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Published: 3/14/2013

BY TOM TROY BLADE STAFF WRITER

Recently retired city employee Michael Konwinski on Tuesday announced his candidacy for Toledo mayor on the Libertarian Party ticket, and mayoral candidate Opal Covey has switched her political affiliation from independent to Republican.

Mr. Konwinski, 57, of West Bancroft Street, retired in December after 30 years with the city, including in water distribution, environmental services, and the finance department. When he retired, he was involved as an analyst in converting the citys payroll from a third-party provider to an in-house software program, he said.

He said his goal would be to use his experience to lower the cost of city government, and ultimately the city payroll tax, by reducing unnecessary administrative and managerial positions and reorganizing some city divisions. If we can cut costs, that makes Toledo more attractive to people to move here, he said.

He received a bachelors degree in business administration from the University of Toledo in 1978.

Whatever ails the city of Toledo can be traced to poor and ineffective middle management [workers], many of whom were promoted due to factors other than their managerial ability, Mr. Konwinski said.

Emil Gravelle, Lucas County Libertarian Party chairman, said the party is proud to support a candidate with such a detailed history and experience with the practical workings of the city of Toledo. It is time to reduce the size of government by refocusing on its core missions and eliminate waste. Michael Konwinski knows how.

Ms. Covey, an evangelist and minister who says she is a prophetess of God, spoke Feb. 28 to the Greater Toledo Republican Club.

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Libertarian announces bid for mayor