A lifetime of service in activism
TOLEDO – During the Toledo City Council meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 12, Mike Ferner, a local activist and veteran, was honored.
Julie Gibbons, the clerk of council, announced Ferner’s recognition for civic courage and activism, and a wave of applause followed Ferner up to the podium before city council.
Council bestowed upon Ferner the Civic Courage award in light of his dedication to compassionate causes, including his advocacy for Palestinians in Gaza, work with the Lake Erie Advocates and other anti-war advocacy during the Iraq War.
Nick Komives was the first council member to address and thank Ferner for his activism. Back in 2003 Komives’ first protest was an anti-war protest at the Franklin Park Mall, and that is where he first met Ferner.
“We all owe a debt of gratitude to you,” Komives said, and he also highlighted Ferner’s wife, Sue Carter, for her role in community activism as well.
Council Member Sam Melden thanked Ferner for his work through Lake Erie Advocates, which was his individual touchstone with Ferner.
“When someone comes in to get a resolution, and packs a room like this, that is obviously a sign. And I love that there are almost multiple different shirts and buttons that connect to what you’ve done,” Melden said.
District 6’s representative, Theresa Morris, kept her words short, and thanked Ferner for being tireless in his work to advocate on behalf of others in need.
Ferner, like Baumhower, pointed to the people surrounding him, whom he said deserved the same recognition he received.
“You will meet the best people that you’ve ever met in your life if you get involved in a progressive political movement,” he said, and then asked the sergeant at arms to bring his wife, Carter, up front to be with him.
When she joined him, Ferner said, “This is a person that has allowed me to do what I’ve done.”
Ferner expressed sadness at the state of federal politics, but said there was room for people to get involved on the local level.
“Government is the vehicle by which we express our love for each other,” Ferner said, and expressed sadness at the state of federal politics. But followed up by providing an outlet, “Here at the local level you can do that, we can do that.”
