TOLEDO, Ohio — While so many spent the night focusing on 2020 and the presidential election a few residents in west Toledo took time to focus on issues close to home. They feel this is where their energy is needed.
It's not that the residents don't care about what is happening nationally, it's that they recognize our local election is coming first and has direct impact on their daily lives.
The lights, the stage and all the attention laid on ten democratic candidates vying for the presidency Wednesday during the first debate of two. Despite that, some west Toledoans spent their night at a playground talking local politics.
"The things that are happening in Washington are big ticket items, but you know we're talking about streets, sidewalks, parks and that kind of stuff which affects us day to day," said Paul Hoelzle, a West Toledo resident.
"I have more interest in local politics here and getting plugged in there,” said Jordan Justice, another West Toledo resident. “I think it's kind of a bigger movement of what's happening. I think from the last election cycle a lot more people are interested in local politics because of that. "
While they admit they will follow along, they say local issues are much more important. Sam Melden is running for Toledo City Council District 5 because he says he understands the significance of local politics.
"I think it's not as entertaining,” said Melden. “You're not going to get as many viral tweets out of local offices, but it's really important to kitchen table life and it affects your life and mine all the same."
That's why he started his Playground Townhalls which began Wednesday, to hear from neighbors and meet them where they are.
As their children climbed the playset, built with blocks and more parents talked about issues that matter to them, they spoke of water, alternative transportation and infrastructure all while their kids were swinging.
"I want to represent all families, all citizens, all residents so if there is a population that their voice isn't being heard or they haven't found a way to make their voice heard then I want to create opportunities for them to do that," said Sam Melden, (D) candidate for Toledo City Council District 5.
Melden said these conversations help him see what matters most to people doing life here in Toledo. Families say they want representatives who will listen to them and see their concern.
"We want to make Toledo our home,” said Rosanna Hoelzle, a west Toledo resident. “This is our forever home we want to raise our kids here, we want our kids to go to schools here so we want someone that we can see has the same values and are looking for the same things that we're looking at."
"A lot of progressive leadership through the position and can kind of think where Toledo is going and invite others to the table on that," said Jordan Justice.
Whether national or local, neighbors said they want to know whoever is in the position is up for the task and that takes some effort to be informed. Whether watching debates or having conversations at a playground, it all makes a difference.