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The failure of Ohio Issue 1

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Signal Statewide
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Credit: Jeff Haynes/Signal Cleveland

Measure failure leaves map making in hands of GOP elected officials

This story was originally published by Signal Statewide Tuesday night. Sign up for their free newsletters at SignalOhio.org/StateSignals.

By Andrew Tobias, Signal Statewide

Ohio voters have defeated Issue 1, giving a huge victory to state republicans who managed to turn the public against the proposed redistricting amendment despite being massively outspent.

The measure’s failure comes after a barrage of pro-Issue 1 ads. The “yes” campaign, underwritten by a handful of national groups and labor unions, outspent Issue 1’s opponents by a roughly seven-to-one margin, according to state campaign finance records. 

However, republicans painted the measure as a democratic power grab, releasing ads featuring former president Donald Trump. Republicans also wrote ballot language summarizing Issue 1 that described it as repealing popular anti-gerrymandering reforms passed by voters in 2015 and 2018. Campaigns for and against the measure and their allies agreed the language portrayed the issue negatively and made it less likely to pass.

“Ohio voters spoke loudly and clearly on Issue 1,” Bob Paduchik, a former Ohio republican party chairman who led the anti-Issue 1 campaign, said in a statement.

“Ohio’s constitution is not for sale to foreign billionaires and out of state left-wing special interest groups. Despite democrats’ best efforts to deceive Ohioans into changing our constitution and rigging elections in their favor, the truth has carried the day,” said Paduchik. “We are grateful to our elected republican leaders, the Ohio Republican Party, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Manufacturers Association, and many others that took a stand to protect representational democracy.”

Citizens Not Politicians, the main pro-Issue 1 campaign group, did not immediately issue a concession statement.

Ohio House minority leader Allison Russo, a democrat from suburban Columbus, told reporters after the race was called that the ballot language was “100 percent” why it failed.

“I think if voters had accurate information going into the ballot box, it would have passed overwhelmingly,” she said. “There’s no doubt in my mind that it fell simply because of the misleading ballot language and the abuse of power that happened from people like Frank LaRose.” 

LaRose, the republican Ohio secretary of state, chairs the Ohio Ballot Board, the GOP-controlled panel that wrote the Issue 1 ballot language.

When CNP issued a statement around midnight the night of the election, it argued voters against the amendment proposal thought they were voting to end gerrymandering.   

“Though we didn’t get the outcome we worked for, we have laid a powerful foundation,” former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Maureen O’Connor, who led the campaign, said in the statement. “We will continue to push for an Ohio where every vote truly counts and where transparency and fairness guide our electoral process. In analyzing the vote tonight, it is clear that the millions of Ohioans who voted yes want to end gerrymandering. And it is also clear that those who voted no thought that they were voting to end gerrymandering.”

Cartoon by Don Lee for the Toledo Free Press.

The defeat of Issue 1 means that republicans will continue to control redistricting in Ohio. The development has potential national ramifications, since there only a few dozen congressional districts nationally competitive. The dynamic leads the parties to duke it out every two years over control of the U.S. House of Representatives, including this year, when national republicans have tried to retain their narrow control of the chamber.

The development means Ohio will keep redistricting amendments voters approved by overwhelming majorities in 2015 and 2018, with support from both parties. Those reforms were meant to prevent gerrymandering by imposing tougher rules for splitting counties and other communities and including language meant to encourage partisan fairness, although republicans, after winning key statewide elections in 2018, ultimately ended up arguing in court that those requirements were optional.  

The rules still did produce more competitive congressional elections in 2020 and 2022, although part of that is a reflection of the profound uncompetitiveness of the republican-drawn maps that the state used for the previous decade.

With Issue 1’s defeat, the Ohio Redistricting Commission, a panel of elected officials that republicans control thanks to their success in the 2018 elections, will remain in charge of redistricting. The panel will redraw Ohio’s congressional maps ahead of the 2026 election. Ohio’s state legislative maps would have been redrawn if Issue 1 passed, but instead they will remain in place through 2030.

