2023 Voter Guide: Meet the candidates for Akron council's 10 ward seats
Welcome to the 2023 Voter Guide produced by the League of Women Voters and Akron Beacon Journal with funding from the Knight Foundation.
All 13 seats on Akron City Council will be on the ballot this year, and there are contested Democratic primaries in Wards 1, 3, 4, 8 and 9 and in the Democratic at-large race.
Information on candidates for all ward races are covered in this article. Candidates for at-large seats will be featured in a different story.
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This year's primary election on May 2. Early voting is taking place at the Summit County Board of Elections Early Vote Center, 500 Grant St., Akron.
Responses are not edited, vetted or corrected by the League of Women Voters or Beacon Journal to allow candidates to speak in their own words.
Interactive Voter Guide
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2023 Election: Summit County Voter Guide
Akron City Council
Akron City Council is responsible for providing leadership and guidance to the community, facilitating communication between the community and the council, determining policy, planning for the city's future, managing assets, governing finances, reviewing policy and attending meetings.
Ward 1
Two Democrats are seeking their party's nomination.
Nancy L. Holland
Party: Democrat
Training/Experience: 6/21/21-present: Akron City Council, Ward 1 Councilwoman (appointed 6/21/21; elected 11/22), providing accessible, prompt and responsive resident services, and serving as Primary and Co-Sponsor of legislation and policy initiatives supporting families, local businesses and workers; and the creation of a safe, healthy, sustainable, equitable, thriving, prosperous Akron for all. Formerly served as Commissioner, Akron Civil Rights Commission; Trial Attorney, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; Assistant Chief, Civil Rights Section, Office of the Ohio Attorney General; former adjunct faculty, U. of Akron; former Board Member, Fair Housing Contact Services, Inc.
Education: J.D., University of Akron School of Law; A.B., Washington University in St. Louis
Current Occupation: Ward 1 Akron City Councilwoman and Attorney at Law
Website: Nancy4Akron.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/Holland4Ward1
Why are you the best candidate for the office? I am an experienced, accessible and responsive member of City Council, with a proven track record of listening to the needs of Ward 1 residents, finding solutions, advocating for increased citizen inclusion and engagement for Ward 1 and for all Akronites, by City government, and creating a safe, healthy, prosperous, equitable, sustainable City for all. As the Primary Sponsor of the Pro-Pollinator/Native Plants legislation, the legislation establishing Akron as a "Gateway City to the CVNP," the "CO" Housing Safety legislation, and the Medical Debt Relief resolution, I brought the expressed values and concerns of Ward 1 residents to the table; and my cosponsorship of multiple Council resolutions supporting Human Rights, kids and families, teachers and our schools, and our collective concern for Akron's safety and prosperity, reflect that, too. I am the dedicated, engaged and serious candidate, who listens and takes action to move our City forward.
What is your vision for economic development for your community over the next 10 years? Removing barriers to prosperity- from increasing basic support to- and actively promoting- small businesses and entrepreneurs, to expanding and de-mystifying city contracting opportunities to assure fair access to smaller and newer entities- can all help stabilize and grow Akron's current economy, but we need to do more. We need to develop a longterm plan, that leverages Akron's strengths, to inspire and attract new business, too. The recent arrival of the Intel microchip operation, to the Columbus area, should also prompt us to ask "why not here?," particularly in the expanding field of green technology. We have the talent, the space, the location, and the determination. Lets -literally- put it to work!
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? While safety remains a top response to this question, and concerns about road conditions and other basic infrastructure services also rank high, trust in our institutions is also a contender- and is directly linked to our experiences with safety and services, as well as our sense of having a voice, and feeling "heard," in our concerns. I joined City Council during the heart of the COVID pandemic- and my daily effort, since June of 2021, has been to restore the neighborhood and community connectivity that was lost during that time of isolation and separation. By providing regular community gatherings, and by offering consistent access to information, resources and solutions, I believe my Council colleagues and I can continue to restore community energy and a sense of ownership in our shared future. By pushing for continuous improvement in how government communicates, and how it welcomes citizens to become part of the "process," we can create a stronger City, that truly serves all.
