Levy for Lucas County Children Services for 1.8 mills which equals $39 per $100,000 of property. $14,069,600 is the estimated amount the levy will raise for LCCS. The Levy will be for the next five years.<\/p>\n

Issue 14:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ballot 13I: Will Liquor, Wine & Spirits be sold on Sunday at Batroon3, LLC (Top Shelf Liquor) 3303 Dorr Street<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Stephen Zenner In partnership with\u00a0Jaden Jefferson Reports,\u00a0La Prensa,\u00a0The Sojourner\u2019s Truth,\u00a0and\u00a0WTOL11 November is not so far off, and with it comes a general election with the potential of mixing up much of Lucas County\u2019s elected officials. 98 officials will be elected in Lucas County during the Tuesday, Nov. 4 General Election. Trustees, mayors and city […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[250,252],"tags":[],"wf_post_folders":[315],"class_list":["post-17462","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-local-news","category-politics"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17462","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17462"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17462\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17463,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17462\/revisions\/17463"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17462"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17462"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17462"},{"taxonomy":"wf_post_folders","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wf_post_folders?post=17462"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}