Ohio Supreme Court rejected seven sets of maps under existing system

The 2015 and 2018 reforms failed the first time they were used ahead of the 2022 elections. The Ohio Supreme Court rejected seven sets of maps drawn by the GOP-controlled Ohio Redistricting Commission as illegally gerrymandered in favor of republicans. As the legal process dragged on, the state ended up having to delay its primary election in 2022 for state legislative races, leading to historically low voter turnout. As a result of the uncertainty and confusion, both parties failed to field candidates in a handful of races.

Ultimately, though, Republicans managed to push for the maps to be used in the 2022 election, thanks to a mix of legal victories and a willingness to ignore the Ohio Supreme Court’s orders. O’Connor, a republican chief justice who joined the court’s three democrats to reject the seven maps as unconstitutional, ended up joining the campaign to push for Issue 1 shortly after she was forced to retire at the end of 2022 due to judicial age limits.

O’Connor served as a key spokesperson for the Issue 1 campaign, which portrayed the amendment as nonpartisan even though its financial backing came from liberal groups, including a handful of well-known “dark money” groups that don’t disclose their donors. 

Republican worried new map making process could cost them seats

After republicans solidified their control of the Ohio Supreme Court in the November 2022 election, they ended up striking a deal with redistricting commission democrats on a new set of state legislative maps. Democrats described their vote as a compromise, arguing they would have gotten a potentially worse deal had they not agreed.

Republicans believed Issue 1 would cause them to lose seats in Congress and the state legislature. So they tried to defeat the measure by portraying it as a democratic power grab. They convinced former president Donald Trump to oppose it, which became a cornerstone of their campaign strategy. They also tried to argue the current redistricting system works – pointing to the bipartisan vote for the state legislative maps, although Gov. Mike DeWine’s backing of an Iowa-style redistricting plan muddles that idea.

Republicans also argued the citizens’ redistricting commission would be unaccountable to voters. Under a set of rules described as giving the citizens’ commission financial independence, Issue 1 guarantees the redistricting process $7 million of funding every 10 years and requires the legislature to pay any legal bills that accrue while defending commission maps against court challenges.

Issue 1 failed despite public polling in Ohio mostly showing the measure with a strong lead. However, a public poll released last week by Miami University specifically asked voters about the measure using parts of the republican-drawn ballot language. It showed it tied at 47 percent. This shows how important ballot language can be for issue campaigns, especially if it’s an issue that’s not top of mind for most voters.

Signal Statewide is a nonprofit news organization covering government, education, health, economy and public safety.

The Humorists

By
Don Lee
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0

Editorial cartoon by Don Lee for the Toledo Free Press.

Moe Balls & Flaming Moe

By
Rachel Boes
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Moe’s Place offers low prices, yummy bites, gathering place

ROSSFORD – Moe’s has become a Rossford staple over the years; a bar and grill that features unbeatable prices, indulgent bites and a friendly atmosphere. Amenities, like the pool table, dart board, outdoor patio and arcade games, encourage connectedness.

In fact, it’s hard to find folks not engaged in conversation. The TV’s offer a wide range of sports viewing, and the bar holds plenty of stools for fans.

It’s not often strangers will invite conversation with you at restaurants. You can expect this at Moe’s, where the patrons never meet a stranger. I spoke to several customers who treated me as a longtime friend, though we had never met.

The staff tells me that Wednesday nights are always packed, and that they run circles around each other, grabbing plates and checking in on customers. I chatted with several locals who stop by Moe’s up to six days a week.

There is no shortage of options on the menu. From homestyle meals made just the way your mama whipped them up in the kitchen, to deep fried delicacies. For a little unexpected color, there are a variety of Mediterranean cuisine options available.

Fish and chips for $7.99.
Flaming Moe and onion rings for $6.99.
Moe Balls, boneless wings and fries for $7.99.

To sample what Moe’s Place is known for, I ordered Moe Balls ($7.99), a fish and chips dinner ($7.99) and the Flaming Moe ($6.99), and each dish was fresh off the grill. The Moe Balls and boneless wings atop waffle fries were competitive with other restaurants who market themselves as wing specialists.

The bar also offers an impressive menu of options. If you can think it, you can drink it here. Bartenders at Moe’s hold a tenure of 10-23 years and can hold a conversation better than most, organically engaging customers. They mix drinks with expertise and keep track of regulars’ orders.

“I don’t even keep food in my fridge; this is the only place I eat,” said Mike Jamison, a regular at Moe’s. He doesn’t just take it to go; he also enjoys cracking open a cold one with fellow frequenters of the restaurant.