Jude Yovichin
Party: Democrat
Training/Experience: President of Student Government, Proposed Indigenous People's Day to City Council (which passed)
Education: Graduate of Archbishop Hoban High School
Current Occupation: McDonald's Crew Member, Professional Candidate
Website: judeslistening.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091341786353
Why are you the best candidate for the office? I'm here to listen you the people and bring what they want to council. I believe if I am to represent the people then I need to know precisely what they need from their city. To that end I have dedicated myself to going from door to door and personally meeting the constituents of Ward 1.
What is your vision for economic development for your community over the next 10 years? Akron's future needs three things to become economically successful; educated children, reliable transportation, and safe neighborhoods. Those three empower the people of Akron to build and attract industry. Moreover we can capitalize on Akron's natural resources. Akron has the opportunity to build a thriving industry on our world-famous parks and the CVNP. Finally, Communities like Highland Square create economic development all on their own. Walkable, commercial and community spaces bring the people of Ward One together generating economic progress and attracting new neighbors. If we can bring industry back to Akron, create industry from our beautiful natural resources, and preserve and replicate our successful economic communities, then Akron will thrive.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? As I knock on the doors of Akron and meet her people, w they tell me that the degradation of our schools, the weathering of our roads, and the danger approaching their streets affect them the most. On the first I know that with the power of the purse, city council can reinvigorate our schools with well-allocated funds. I also look forward to working closely with the school board to make sure they too hear what I do from the people of Akron. On the second, it's time to stop corrupt contracts that leach off the people of Akron. Monopolistic deals are made and there is no incentive to build reliable roads beyond two inches of asphalt that will need replaced within just as many years. Finally, it's time that we give our police officers the training they need to create safer communities. Non-lethal takedowns, de-escalation negotiation, and community outreach. We need officers with healthy relationships with our communities. Good relationships prevent crime.
Ward 2
This is an uncontested race.
Phil Lombardo
Party: Democrat
Training/Experience: Employed by FirstEnergy for 41 years in Accounting, Completing first term as 2nd Ward Councilman in Akron
Education: MBA in Management from University of Akron 1993 , BA in Accounting from UofA 1988
Current Occupation: Accountant for FirstEnergy
Website: AkronWard2.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office? I am proud and honored to serve the community where I grew up in. I love my job, I love working for Akron, and I love getting things done. I feel blessed to have the support of my constituents every month at my community ward meetings and any other time I call on them for support. I just try to be there for them when they need me for issues that are important to them.
What is your vision for economic development for your community over the next 10 years? I would like to see our housing market continue to expand and I would like to see a new North High School built. I would like the city to continue working on the road improvements and helping out the small business owners with grants that will sustain their own business development plan.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues?I would say that everyone wants to live in a safe place so issues of crime, speeding, vacant/condemned houses in the neighborhood are a constant battles. One idea that is always on my mind is starting neighborhood block watch groups. The more eyes on the street we have the better. I also would hope the APD continues to promote more police academy classes and training so we get more officers on the street.
Ward 3
Two Democrats are seeking their party's nomination.
Margo Sommerville
Party: Democrat
Training/Experience: Licensed Funeral Director
Education: BA from Lincoln University & Master's Degree in Public Administration and Urban Studies from the University of Akron
Current Occupation: Vice President of Sommerville Funeral Services
Why are you the best candidate for the office? I am an experienced public servant, knowledgeable and collaborative bridge-builder, and compassionate leader whose breadth of experiences and accomplishments have positioned me to build upon the development and gains already realized in Ward 3. Having been born and raised in Akron and being a businesswoman, mother of 2 young daughters, and an incumbent elected official has enabled me to experience Akron from a variety of vantage points and uniquely sensitized me to the needs of those I serve and equipped me to see that those needs are met.
