Yesterday's Press Conference by Bob Vasquez...

Liberal Dem posted some of the details yesterday and the Toledo Blade reported on it with comments from Mr. Vasquez's opponents as well as the Mayor. I received a copy of the Press Release last night.

In the Press Release, Bob Vasquez states six specific concerns:

1. The management agreement has yet to be negotiated with Mr. Dillin's attorney and is "subject to change". Why would Council allocate funds to pay Mr. Dillin when the parameters of the agreement are still unknown?

2. Mayor Finkbeinerfired the Pizzuti Company for not meeting his deadline, yet there are no deadlines for Dillin's Phase II. Why not?

3. Mr. Dillin would work with the current City of Toledo project team. Don Monroe, the current Marina District Coordinator, has received $9000 for his work despite the fact that there has not been an approved contract for that work. Will Mr. Monroe still receive a consulting fee despite bringing on Mr. Dillin? Does that mean that taxpayers will be asked to pay for two consultants?

4. Mr. Dillin wants $65,000 for Phase I, including overhead and out of pocket expenses. What are the parameters of these extras and how much are we willing to spend in additional funds? What will Mr. Dillin's contact actually cost taxpayers, from beginning to end?

5. Mr. Dillin wants the right of first refusal when it comes to the Sports Arena, the Acme Plant, and others. He would also assist in reviewing offers to the city. When would Mr. Dillin exercise his right to first refusal, before or after other offers come in?

6. Finally, there has been little mention of local participation in this project. What are the concrete plans to include Toledo companies?

I tend to agree with Mr. Vasquez's opponents and the mayor as quoted in the Toledo Blade article, that Dillin can handle both projects. That said, I do think that these are valid questions and I would be interested in learning the answers as well.