By Rev. Donald L. Perryman, Ph.D.
The Truth Contributor
When we fail to listen, the most vulnerable voices are the first to be silenced. – Anaïs Nin
Toledo is just weeks away from electing six at-large members to City Council, yet you would hardly know it.
With the usual chorus of yard signs, forums, and campaign chatter reduced to background noise against louder concerns — gun violence, underfunded schools and the rising cost of housing and groceries — what should be the crescendo of local politics has barely made a sound, registering at the lowest decibel level in memory.
But in politics, where a well-known name is worth more than a solid résumé, silence often means the incumbents are comfortable, the challengers are scrambling or the public isn’t sensing an urgent need for change.
This year, five of the six incumbents appear relatively safe: George Sarantou, Carrie Hartman, Cerssandra McPherson, Nick Komives and Brittany Jones. That leaves the vulnerable Mac Driscoll, who may be angling for another role in city government, leveraging his economic development experience, should the ballot not work out in his favor.
Yet history suggests that serious name recognition will be key in determining who ultimately claims a seat on council, and there are a few contenders positioned to break through.
Former councilman Tom Waniewski is almost certain to return. He has run multiple times before, and while his past racially offensive comment could have disqualified him, they never gained the negative traction perhaps they deserved. Voter memories are short, and recognition often trumps accountability.
Businessman Ed Beczynski is also a contender. Though not known for deep civic engagement, his advantage lies in resources. A high-powered fundraiser, including retired ProMedica CEO Randy Oostra and others, could fund the direct mail and TV ads that instantly make him competitive. As one observer put it, “It’s not Oostra’s endorsement that matters, but his Rolodex.” Money, in a quiet election, is often louder than merit.
Blair Johnson has worked hard to be seen, knocking on doors and showing up everywhere he can. Yet, Johnson’s relentless effort may not be enough without comparable resources. Erin Kramer, a Democrat and admissions director, is described as appealing but has not yet become visible. Robert Pasker III has made an occasional splash but also brings a reminder that merit without exposure seldom translates into votes.
Notably, what makes this electoral silence troubling is the way it mutes strong candidates. Brittany Jones, for example, is widely respected in the Black community and brings deep family ties, a stellar professional reputation and scholarly expertise. By many accounts, she is one of the most knowledgeable voices on Toledo City Council. Yet, outside those circles, she remains “less known” and is therefore considered vulnerable to some extent.
Meanwhile, candidates with controversial or thin résumés may secure seats simply because their names are familiar or their faces have appeared on TV.
This is the danger of low-decibel politics. Campaigns are muted, voters tune out and turnout follows suit. When only a fraction of the electorate participates, decisions are made based on recognition and fundraising, rather than through debate about the issues that matter most—jobs, safety, schools, and neighborhood equity.
Silence in politics has consequences. A city with high stakes and urgent needs cannot afford to let elections unfold in silence. When the volume of local electoral elections is reduced and very few voters do their homework — relying instead on the names they recognize or the last face they saw on television — the result is predictable: the loudest wallets and the most recognizable names end up deciding for everyone else.
We deserve better than a hushed election that decides Toledo’s future and another cycle that silences our community’s needs.
Contact Rev. Donald Perryman, PhD, at drdlperryman@centerofhopebaptist.org