What is your vision for economic development for your community over the next 10 years? My vision for economic development over the next 10 years is as follows: a - Foster increased procurement opportunities for Minority Business Contractors in Projects Reimaging Public Spaces; b- Continued support to, intentional growth and revitalization of, and increase in the number of neighborhood businesses in Ward 3; and c- Partnership with Community Development Corporations to offer job training and skills development services necessary to advance the careers of residents and position them for upward economic mobility.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? The most significant issues in Ward 3 are Public Safety, particularly gun violence, and Affordable Housing. Affordable Housing: As part of the Akron Civic Commons, I am working to bring new housing and upgrade existing housing, and redevelopment of the Summit Lake Apartments. Additionally, I have facilitated increased funding to hire additional housing inspectors and equip them with the technology to both modernize and increase the efficiency of the housing inspection process. I have also facilitated the establishment of a Housing Mobility Program designed to assist renters in taking advantage of a wider array of housing alternatives. Public Safety: I am currently exploring innovative technology to stem the tide of gun violence. I will continue to advocate for community policing, more "park & walk" and increased resident participation in neighborhood Block Watches.
Damarios S. Walker
Party: Democrat
Training/Experience: Master Barber
Education: Graduate of Buchtel High, attended Kent State, Akron University studies in Sociology & Urban Studies
Current Occupation: Owner & Master Barber of Distinguished Gents Tonsorial
Website: www.DSWalker.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/butchie.dabarber?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Why are you the best candidate for the office? I am the best candidate for office because Im dedicated to defining a better way for our community to bridge the gap between generations, I stand on maintaining trust, a relationship and involvement with the community. I have been advocating in the community for over 9 years feeding the homeless, hosting community fun days, volunteering in Churches and Shelters, and donating back to school haircuts & school supplies. I am the President of the West Akron Little League Baseball and I am heavily involved in my Lodge Phoenix 112 and our youth chapter Samos Pythagoran of Ohio. With the high crime rates, and with the lack of affordable housing and activities for the youth my campaign Is not about the politics its about the people I will be working on the uplifting, the engagement, and the development in our neighborhoods Keeping ward 3 safe healthy and beautiful.
What is your vision for economic development for your community over the next 10 years? My Vision for economic development the next 10 years in ward 3 is to Keep the Unity in Community and The Togetherness in Families and we have to start with the youth. So I created The Village Keepers and it's an educational & vocational program designed to help, assist, and develop our youth of today into becoming mature productive adults of tomorrow. Currently I have been in contact with people through out the city skilled in different trades that will be offered. There will be a lower crime rate affordable housing with growing local & small businesses with locally hired people. Organic relationships with the businesses to implement work a program for the youth. More resources provided for entrepreneurs to achieve their goal.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? Violence, No Youth Activities. I would work with all the communities bringing back neighborhood committees. So as a Village Keeper our mission is to create a better future for at-risk youths through free youth enrichment workshops in Career Development, Life Skills, Community Services, Self-Management, Money Management, Health and Wellness. Encouraging youth to succeed, dream big, pursue goals and make a difference in their community
Ward 4
Three Democrats are seeking their party's nomination.
Will Blake
Party: Democrat
Training/Experience: ArtsNow DEIA Advisory Board, Member; Blu Jazz+, Production Management; SXSW, Shift Lead; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Vice Basileus; Kent State University Student Leadership and Allocations Board; YEPAW, Emerging Leaders Advisory Board
Education: Music Technology, Bachelor of Science
Current Occupation: Creative Director, The Cue Media | Director of Programming, Rubber City Jazz and Blues Festival
Website: willforakron.com
Facebook: facebook.com/TheWillBlake
Why are you the best candidate for the office? What makes me the best candidate for the office of Ward 4 Council in Akron, OH is my vision for a vibrant arts and culture community, my experience in event and community programming, and my ability to bring people together.
What is your vision for economic development for your community over the next 10 years? Over the next decade, Ward 4, first and foremost needs to develop essential services to be able to scale into greater economic development. That starts with a bank in the West Akron community of Ward 4, urgent care that is proximal and available so community members aren't burdened with needing to leave their community for medical care, also an additional grocery store to aid in variety and access to food. When it comes to economic development as a whole, businesses need to be planted in the community that are scalable so that gainful employment can be increased year-over-year.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? Significant issues facing Ward 4 in Akron, OH are a greater need for youth investment, quality of life from an economic and safety standpoint as well as lack-luster art, culture and entertainment programming. With over a decade of experience in art and culture programming, I plan to make Ward 4 one of the most vibrant districts for folks to gather in Akron. That starts with programming meetings that not only involve businesses, but community organizations as well as the community. This leads to better communication and develops structure for everyone involved and informed. That influx of outside-of-the-community engagement leads to Ward 4 being a destination for others which brings dollars into the community and spurs economic growth leading to more community dollars to invest in youth programming and infrastructure to create safer neighborhoods.
