TOLEDO, OH – Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken will serve as President of the Board of Commissioners in 2023. Commissioner Gerken was elected by fellow Commissioners Tina Skeldon Wozniak and Lisa A. Sobecki on Tuesday, January 3 during the Board’s organizational meeting.
“As we begin the new year, we look forward to building on our successes and accomplishments, finding solutions to tackle challenges, and fulfilling the commitments and promises of the past for capital improvement projects. This work must be done while continuing to deliver great public service to Lucas County residents,” Commissioner Gerken said.
“Among the top priorities in 2023 will be to finalize plans and design for a new jail so that we can break ground on a new facility and provide humane housing for inmates awaiting trial,” Commissioner Gerken said. “We will continue to use American Rescue Plan Act dollars on initiatives and programs that will enhance opportunities for those impacted by the pandemic, including investments in affordable housing.”
“Another commitment for capital improvements will become a reality this year when we begin construction on the new Canine Care & Control building in downtown Toledo. Also, we will address the condition of 701-711 Adams St. and determine a solution for employees in that county-owned building. Now, more than ever, we must take steps on initiatives and create partnerships to enhance outcomes and opportunities for our workforce, including training that will be needed to work in the burgeoning electric vehicle and battery storage industries,” he said.
Commissioner Gerken was elected to the Board of Commissioners in 2005, and he is currently serving his fifth term in office. A former Toledo City Council member, he previously was the Board President from 2009 to 2013 and 2016 to 2018.
Currently, Commissioner Gerken serves as Chair on the Water Quality Task Force of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio. In addition, he is on the CCAO’s Board of Directors and the CCAO committees for Metropolitan and Regional Affairs, General Government and Operations, Jobs, Economic Development, and Infrastructure, and Joint Committee on Administration of Elections.
Locally, Commissioner Gerken serves on the Pathway, Inc. Board, the Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board, and the Toledo Opera Association Board.