"Let's get back to the job the electorate expects us to do,"

the mayor wrote then. "We can and will disagree. But let us do it civilly. The citizens expect us to act together to advance the city."

Mayor shares blame for political feud, Toledo council trio says

A trio of Toledo councilmen - a Democrat, a Republican, and an independent - have shot back at Mayor Carty Finkbeiner after he sent them a letter claiming some of them had "crossed the line of civility and mutual respect."

The mayor last week sent a letter to all 12 councilmen asking them to "halt the personalization of municipal government and move Toledo forward."

Councilman Joe McNamara yesterday said he drafted a response Sunday and organized bipartisan support because the mayor should communicate with council better and not just with select members.

"We agree on the need to work together and avoid unnecessary personalization," Mr. McNamara wrote in the letter that also was signed by D. Michael Collins, the only independent on council, and Betty Shultz, one of three Republicans.

"In order for progress to be made, however, you need to understand the role your administration had in creating this divisive political environment," the letter stated.

Thursday's letter was the second time in the last 13 months that Mr. Finkbeiner has sent a written communication chastising all council members.

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080826/NEWS16/808260319