Janice Davis
Party: Democrat
Candidate did not respond.
Russel C. Neal Jr.
Party: Democrat
Training/Experience: 14 years serving community as it's representative on City Council for Ward 4, Past National President of National Black Caucus of Locally Elected Officials, Co-Chair of Ohio Municipal Leagues Race Equity and Leadership advisory council, Past Co-Vice Chair of The National League of Cities
Education: Graduate of Ohio University and Buchtel High School. Race Equity and Leadership Council, Past chair of Akron City Council's Public Utilities and Park and Recreations Committees
Current Occupation: Self Employed Owner of Graffitti Print Shop and Real Estate Investor
Website: www.Vote4Russneal.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office? I am the best candidate because of my 14 years of legislative experience on the local, state, and national level. I understand the needs of Ward 4 and have served this ward, community and city for over 30 years. I continue to advocate for the needs of the ward and the Buchtel Cluster community. My advocacy established the City Council Neighborhood Grant Fund, brought $1 million dollars in Covid-19 relief funding directly to the city's wards, and movies, concerts and the ballet to Ward 4 parks. My work with Project Ujima laid the foundation for the holistic health and wellness initiatives that take place throughout Ward 4. Through my leadership I have worked with Ward 4 Block Clubs and community organizations to establish a collaborative form of community engagement that has empowered residents to have a voice in what takes place in Ward 4 and the City.
What is your vision for economic development for your community over the next 10 years? Key for economic development in Ward 4 is to continue to work with Maple Valley Merchant Assoc. and the City's Great Streets Neighborhood Business Initiative to support the existing business community. Also, promoting that the community continue to be engaged- and that everyone working on behalf of the ward work collectively- in the development of the West Akron plan being led by Progressive Alliance CDC with the assistance of Project Ujima and the Summit County Land Bank to improve the West Akron Community is critical to the future development of the business and residential development in Ward 4. It is important that we solidify the legacy business district that was named in honor of Ms. Ophelia Averitt by securing her building in order to guarantee the right type of businesses are housed in the historic district. Lastly, it is important to document if businesses and commercial property owners in the ward have succession plans so that we can better control the district.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues?The most pressing issues facing our community and city are youth gun violence and the lack of faith and trust in city government. To address youth violence I am leading the Ward 4 community in a collaborative initiative that provides community Wrap Around Support for the students and their families that live in the Buchtel Cluster and throughout Ward 4. The plan has been affirmed by leaders in the Akron Public School system and community as the best way the community can support students and their families in the Buchtel Cluster. After listening to residents, I brought in a resolution requesting Akron City Council and The City’s Administration submit itself to an independent audit by the Ohio Ethics Commission and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office for the purpose of reviewing City Council and The Administration’s policies, practice and procedures in order to reestablish the trust and confidence of the citizens of Akron and business community partners in our city government.
Ward 5
This is an uncontested race.
Johnnie Hannah
Party: Democrat
Training/Experience: Business Administration
Education: Central High School - Hammell Business-Associate Business Administration - George Meany Labor College
Current Occupation: Business Owner/Retiree
Why are you the best candidate for the office? Serving as the next Ward 5 representative will be an extention of my long term active role in serving the ward. I currently serve on the Keep Akron Beautiful Board, The Parks Collaborative Board, The Ohio Interdenominational Church Ushers Akron Board representative, 7 year South Street Block Club member, Past President Of the Akron ICUA Ushers Association, Past Secretary/Treasurer of Transportation Workers Of America Local No. 1 and a member of Second Baptist Church in Akron, Ohio
What is your vision for economic development for your community over the next 10 years? Economic Development in the area is essential to my long term plan. Residents must have gainful employment to achieve any real quality of life for themselves and their families. A vibrant economic plan requires the attraction of employers and working with business and city government leaders to provide the training necessary for residents to obtain those good paying jobs. The second requirement is quality affordable housing and the elimination of abandoned and vacant blighted housing in the community.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues?The most significate issue facing Ward 5 is SAFETY! As a resident of the ward I have personally experienced crime within my neighborhood. Crime across Akron and the surrounding areas is at an all time high with Akron now being ranked among the most dangerous cities in Ohio and far too much of this increase crime is in Ward 5. Where you find high poverty, you find it's offspring-high crime. We know that most of the crime is perpetrated by our youth and young unemployed residents. We need better relations between parents, schools, and our safety forces. We need improved community education related to guns, gun violence, drug addiction and drug trafficking. Implementing meaningful, informed programs around these core issues along with improved employment, housing and graduation rates, will restore Ward 5 to the safe family oriented neighborhood of it's prime,
Ward 6
This is an uncontested race.