Regulars and staff are family. Tyler Niese, a regular of Moe’s for 28 years, told me that if he’s going on vacation, he’ll get the bartenders a trinket. “I’ll make sure I get them something for their birthday, as well.” It’s clear both staff and customers have a close bond.

A retired staff member of 23 years, who I’m told made the best soups at Moe’s, continues to eat there. He describes Moe’s as “the Cheers of Rossford.” Two gentlemen at the bar described themselves as the Cliff and Norm of Moe’s. Their typical menu selections includes Coors Light, the club sandwich and Moe Balls.

Regulars Lucas and Mike Verboskey shoot pool at Moe’s Place.

During my time there, I spoke with father-son duo Mike and Lucas Verbosky of Rossford while they were shooting pool. “We live right down the road and come here when we can,” says father, Mike Verbrosky.

From my observation, Moe’s Place has a friendly atmosphere with scrumptious bar bites, and is a local gem worth returning to.

Daily Dose | The Humorists

By
Steven J Athanas
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0

Homophone cartoon by Steven J Athanas for the Toledo Free Press.

Libertarian speaks out

By
Lori King
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0
Libertarian congressional candidate Tom Pruss monitors election results during his watch party at Sidelines Sports Eatery & Pub in Sylvania.

Tom Pruss: ‘I’m happy to offer an alternative to the red and blue paradigm’

Story and photos by Lori King

SYLVANIA – While local democrats and republicans gathered for their respective election watch parties Tuesday night, Tom Pruss was the sole candidate for the libertarian party.

Pruss, running against political powerhouses Marcy Kaptur and Derek Merrin for the U.S. House of Representatives Ohio District 9 seat, was the first to arrive at his watch party at Sidelines Sports Eatery & Pub.

A political sign promoting three libertarian candidates: Chase Oliver for president; Don Kissick for United States senate; and Tom Pruss.

Pruss, a Toledo resident, carried in a political sign that promoted three libertarian candidates: Chase Oliver for president; Don Kissick for United States senate; and himself. He propped the sign up against a wall, sat at a table, opened a laptop and settled into what would be a long night of monitoring election results.

While he waited for his supporters to show up, he took the opportunity to explain why he was in the race and what was at stake.

“This is just the beginning because we just regained ballot access this year,” Pruss said. “Because of the strict Ohio election laws the republicans passed just two years ago, they made it quite hard for third parties to get on the ballot. So Chase Oliver has to get at least 3 percent of the vote in Ohio just to make us relevant to be on the ballot again.

“If we don’t (get 3 percent), that means we spend millions of dollars paying people to go out and get petitions and signatures, and that’s hard money that a third party just can’t afford. I think it’s very daunting, honestly,” he admitted. Oliver ended up with 567, 492 votes, or 0.4 percent.

Libertarian congressional candidate Tom Pruss hands the computer to Steve Winters, who voted for him.
Libertarian congressional candidate Tom Pruss talks to supporters as they monitor election results.

Pruss said their goal is to field more candidates for more seats, and that people seem to think libertarians only come out every four years to run somebody for president. “No, we have people all over the country holding office. In fact, Cassaundra Fryman, the mayor of Plymouth, Ohio, has been mayor for two terms, but you’re not gonna see that on television. We’re all over the place.”

Pruss described libertarians as ordinary people who have a passion for their country, and that “we believe in freedoms that are God-given to us. As I was telling somebody earlier today, the constitution doesn’t tell us the freedoms we have, it’s to tell the government the limits that they to govern over us, and that’s where people make the disconnect,” he explained.

When asked about taking votes away from the other parties, he bluntly stated “horse hockey. People are going to vote for me because they are going to vote for me. Are you going to tell Marcy Kaptur that she’s taking votes away from Derek Merrin and vice versa? That makes no sense to me.

“I have people who with good conscience could not vote for either one. I’m happy to offer an alternative. As my slogan is, I’m not left; I’m not right. I’m sensibly centered,” he said.

Scott Macy, left, was the first supporter to arrive. Macy said he came straight from the polling booth, where he voted for Pruss.

