The gloves are off in the race for Toledo mayor

TOLEDO, OHIO -- The mayal race took a dramatic turn as Bell attacks Wilkowski on his role in the failed Rossford arena project.

It was only two days ago Democrat Keith Wilkowski and Independent Mike Bell actually hugged after their debate on 13abc. But the tone took a dramatic turn last night. Wilkowski and Bell were friendly throughout Tuesday night's debate, even after three months together on the campaign trail and with a week left to go before the general election.

Mike Bell: "He cares as much about my city as I care about my city."

Keith Wilkowski: "I admire Mike's public service. He put his life on the line for us."

But last night the race heats up. The former Toledo fire chief and state fire marshal held a news conference essentially calling Wilkowski a liar.

"Mr. Wilkowski claims to put economic development deals creating thousands of private sector jobs. He keeps pushing his economic development credentials. The facts show the opposite."

Bell addressed Wilkowski's claims about developing Burlington Air Express hub, creating joint economic development zones in Maumee, Monclova and Rossford, and about his role in the failed Rossford arena project.

"Toledo residents deserve to have a mayor that's straight forward," says Bell.

Wilkowski says, "His charges are made up. His charges are false."

13abc caught up with Wilkowski after he spoke at a block watch meeting on Dorr Street. The lawyer and former TPS board member, Lucas County commissioner and Toledo law director defends his record.

"It's sad to see Mike descend to such a level. He's engaging in desperate politics because unfortunately, while Mike's a nice guy, he has not talked about any substantive issues in his campaign. I'm going to stay positive. We're talking to Toledoans about how we put people to work in solar, wind, next generation cars."

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