Over the last 10 days more than 100 Residents, Community Leaders and Outside of Youngstown interested parties have asked me "Why Tito?". Let me start by saying I don't represent any political party or political action committee. These are truly the thoughts and opinions of me, Ketuan Baldwin as an individual but based on research, deep conversations with current, past and future leaders with a vested interest in Youngstown. I don't have a vote in the race to elect the next mayor in the city of Youngstown, but I'll still share my thoughts.
Why Tito? I look at this in reverse and ask "Why not Tito?" He is a man that's had both success and failures in the titles and roles that his held as Husband, Father, Community Leader, Social Worker, etc. I believe that it's truly his time based on the challenges and needs of Youngstown today and over the next four years. I've watched him from different angles, Inside-Out and Outside-In. He always had a Mindset of Growth for himself and the community that he serves. This growth mindset is what has motivated a 17-year-old father not to be a statistic to the environment that has been demoting to many African-American men in the same situation. His growth mindset has also allowed him to grow from bad decision or mistakes and use those as learning opportunities to blossom personally and professionally.
There are many opinions on what the qualities of a Mayor should be. I believe the Mayor of Youngstown should have balance. Someone who understands the challenges of citizens of Youngstown, but also has the ability to integrate inclusive solutions for these challenges. Someone who has a deep love and concern for the outcome of the people. Someone with a track record of service to the community. Someone who can motivate, delegate to, and help grow future Leaders. These are all things I've seen Tito accomplish with a balance over the years. Here is a quick example that I experienced on a personal level.
When Tito was the 3rd Ward City Councilmen, I reached out to him in 2008 as a 24-year-old homeowner who had been recently elected as the President of Neighborhood Homeowners Association. I sent him an email without having a prior relationship with him and asked two questions.
- Can you help me make Arlington Heights one of the Premier neighborhoods in Youngstown?
- Can you mentor me as I attempt to use this model from Arlington Heights to create impactful change throughout the city?
Without hesitation, he replied back to the email with a simple statement, "Let meet to discuss your goals farther." Later that week he came by and shared with him the details of my vision for the Neighborhood. He gave me the tools, resources, and contacts to accomplish my goals. One of those contacts was former Mayor Chief of Staff, Jason Whitehead, now Executive Director of Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority. I told him that Community Center is the centerpiece of this community, but the homeowners and other don't have access to it. I asked, "How can we expand the programming and create perks for those homeowners who have made an investment in this community?" This eventually lead to free access and more activities for those living in that neighborhood.
There are other candidates who have qualities of a Mayor, but I haven't seen each of them have the same Balance. I've seen other candidates be amazing leaders, but lack service to the community or vice versa. Tito has proven his ability to have both in parallel. Our Mayor will be Youngstown representative to Mahoning County, State of Ohio and Nationally. A proven and tested leader is needed at this time in history for the city. Someone free of corruption, someone with a true challenger and growth mindset. After losing the primary elect in 2013, Tito could have gone off in the sunset with stable job and family, but he challenged himself to become better and conquer his opponent 4 years later, while other candidates may look for the easy road to be elected. I understand completely that when and how you entered a race is very strategic, but when you face tough challenges head-on, it says something about who you are. Tito has shown in a variety of ways that failure can be turned into success with proper planning and a growth mindset. He may or may not be the leader needed for the next 10 or 20 years, but for the next four years, I believe his education, experience, and heart have given him the honor and right to serve in this role.
Regardless of which candidate actually wins the election on Tuesday, November 7th, 2017, I'm more concerned about how the winner will leverage the strengths, skills, and abilities of the other candidates. We talk a lot about coming together and collaborating on community goals. Each candidate brings tremendous value to Youngstown, I hope that the elected individual is proactive in reaching out to the other candidates after the race for advice, support, and service. This is what will define true leadership.
Now there may be readers of this blog who don't know who I am. I'm Ketuan Baldwin, I'm fighting the battle for Youngstown on the outside. In any war, you will have Soldiers that protect and serve the homeland and you will other soldiers that shipped out to fight the battle. But here are some concrete example of my credentials as it relates to Youngstown.
- I've served 15+ years as Trustee and Financial Secretary for the organization with the largest (non-government) building investment on the southside of Youngstown in the past 30 years.
- I've served on the Human Relations Commission for the City of Youngstown.
- I've served on the Technology Advisory Board for Youngstown City School Tech Prep programs.
- I've served as President of Arlington Heights Homeowners Association.
- I currently mentor for the United Way Success after 6 program
- I've volunteered, advocated, sponsored and been a speaker for many organization (Inspiring Minds, City Kids Care, etc.)
- I've been Educated in the City of Youngstown (Youngstown State University)
- Associate and Bachelor degree in Applied Science - Computer Information Systems
- Masters in Business Administration
I guess I've taken enough of your time now. Please share your thoughts and opinion as well. More than open to any debate that helps make Youngstown a better place.
Stay #Winning my friend…
#OneYoungstown I'm with Tito
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