Pruss said his platform is a true smaller government, “not what republicans would consider smaller government. The difference between the republicans and democrats is that democrats are on a bus going 100 miles an hour towards a cliff; republicans say, ‘Oh, hold on here! Let’s go 90 miles an hour.’ Both heading for that same cliff at full rate. Libertarians are like, let’s put on the brake, let’s pause and take a look to see what we’re doing with our money.”

He added that “every year that Marcy Kaptur is in office, she’s voting for arms to blow up innocent children all over the world in my name. I don’t like that. Conversley, I don’t like Derek Merrin being in Columbus passing legislation that doesn’t grant everybody bodily autonomy. The insanity has to stop.”

Pruss said he was happy to offer an alternative to the red and blue paradigm that everybody thinks they’re forced to have to vote for, and that you shouldn’t be forced to vote for the lesser of two evils because the lesser of two evils is still evil. “I just want to go out there and earn people’s vote, as an independent, as a libertarian. Ideally, I want to be a spoiler.

Libertarian congressional candidate Tom Pruss sits with supporters during his election watch party.

“I’ll think I’ll run away with 15 votes,” he quipped.

“Hey, it’s a start,” responded Scott Macy, a libertarian who voted for Pruss and then came straight to the watch party.

He told Pruss, who was complaining about the media ignoring him, that “I think you started something (on Facebook) because you talked about how nobody wanted to know you.” Macy insinuated they clearly did.

After about an hour, Pruss was surrounded by a dozen supporters who said they all voted for him. Pruss ended up earning 4 percent of the vote.

For complete election results, go to WTOL Election 2024.

(See full photo gallery on bottom of the homepage)

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Local election favors dems

By
Lori King
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0

Lucas County stays blue as Ohio turns dark red

Story and photos by Lori King

TOLEDO – As Ohio, and much of the country, awoke this morning to a red wave, it was a different story for the blue dot that is Lucas County.

Schuyler Beckwith, chair of the Lucas County Democratic Party, addresses democratic supporters and politicians during the election watch party.
Krista Schneider passed out dozens of handheld signs that read ‘Reelect Sherrod Brown.

The mood at the democratic watch party inside the UAW Local 12 Union Hall on Tuesday night was mostly cheerful as hundreds of supporters and elected officials celebrated each time a local democrat claimed victory, or a local issue passed, like Issue 9, the Toledo mayoral term limit expansion.

But, at times, there were bouts of somber silence as they watched Issue 1 fail and realized businessman Bernie Moreno was going to defeat populist Sherrod Brown.

Earlier in the evening, when the numbers were favoring Brown, democratic volunteer Krista Schneider enthusiastically passed out dozens of handheld signs that read ‘Reelect Sherrod Brown.’

“Love, life and moving away from hatred,” she proclaimed as she handed out the placards in support of the union-friendly Brown, who was at a different watch party at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Columbus Convention Center Hotel in Columbus.

Standing nearby was Michele Grim, and as she took a Brown handsign, she said “he’s with us in spirit and in our hearts and minds.” Grim, who was running for an reelection bid to serve in the 43rd House District, securing that seat.

Also present inside the union hall were winners of their local elections: Toledo city council at-large newcomer Mac Driscoll, winning by a resounding 70 percent; Lucas County commissioner Pete Gerken; Lucas County Common Pleas judge Ken Walz; Lucas County State Rep. Grim; and Erika White, who will take the seat for the state’s 41st District.

Toledo city council at-large member Mac Driscoll, center, celebrates his win with Anna Schramm and Phil Moline.
Lucas County Common Pleas judge Ken Walz is introduced by UAW Local 14 President Tony Totty. Walz will be the newest judge on the bench.
Michele Grim speaks to a supporter at the democratic watch party. She was reelected to to her 43rd House District seat.

One of the more celebratory moments was when Driscoll toasted to his victory with Ruffino Lumina Prosecco in clear plastic cups.

Expected to arrive later in the evening was Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, 78. Kaptur is serving her 21st term and battling the race of her political career against Derek Merrin. Merrin’s political career began in 2005 when he was elected to the Waterville city council. He was just 19, becoming the Waterville mayor two years later.

But, at 11:30 p.m., UAW Local 14 President Tony Totty walked up to the podium and announced to the dwindling audience that she wasn’t going to make an appearance.

