TOLEDO, Ohio — Toledoans are disappointed as they learn more about the charges against Toledo City Council members Yvonne Harper, Tyrone Riley, Larry Sykes and Gary Johnson. All four are accused of bribery and extortion in exchange for their votes and support on council.
"With everything going on right now, it already feels very unsafe, so to know our city is contributing to some of the issues going on in the world it's just very unsettling," Madiana Rangel said.
On Tuesday, many neighbors of council members said they were shocked at these accusations.
Now, there are mixed feelings are circulating in Toledo about how much our local government can be trusted.
"This is horrible that the people we elect should be so blase about accepting even as much as $50 or a free meal," Mike Tressler said.
Many people feel these charges only add to the political divide our country is seeing right now.
"We really are in a position in our country a time where we need to think about how to restore faith in government and elected officials. So I think it's just a tragedy, a local tragedy," Eliah Lux said.
Lux added he usually can side more with members of the democratic party but was incredibly disappointed upon learning about these charges.
"We've got a lot of stuff going on in our country, with coronavirus and the presidential election and now to have something like that happen on top of everything else, it's just going to throw everything into greater turmoil," Jim Carr said.
Now with the future of one-third of the Toledo City Council up in the air, many are hoping for a fresh start.
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