Bradley McKitrick
Party: Democrat
Candidate did not respond.
Ward 7
This is an uncontested race.
Donnie Kammer
Party: Democrat
Candidate did not respond.
Ward 8
Two Democrats are seeking their party's nomination.
James Hardy
Party: Democrat
Training/Experience: Akron Public Schools Board of Education (2006-2012); City of Akron Chief of Staff (2016-2020); City of Akron Deputy Mayor for Integrated Development (2020-2021)
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Political Science/Criminal Justice; Master's Degree in Public Health
Current Occupation: Senior Program Officer, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Website: www.hardyforcitycouncil.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085717802667
Why are you the best candidate for the office? I was born and raised in the West Hill neighborhood of Akron. The son of schoolteachers, I am a proud product of the Akron Public Schools, the University of Akron, and Kent State University. The educational opportunities afforded to me allowed me to launch a career and put down roots. I’ve served on the Akron Public Schools Board of Education, as Assistant Director of Community Health at Summit County Public Health, as Chief of Staff and Deputy Mayor for the City of Akron. In each of these roles I worked to promote equity, fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and good governance. I am running for Akron City Council because our community is at a crossroads. We can continue to shout past each other while our challenges grow. Or, we can foster engagement and collaboration, open dialogue, and common purpose to improve the quality of life in Akron - especially for the marginalized in society. What we need now is not personal political agendas, but compassionate action.
What is your vision for economic development for your community over the next 10 years? The City of Akron has not conducted a citywide comprehensive plan since 1987. While much progress has been made in the intervening years, I can personally attest to the challenges of managing a “Whack-A-Mole” approach to economic development. While it is important to remain flexible to opportunities as they arise, it is vital that a community the size of Akron have a citywide comprehensive plan for development long before private interests enter the mix. Specific to Ward 8, there exists a golden opportunity to reinvest in the Merriman Valley in ways that promote land conservation and take full advantage of its proximity to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. As the true “gateway” to the second-most visited national park in the United States, the Merriman Valley is a regional gem. Existing residents and businesses deserve the credit for keeping this historic asset alive and well. It is time to come to their aid and better support the neighborhood and its small businesses.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues?The two most significant issues facing Ward 8, and the City of Akron, are public safety and the Akron Public Schools. The City of Akron’s rate for firearm homicides in 2020 was 15.5 per 100,000 residents. That’s double the average of 7.4 when looking across all other metros in the United States that year. Since 2020, Akron’s homicide counts have only gotten worse. Addressing community violence must be the top priority for the new mayor and city council. The city cannot do it alone, and thus we will need to create and strengthen partnerships across a diversity of stakeholders to achieve progress. The rise in violence over the past few years has spilled over into our schools. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, supportive neighborhood with schools that offer the same mental and physical safety. When it comes to this basic right, we are not trending in the right direction. Making matters worse is a high level of dysfunction amongst APS leadership.
Sage Lewis
Party: Democrat
Candidate did not respond.
Ward 9
Two Democrats are seeking their party's nomination to face Republican Micah R. Townsend in November.