As of the publishing of this story, the race between Kaptur and Merrin for U.S. House of Representative Ohio District 9 is still too close to call. Both are tied at 48 percent, though Kaptur has a 1,193 vote lead.

For complete election results, go to WTOL Election 2024.

(See full photo gallery on bottom of the homepage)

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Coach Boggess era begins

By
Steven Bieber
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Head coach Ginny Boggess watches action on the court while her players anticipate a three-point shot attempt.

New season lifts off for Toledo women’s basketball

Story by Steve Bieber | Photos by Scott Grau

TOLEDO – Head coach Ginny Boggess has a perfect 1-0 record after winning her first game against Marshall on Monday.

It was a fitting debut as Toledo women’s basketball kicked off its 50th anniversary season in front of 3,754 fans who welcomed the new coach to Savage Arena with great enthusiasm. 

Students were among 3,754 fans who welcomed new head coach Ginny Boggess.
University of Toledo women’s basketball head coach Ginny Bogges.

Boggess spent the past three seasons as head coach at Monmouth University in New Jersey, where she inherited a two-win team and coached them to a NCAA tournament appearance.

The Rockets starting slowly, allowing Marshall to surge to 22-8 in the first quarter, but they turned it around and outscored the Herd each quarter after that, eventually chipping away at the lead. It wasn’t until early in the fourth quarter that Toledo took the lead after center Hannah Noveroske‘s layup put them up 56-54. 

Both teams battled back and forth in the fourth quarter until Kendall Carruthers, a Springfield High School graduate, made a jump shot with 25 seconds left to give the Rockets the go-ahead three-point lead. Marshall had the chance to tie the game with five seconds remaining but failed after Maddie Kellione’s three-point basket was called off due to a traveling violation.

Despite the rough start, Boggess spoke highly of her players for pulling it off.

“First and foremost, I want to thank the sixth man here at Savage Arena for showing up and showing out tonight,” she said. “I was really excited how our seniors led, and we’ve got some talented young players who stepped up in big moments for us.

“Overall, the toughness, the resiliency, the championship culture and the ‘Blue Collar, Gold Standard mentality’ was really shown tonight and I’m proud of our fight,” she added.

The coach said she had been awake since 4:48 a.m., feeling eager all day leading up to the game, and feeling excited for her seniors and the rest of the team. She also discussed the impact of the fans and said the home crowd lived up to her expectations. 

“It’s amazing. I walked down and just got goosebumps all over my body; this is a really really special place.”

Ginny Bogges shouts instructions to her players on the court during the home season opener against Marshall.
Ginny Bogges talks to her bench during the home season opener against Marshall.

Boggess has made it her mission to continue the tradition at the university.

“I’m here because of the leadership and tradition and because women’s basketball is important at the University of Toledo. We want to keep that tradition going. I really believe this is a special place and these are special players. We’ll continue to keep working really hard to represent you guys,” she vowed.

One fan watching the season opener was Toledo native Dick Greenblatt. He has been a fan since he graduated from the university in 1967. He said he was impressed with what he saw from the new head coach.

“I like her. I think she’s got a lot of good ideas and she’s going to work out just great,” he said.

Sylvania resident Kaiko Zureich has been following the Toledo’s women’s basketball team for 15 years. She is not only a fan but a mentor to freshman Jessica Cook. She felt that the future is bright for the players and new coach.

“We have a great new coach. The girls are really coming together as a team. I am a mentor so I talk to the girls a lot, and I’m excited about this season. They’ll get it together and we’re going to go far,” Zureich said. 

Coach Ginny Bogges talks to guard Destiny Robinson during the home season opener against Marshall.

Game Recap

First Quarter

  • Marshall scored 10 points to start the game, but Toledo finally scored when Noveroske made a layup with 5:55 left in the first quarter.
  • Toledo trailed 16-5 at the first media timeout, and the Rockets made 18 percent of their field goals.  
  • A jump shot from Sammi Mikonowicz and a free throw from Emmi Rinat cut the lead to 22-8 at the end of the first quarter.

Second Quarter 

  • Mikonowicz’s three-point-play and a layup from Faith Fredd-Robinson helped cut the lead to 28-19 at the 4:45 mark.
  • The Rockets battled back and outscored Marshal 21-15 in the second quarter.
  • Toledo’s offense showed improvement after shooting 8-16 and received help with a huge trey from Nan Garcia near the end of the half to cut the lead to 37-29.

