(Toledo News Now) - The Toledo Board of Realtors is a regional trade association with more than 1,200 members, and on Tuesday, the group endorsed more than a dozen local candidates, including Toledo Mayor Mike Bell.
"Our market has come around the last couple of years. That's a good thing," said Brad Crown with the board. "We've gained some traction and we'd like to see that continue to grow. Things like reduced taxes, jobs and economic development will provide people the ability to buy homes." says
Mayor Bell calls it a vote of confidence in his administration and his record in office.
"For me that's an extreme compliment because where we started and where we're at today, it's a totally new environment," Bell said. "We're getting people to really want to be inside our city and I'm pretty happy about that."
Four years ago, the Toledo Police Patrolman's Association and Toledo Firefighters Local 92 endorsed Bell, but now are backing his opponent, Mike Collins. Mayor Bell doesn't believe that will derail his campaign.
"Their executive board may decide something, but that doesn't control the rank and file. I'm very comfortable where I'm at," he said.
Bell also shrugs off news that former Mayor Carty Finkbeiner is supporting Collins.
The Toledo Board of Realtors made the following endorsements:
- Mayor of the City of Toledo - Mayor Mike Bell
- Toledo City Council - Joe Celusta, Councilman Rob Ludeman, Councilman Adam Martinez, Jim Nowak, Sandy Spang, Larry Sykes
- Sylvania Township Trustee - John Jennewine, Donald Miller
- Perrysburg Township Trustee - Gary Britten, Robert Mack
- Perrysburg Municipal Judge - Molly Mack
- City of Perrysburg Mayor - Laura Hummer
- City of Oregon Mayor - Tom Susor
- Maumee City Council - Brent Buehrer, Timothy Pauken, Julie Rubini
- Monclova Township Trustee - Barbara Lang, Brian Craig
