(Toledo, OH) Today marks the changing of the guard in Toledo city government.
Wade Kapsukiewicz goes from mayor-elect to Toledo's mayor this evening, during a swearing-in ceremony at One Government Center. The former Lucas County treasurer did keep many top officials from the administration of outgoing Mayor Paula Hicks-Hudson, although her law director and chief of staff will be demoted to staff positions in the law department.
The incoming mayor also retired the police and fire chiefs for continuity in public safety forces. But the new mayor is launching a national search for a chief of staff and finance director. Kapsukiewicz will be sworn in at 4 p.m. in city council chambers.
There also should be a new Toledo city council president later today. Outgoing city council president Steve Steel is headed to a private law practice, prevented from running for re-election by term limits.
But there is at least a four-way scramble among Toledo City Council members to replace him, including Democrats Tyrone Riley, Larry Sykes, and Matt Cherry. Independent at-large council member Sandy Spang has expressed interest, too.
But Democrats hold a nine-member majority on city council, so it's expected those members will vote along party lines at an organization meeting this evening.