Good Evening Toledo,
TOLEDO CITY COUNCIL VOTES TO REMOVE WIGGINS, LEAVING COMMUNITY STUNNED
Tonight, February 5th, the Toledo City Council gathered for what was expected to be a contentious decision, and it did not fail to deliver. In a narrow 4-3 vote, the council moved to terminate City Manager Doug Wiggins, a decision that was met with disappointment, silence, and no small amount of frustration from the packed chamber.
For over an hour, the council deliberated behind closed doors in executive session while the people waited. Supporters including Firefighters from Toledo Fire and East Lincoln County Fire stood in quiet solidarity with Wiggins, their presence a clear statement of support. When the council returned, the vote came quickly. Four in favor of termination—Silvia, Mix, Bush, and Keating. Three opposed. And just like that, Wiggins was out.
There was no applause. No cheers. No boos. Just the rustling of papers, the shifting of chairs, and the kind of silence that speaks louder than words.
Earlier, during the public comment period, members of the community had made their case. They spoke of Wiggins’ experience, of his steady leadership, of the challenges the city faced and the steady hand needed to guide it forward. They asked the council to retain Wiggins. If their words swayed minds, it was not enough to change the outcome.
In the end, the council’s decision leaves more questions than answers. Why now? What comes next? And what will the cost of this decision be— if not in dollars, but in trust?
And so, Toledo wakes this morning with one less city manager, one more controversy, and a growing sense that the road ahead may be rougher than expected.
This is Toledo. Good night, and good luck.
Leave a Reply