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City Council presents civic courage award to activist Mike Ferner
Summary
The Toledo City Council adopted Resolution 349-25 recognizing Mike Ferner for decades of activism on peace and environmental issues, citing his work with Veterans for Peace and Lake Erie advocacy.
The Toledo City Council on Aug. 12 adopted Resolution 349-25 honoring Mike Ferner with its civic courage award. The resolution highlights Ferner’s service as a Vietnam veteran, author and longtime activist on issues including peace, Lake Erie water quality and opposition to concentrated animal feeding operations.
Councilman Cole Mipes introduced the resolution and several council members spoke in praise of Ferner’s decades of community activism. Cole Mipes recalled first political experiences with Ferner and other long-time organizers and said the recognition was overdue. Council members also noted Ferner’s role in local campaigns on living-wage and environmental issues and applauded his continued participation in protests and community organizing.
Ferner accepted the award and spoke briefly, thanking council members and singling out his wife and longtime collaborators. He reiterated his view that local government is a place to “express our love for each other,” a sentiment he attributed to a former mayor. The resolution text notes Ferner’s national role with Veterans for Peace and cites recent work on Lake Erie protections.
The resolution passed by roll call during the Aug. 12 meeting.
