The June tornado that devastated parts of Ottawa County and Lake Township was the big story in 2010.

The tornado killed seven, destroyed Lake High School, the Lake Township hall and many homes. By year’s end, however, most homes were rebuilt, the hall is under construction and plans for the new high school were unveiled last week. This was accomplished without federal disaster aid and with the help of neighbors, churches, businesses and organizations that volunteered with clean-up and held fundraisers. By September, more than $626,000 had been raised and another $500,000 is on its way, thanks to former Lake grad Elizabeth Urbanowski who organized the Facebook effort in the Kohl’s Cares Contest.

The generosity is remarkable when you realize median household income in Toledo between 2000 and 2008 declined from $51,998 to $44,548, according to a Brookings Institute study. This 14.3 percent decline was the third largest among the nation’s top metro areas.

That precipitous decline played a role in the defeat of two school levies by huge margins. Voters in the Toledo Public School District defeated a 7.8 mill levy by a 58 to 42 percent margin. The margin for Oregon’s 5.9 mill levy was virtually the same. Oregon responded by closing Wynn School and cutting staff and bus service thus putting more pressure on the voters for the next levy. Toledo has already cut some sports and transportation and closed schools. Neither is willing to do the one thing that would hurt the kids the least and have the most impact on the bottom line—cut wages.

Schools weren’t the only public bodies experiencing revenue loss in 2010. Both Oregon and Northwood saw declining tax revenue with Northwood going to the voters for an income tax hike. That was soundly defeated 66 to 34 percent. The economy was so bad the lead economic development organization in East Toledo, River East Economic Revitalization Corporation, disbanded after 35 years. This picture will not improve in 2011. Expect a cut in services, or an increase in fees: Toledo implemented a garbage fee and will increase water and sewer rates; Northwood looked at diverting revenue from its red light enforcement cameras to the general fund; and Lucas County wants Jerusalem Township to pay $347,000 to continue road patrols. That’s 20 percent of the township budget.

Green flows downhill—from the feds, to the state, to the schools and local governments. The feds are trillions in debt and the state $8 to $10 billion. Less green will mean the public sector will exert more muscle in an effort to get more from you. Before you vote away another dollar of your shrinking paycheck, be aware your employer also will want more in 2011. Early anecdotal evidence suggests small businesses will continue to see double-digit increases in health insurance premiums. Be prepared to pay more.

Can we rein in the spending?

State Representative Randy Gardner is doing his part. He introduced a bill to help schools avoid unfunded state mandates such as providing all-day kindergarten. Another state law allows schools to waive mandated body-mass-index testing at four grade levels. While both ideas may be worthwhile, so too is the ability to pay one’s bills while the aftermath of The Great Recession lingers. Stony Ridge resident Keith Sadler was just one unemployed man frustrated by his inability to pay his mortgage. Sadler barricaded himself in his home to protest the bank foreclosure process.

The assault on your family is not just on your thinner wallets. The Press ran stories on sexting, the practice of sending sexually suggestive pictures over your cell phone; grinding, a type of dancing that simulates sex; and internet cafes that offer cash prizes while you surf the net. In addition, ground was broken for the $250 million Hollywood Casino expected to open in East Toledo in 2012.

So many disturbing distractions, so little time. Is it any wonder, we were smitten with the positive impact of Elliston’s American Idol Crystal Bowersox?

On the environmental front, we’re still dumping dredge full of phosphorous back into Lake Erie even though toxic algae threatens to destroy our tourism industry. Evidently, slowly destroying the revenue stream is cheaper than saving it. If the algae doesn’t smother the fishing industry, the Asian carp could devour it.

While we worry about our losing our title as Walleye Capital of the World, a new tourist draw is quietly making strides. The Black Swamp Bird Observatory reported 50,000 birders from around the world came to our Lake Erie marshes in May to see the migration.

While the news from 2010 may seem dark and foreboding, we still have time to correct course. There was hope for jobs. Norplas, a Northwood auto plant, announced it will hire 300; American Cold Forge in Lake Township will hire 22 and it is expected Reiter Automotive North America will add 20 to 50 jobs.

Wade Kapszukiewicz, Lucas County treasurer, announced a land bank program that will help investors to purchase foreclosed and tax delinquent properties to help revitalize East Toledo. And, Redwood Management broke ground on the second phase of its ground-level luxury apartments in Oregon.

Let’s toast to a better 2011.

Comment at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed