More questions

Ben outlined his Cool County initiative (more on that later).

George responded to Pam's statement that George was only using running for Lucas County Commissioner as a stepping stone to become Mayor.

I'm going to slow down a bit at this point and cover some of the reactions. George Sarantou stated we need to be "future oriented". He speaks very with alot of animation with his hands, very energetic in his responses.

Tim Wagener appears much more laid back, he speaks carefully and slowly. He stated that he agrees with the suburbs and Toledo working together.

Tim was then asked if he would raise or lower taxes if elected. He stated as Mayor of Maumee that taxes had never gone up, and that he would not support a tax increase without the support of the voters.

Phil took a 30 second response that Tim's job creation was taking jobs from Toledo to Maumee. The economic growth in Maumee has been on the backs of Toledo Residents. Phil Copeland does not appear to be a polished politician, yet he speaks with animation as well.

Pam again brought up George running for Mayor (it must be pick on George night at the debates).

Pam Haynam speaks quickly she seems self confident rather than speaking fast out of being nervous.

Ben then asked Pam if she would vote and support Taft and President Bush. She stated she did support them in the past and that she thinks since there are so many immigrants trying to get into this country that we are doing fairly well right now.

George then took 30 seconds to remind people that he has worked with Democrats and his focus on the high cost of utilities as well as manufacturing such as Jeep.

Cosi support question to George Sarantou, he believes they should explore other resources rather than a levy. He said we just can't keep coming to the voters.

Tim responded to Phil's job stealing, that if you look at Arrowhead that is why jobs come there and he has never knocked on a business's door telling them to come to Maumee.

Tim brought up the unfunded mandate issue, Phil took his 30 seconds to respond stating he supported the personal discretionary funds.

Closing statements:

Phil Copeland, proud to be here and is trying to do what is best for Lucas County. He wants downtown to be like it was back in the 50's and 60's.

Pam Haynam's closing, she stated she is not a polished debater but she offers a choice because she is a real Republican. Less government and less taxes is her main theme. She then stressed her fiscal watchdog experience. She then brought up the George Sarantou running for Mayor next theme. She stressed her experience and her parenting as another reason why she wants to run and feel she is the only candidate that will bring balance.

Ben closed next, he started out thanking everyone and why the process is so important. He stated he is the only candidate with a vision and ideas. Eighty years ago things here were booming, now the economy is changing and we need serious leaderships, ideas not cliches. Lowering senior citizen taxes and stopping brain drain is also a focus for him.

George gave his closing statement next, he stated that fiscal responsibility is "near and dear to his heart". He has helped sell Wall Street on the great area that we live and that his 24 years of experience as well as fighting to lower utility costs in this area are reasons why he should be the next Lucas County Commissioner. He feels he is the voice of reason on the panel today, that he will be a full time commissioner.

Final closing goes to Tim, he has created jobs as a small business man and as an elected official. He stated he will use relationships he has built to help Lucas County, he mentioned his website (which is on my blog). He thanked everyone and asked that people do participate and vote (though he would prefer you vote for him.)

And that ends it...I'll do edits updates in a few....Wow that was an experience!