Tina R. Boyes
Party: Democrat
Training/Experience: Former Vice President, Akron Community Foundation; Leadership Akron Class 32
Education: B.A. Miami University (1996)
Current Occupation: Outgoing Executive Director, Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance
Website: voteboyes.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/voteboyes
Why are you the best candidate for the office? I’m ready Day One. As Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance’s executive director, I handle service calls from residents, businesses and property owners, connecting them to city services of all types. I have direct lines to department leaders and advocate until the job is done right. Kenmore is in my blood. I’m a fifth-generation resident and graduate of Kenmore High School. I was born and raised here, the daughter of a longtime Ward 9 councilman. I'm active with my church and local youth organizations like First Glance, Cardinal Booster Club and Kenmore youth wrestling. I engage residents in monthly cleanup events and am an active member of the Kenmore Historical Society. I received the Kenmore Chamber of Commerce McCutchan Award for community service in 2019. I also get results, attracting over $1.5 million in investment, 16 new businesses and organizations, dozens of family-friendly community events, and a National Historic District to what's now a cleaner, more vibrant Kenmore Boulevard.
What is your vision for economic development for your community over the next 10 years? My vision for economic development is by the people, for the people. I want to leverage my success in revitalizing the Kenmore Boulevard business district and implement it throughout Ward 9 to attract and keep businesses. I envision more small business support at the neighborhood level and funding that encourages an even stronger homegrown and resident-supported business model, which is proven to keep and build wealth within the neighborhood. Neighborhood-level economic development requires savvy, creativity and connections. It demands a mix of public and private investment from businesses, foundations and nonprofit funding entities like the Western Reserve Community Fund, which provide low-interest loans and support to help businesses succeed in a community like Kenmore. Having worked for 13 years at Akron Community Foundation, I’ve built strong relationships with funders and nonprofit partners. I am the only candidate with successful economic and community development experience.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? Safety for everyone is a top priority in Ward 9. On council, I will advocate for increased community police engagement, including foot beats. I will leverage partnerships to attract more recovery and mental health services to our community to improve health and reduce drug-related crime. I'll also work to ban illegal storefront gambling spots, which are known crime havens. Like Akron, Kenmore has struggled to attract and keep young families. Access to safe, walkable schools is another top priority in Ward 9. I will continue to fight for a productive, educational use of the former Kenmore High School site and advocate for the city of Akron to engage vacant APS schools before they become blighted eyesores. I'll also advocate for a reformed tax abatement that incentivizes housing rehabilitation and infill development to revitalize within, not just on the edges, of neighborhoods while advocating for urban planning policies that serve all residents, age 8 to 80.
Susan Culver
Party: Democrat
Training/Experience: City of Akron, retired 35 years
Current Occupation: Retired
Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Elect-Susan-Culver-Akron-City-Council/100088600365877
Why are you the best candidate for the office? I am the best candidate for Ward 9 Akron City Council because of my experience in city functions and procedures. I am retired from the City of Akron after serving for nearly 35 years. During my career at the city, I have worked in the Law Department, Customer Service Division, and the Department of Neighborhood Assistance. I have interacted with various city departments, council members, police, community organizations, and Akron citizens. Working as only a Councilmember will give me the time needed to serve Ward 9 and Akron citizens.
What is your vision for economic development for your community over the next 10 years? Economic Development cannot only be an investment in growing our economy, but it must also enhance the quality of life for our residential neighborhoods. Communities like family owned-businesses, especially when they offer nostalgic items. (Ice cream shop, coffee and bakery, breakfast, comics, etc.) I hope to extend the Economic Development to all retail areas in the ward, not just one target area.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? In Ward 9, crime is the biggest issue. If elected, I hope to encourage our new Mayor and the Police Union to consider police precinct locations in city wards. With a police precinct in the community, it may deter crime and help residents to feel safer. Blighted buildings that the homeless community has taken over. When a building becomes tax delinquent so severely it has surpassed its property value, there is no penalty for the owner. We must act faster to foreclose on back taxes and demolish these buildings to ensure the health and safety of our neighborhoods. Rental properties when landlords are not taking accountability for the upkeep, repair, or bad tenant behavior are ruining our neighborhoods. I would support amending or drafting legislation to make Akron rental regulations more strict to help ensure the enthusiasm of those residents who keep their homes maintained.
Micah R. Townsend
Party: Republican
Candidate did not respond.
Ward 10
This is an uncontested race.
Sharon L. Connor
Party: Democrat
Candidate did not respond.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Voter Guide: Meet the candidates for Akron council's 10 ward seats