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Citizens for the Zoo announce Levy Co-Chairs
Sept. 2, 2011: The Citizens for the Zoo has announced the co-chairs for its 2011 levy campaign. Levy co-chairs include: Bruce Baumhower, Mayor Mike Bell, Betsy Brady, and Sam Burnett.
The Toledo Zoo levy is a .85-mil renewal levy and not a new tax. The levy will generate funds to help pay for day-to-day expenses like food for the animals, veterinary care, utilities and maintenance and personnel costs.
Mayor Mike Bell, in lending his support to the levy campaign, said, “The Zoo is a huge asset to our city and Lucas County as a whole. A study by the Regional Growth Partnership showed that the Zoo returns $6 for every $1 of tax investment. It is vitally important that we keep our Zoo great.”
Bruce Baumhower, a longtime leader of the UAW Local 12, sees the Zoo as a valuable community asset for families. “There is truly something here for everyone,” said Baumhower. “The Zoo is safe. It’s affordable. It’s top-notch entertainment for the whole family. It enriches the lives of its visitors.”
Nearly one million people visit the Toledo Zoo each year, many from out of town. “The tourism dollars the Zoo brings to the Toledo area provide a huge boost to our local economy,” said campaign co-chair Betsy Brady, who is Vice President and Treasurer of Plastic Technologies, Inc. and a longtime community volunteer.
Sam Burnett, a former educator, member of the Washington Local School Board and an advocate for senior citizens, said, “the levy is very important to our community. I know that people—especially Senior Citizens—are having tough times. The Zoo understands that, and has made this levy a renewal.”
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