Third Quarter

  • Mikonowicz opened the half with a layup to make the lead 37-31.
  • Rockets trailed 44-41 at the break after shooting 5-of-8 from the floor. 
  • Toledo cut the lead to one when Cook made a layup to make the score 44-43 with 3:46 left to play.
  • After trading baskets, Khera Goss nailed both free throws to help Toledo pull within one again as Toledo trailed 54-53 after three quarters.
Toledo guard and Rossford High School graduate Sammi Mikonowicz goes in for a layup between Marshall defenders during the third quarter .

Fourth Quarter

  • A layup from Noveroske gave the Rockets their first lead at the 9:28 mark of the fourth quarter.
  • After battling back and forth, the Rockets led the Thundering Herd 64-61 after Garcia made both free throws with five minutes left to play. 
  • Kendall Carruthers’s jump shot gave Toledo a 71-68 lead with 25 seconds left in the game.
  • Marshall’s Kellione had a chance to tie the game with .07 seconds left, but traveled, giving the Rockets the win.

Noveroske and Mikonowicz led the team in scoring with 16 and 15 points, respectively.

University of Toledo women’s basketball head coach Ginny Boggess celebrates her first win as time expires on the clock during her first home season opener against Marshall.
Coach Ginny Boggess and her UToledo Lady Rockets earn their first win. (TFP Photo/Lori King)
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Local republican results mixed

By
Scott Grau
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0
Incumbent Ohio State Representative Josh Williams watches the results for the presidential election during the Lucas County Republican’s watch party. Williams, representing District 44, defeated Dave Blyth.

Bernie Moreno is big local winner of election night

Story and photos by Scott W. Grau

Derek Merrin, candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, left, shakes hands with Tom Waniewski, who is running for Lucas County commissioner.

HOLLAND – Supporters, volunteers, elected officials and candidates gathered at the Lucas County Republican Party election night watch party at the Holland Gardens Banquet Hall on Tuesday night to watch the results of the local, state and national elections.

Derek Merrin, running for U.S. House of Representatives against incumbent Marcy Kaptur, made a late-night appearance but chose not to make a speech to his supporters. Although he was behind in the vote count against Kaptur, the margin of difference was less than 0.05 percent, which automatically triggers a vote recount.

The makeshift stage Merrin would have made either a victory or concession speech from remained empty for the night.

Incumbent Ohio house representative Josh Williams celebrated his victory over challenger Dave Blyth. Throughout the evening, Williams was seen checking his smartphone as the results were being reported. Once it was announced he was the projected winner, his supporters erupted in cheers. 

With the news that he retained his seat, his wife, Neaira Williams, promptly planted a kiss on his cheek.

Ohio State Representative Josh Williams thanks his supporters after being announced as the projected winner in his race during the Lucas County Republican Party election night watch party. Williams represents District 44, defeated Dave Blyth.
Neaira Williams gives her husband Josh Williams a celebratory kiss on the cheek after Williams was announced as the projected winner of the Ohio House District 44 race during the Lucas County Republican Party election night watch party.

Candidates for Lucas County commissioner John Rozic and Tom Waniewski were in attendance as they anxiously waited for the results of their races to be reported. Rozic was defeated by incumbent Anita Lopez and Waniewski fell to long-time incumbent Pete Gerken.

A highlight of the evening was when the announcement was made that candidate Bernie Moreno narrowly defeated Sherrod Brown for the U.S. Senate seat.

The atmosphere was upbeat and celebratory as elections results for the presidential race were reported.  With each report of projected states won by presidential candidate Donald Trump, cheers and hand clapping rang out throughout the venue.  As the number of electoral votes inched closer to the require 270 threshold, the excitement increased.

Derek Merrin, candidate for U.S. House – Ohio District 9, center, talks with Ohio Representative Josh Williams and Lucas County Republican Party executive chairman Barbara Orange during the Lucas County Republican Party election night watch party.
For complete election results, go to WTOL Election 2024.
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First Latino credit union

By
Andrew Kersten
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0
Sue Cuevas, president and CEO of NECCU, assists two members inside her office at the Toledo-based location. Her hands-on approach and dedication to member service exemplify the organization's commitment to its community. (Courtesy Photo/NECCU)

Nueva Esperanza Community Credit Union empowers Latino community

TOLEDO – Located in the heart of Toledo’s south side on Broadway St., Nueva Esperanza Community Credit Union (NECCU) is making cultural history while financially empowering local residents.

As Ohio’s first and only Latino credit union, NECCU has been serving its members since 2010. Under the guidance of president and CEO Sue Cuevas, it has not only grown, it continues to thrive, reflecting the resilience and determination of the community it represents. 

Part-time employees work behind the counter inside NECCU, now situated in the lower level of the library at 1638 Broadway St. This unique setting combines history and modern utility. (TFP Photo/Andrew Kersten)
The lobby of NECCU showcases a vibrant array of Latino-inspired décor, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere that welcomes everyone. (TFP Photo/Andrew Kersten)

Identifying the need 

The creation of the federally insured, state-chartered credit union was spurred by a deep-seated need within the Toledo community to address major gaps in financial services, particularly for the Latino population.  

“There was a group of Hispanic leaders and business owners who noticed the prevalence of check cashing places and predatory lending targeting the Hispanic community,” Cuevas said. “There was no place where they could go to a financial institution and have someone help them, guide them or instruct them,” she said.

That’s when Cuevas took action. “I wanted to guide them, show them and teach them that it’s not okay to pay unreasonable interest rates just because they don’t have credit,” she explained. 

Financial empowerment for the Latino community 

Sue Cuevas, president and CEO of NECCU. (Courtesy Photo/NECCU)(Courtesy Photo/NECCU)

For the past 14 years, Cuevas has grown NECCU, which now boasts over 625 members across its Toledo and Columbus locations, with assets approaching $3 million, all while pursuing a mission to promote savings, enhance financial literacy, provide loan capital, and link members with vital community resources. 

“Our goal is not just to offer financial products, but to educate and uplift our members,” she added. “We want to instill confidence in our members that they can build their own credit.” 

Serving a primarily Latino membership—though everyone is welcome — the credit union offers a comprehensive range of financial services, as well as traditional checking accounts, including savings accounts, loans and reloadable Visa cards. 

In fact, the Ending with the Heart program starts members with a $500 credit-building loan to help establish credit after making consecutive on-time payments for 12 months, enabling them to make larger purchases while feeling confident and comfortable. 

Cuevas says members have great success with this program. “I’ve seen them start with $500 and come in and ask for an $8,000 to $10,000 personal loan, and they’re going to get it.” 

“Yvette Villanueva and her husband, Jose Carlos Padilla have been members for 10 years. Villanueva said, “We have had several loans through NECCU that have not only helped us personally, but also contributed to the success of our small business.”

Villanueva and Padilla take advantage of several offerings from NECCU, including a savings account, personal loans and auto loans for their businesses.  

“I do not believe we would have had the growth we’ve had these last five years without the support of Sue and NECCU. What we like most about being a member is the friendly staff and having people that truly understand the struggles that minorities and small businesses face,”  she added. 

The Challenges and the Future 

The Nueva Esperanza Community Credit Union (NECCU) on Broadway St. (TFP Photo/Andrew Kersten)

Cuevas acknowledges that the journey hasn’t been without its challenges; it took nearly seven years before the National Credit Union Administration and the Ohio Department of Financial Institutions authorized NECCU as a start-up.  

With a small yet dedicated team of two part-time employees in Toledo and a part-time assistant in Columbus, the credit union staff plays a crucial role in day-to-day operations, and in building trust within the community. Cuevas has managed to juggle multiple roles herself, including being a bank secrecy act officer, a teller and a loan officer, ensuring all quarterly and annual reports are completed. 

Looking into the future, Cuevas hopes for expansion in some capacity while making certain that current members and new ones receive the same dedicated service. “Credit unions are about people helping people; it’s our duty to inform and make people aware.” 

“Everybody has a way of helping people in the community, and there’s not a right way or wrong way. It’s just how we serve in our communities that makes a lasting impact,” she said.

For more information, visit the Toledo branch at 1638 Broadway St., lower level, or their website at Nueva Esperanza Community Credit Union.

Daily Dose | Humorist

By
Don Lee
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Editorial cartoon by Don Lee for the Toledo Free Press.

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