Former Lawmaker, Mayor Jack Ford Passes Away

Toledo Democrat Jack Ford, a council member and former mayor and state lawmaker known for encouraging political newcomers in whom he saw potential, has died. He was 67. A Mayor's Office spokesperson confirms Ford died Saturday at Toledo Hospital. Democratic State Representative Teresa Fedor says he had been hospitalized two weeks ago with flu-like symptoms. Ford's death comes six weeks after Mayor Michael D. Collins, died at age 70 after crashing his SUV into a utility pole whe he had a heart attack during a snowstorm. Ford served as mayor of Ohio's fourth largest city from 2002 to 2006. Before that, he spent seven years in the Ohio House, including as Democratic leader. He was also former Lucas County Democratic Party chair.