City Of Akron Council-At-Large

Address: 2117 Forest Oak Dr, Akron, OH 44312
Website:  http://fuscoforcouncil.webs.com/  

Question 2:  How do you envision the role and utilization of the community learning centers?
The partnership between the city and APS has been successful. Senior citizens, community groups and many other groups have been and will use these valuable Akron assets for years to come.

Question 3:  What is your position and rationale concerning food trucks?
I have been appointed to a committee to study food trucks by Council President Moneypenney. We have begun to research and study the lessons learned from other cities. We will interview subject matter experts and develop a recommendation that will best fit Akron’s needs.

City Of Akron Council-At-Large

Address: 421 Fairlawn Knolls Cir, Akron, OH 44313
Website:   (Facebook) Karl Johnson For Akron City Council At Large

Question 2:  How do you envision the role and utilization of the community learning centers?
The community learning centers are an underused asset.  The Council should establish programs that would encourage there year round use.

Question 3:  What is your position and rationale concerning food trucks?
Food trucks should be allowed in the city.  The free market will work in this area.  Competition is a good thing when you’re in business.  The restaurants downtown could use the food trucks as a means of competition.  That completion forces improvement for the consumer.

City Of Akron Council-At-Large

Address: 75 Waldorf Dr, Akron, OH 44313
Website: none

Question 2:  How do you envision the role and utilization of the community learning centers?
I find it amazing our tax dollars (for 30 years mind you) have paid for all these new CLC’s but yet we are being charged to use and on top of that, have to provide a $1 million dollar liability waiver. How many residents do you think are able to exceeds the word limit

Question 3:  What is your position and rationale concerning food trucks?
I believe everyone should have the opportunity to earn a living.  My only concern with the food trucks Is their intended location.  I have seen them in several cities I have visited, but they are always parked on a side road a reasonable distance from the downtown restaurants. If this  exceeds the word limit

City Of Akron Council-At-Large

Address: 2104 Brookshire Rd, Akron, OH 44313
Website:  www.lindaomobien.com 

Question 2:  How do you envision the role and utilization of the community learning centers?
Exactly the way they were intended when I signed the Agreement as President of the Akron Board of Education for them to be utilized by the taxpayers. These facilities are used by the community for events. Perhaps, it’s time to review the utilization and see if more access is needed.

Question 3:  What is your position and rationale concerning food trucks?
Food Trucks are mobile concession stands that operate successfully in     some communities without the risk of taking business away from restaurant owners who have invested a lot in those communities. I hope      we can find a balance.  There are pockets of our city where people could benefit from this business.

City Of Akron Council-At-Large

Address: 1350 Evelyn Ln, PO Box 7444 Akron, OH 44306

CANDIDATE DID NOT RESPOND TO THE QUESTIONS

City Of Akron Council-At-Large

Address: 1263 Country Club Rd, Akron, OH 44313
Website: www.williamsforakron.com

Question 2:  How do you envision the role and utilization of the community learning centers?
The CLC’s must be programmed according to the needs of the neighborhoods they serve (ex: youth / senior citizen services). Currently they are not adequately staffed to properly serve the community. Citizen input should determine programming and neighborhood organizations should be assisted by the city in accessing the CLC’s (insurance, etc.).

Question 3:  What is your position and rationale concerning food trucks?
Current restaurants and businesses must be protected. City government has encouraged their growth and invested taxpayer dollars in infrastructure to support private investment. Food Trucks should be only allowed at specific times and in areas that minimize direct competition with existing restaurants/businesses and serve underserved areas of the community.

City Of Akron Ward 1 Council

Address: 2260 Cross Creek Trl, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
Website:

CANDIDATE DID NOT RESPOND TO THE QUESTIONS

City Of Akron Ward 1 Council

Address: 183 N Highland Ave, Akron, OH 44303
Website:  www.swirskyforcouncil.com

Question 2:  How have your life experiences prepared you to represent your constituents?
My background as a community advocate, teacher, and counselor is a good match for the city council job.  I have been trained and have a lot of experience listening to problems, bringing people together and advocating for resources---- and most importantly initiating action.

Question 3:  How do you envision the role and utilizations of the Community Learning Centers?
I have taught for 8 years in the Akron After School program, housed in the community learning centers. These buildings could be utilized more for adult education, by community groups like the League of Women Voters, and by city programs like the new vehicle city safety program.

City Of Akron Ward 2 Council

Address: 1227 Clifton Ave, Akron, OH 44310
Website:  none

RUNNING UNOPPOSED

Question 2:  How have your life experiences prepared you to represent your constituents?
I have worked in the private sector of public service my entire life. I am a strong leader with good work ethics and have a great love for the community in which I live.

Question 3:  How do you envision the role and utilizations of the Community Learning Centers?
They are a place for community to gather, to hold meetings, and use for various forms of education for our entire community.

City Of Akron Ward 3 Council

Address: 276 Millcreek Dr, Akron, OH 44307
 

RUNNING UNOPPOSED

CANDIDATE DID NOT RESPOND TO THE QUESTIONS

City Of Akron Ward 4 Council

Address: 1139 Winton Ave, Akron, OH 44320
Website: none

Question 2:  How have your life experiences prepared you to represent your constituents?
As City Council, I will strive to bring professionalism and strong leadership towards the success of our community.  I have helped in      Presidential elections and Community events:  I received Awards for Character Counts and Letter of Commendation of Community Work, from Akron City Mayor. Affiliation: Akron Black Women Leadership Caucus.

Question 3:  How do you envision the role and utilizations of the Community Learning Centers?
It is the corner stone for being the foundation of our society:  To teach perseverance, inspire, encourage, and to build character.  I will help promote our youths to get involved in community activities and to help stop gun violence: by getting our youths more involve with community activities.

City Of Akron Ward 4 Council

Address: 476 Morely Ave, Akron, OH 44320
Website:  www.vote4russneal.com 

Question 2:  How have your life experiences prepared you to represent your constituents?
My two terms on council and my ability to engaging members of the community in the process of addressing challenges that face the ward and our city are what equip me to serve the residents of the ward

Question 3:  How do you envision the role and utilizations of the Community Learning Centers?
Community Learning Centers need to become holistic learning centers where opportunities to, participate in activities and learn about what is taking place in our city are available. We need to ensure that CLC’s are accessible to residents that participate in organizations that serve our neighborhoods too.

City Of Akron Ward 5 Council

Address: 1290 7th Ave, Akron, OH 44306
Website:  www.tarasamples.com

RUNNING UNOPPOSED

Question 2:  How have your life experiences prepared you to represent your constituents?
I  believe my life experiences have prepared me to be an advocate for Ward 5 residents and small business owners. Being born and raised in Ward 5, I understand the community. I think progression is vitial to Ward 5. The ward is in need of a representative that not only knows the exceeds the word limit

Question 3:  How do you envision the role and utilizations of the Community Learning Centers?
I believe in order for the CLC's to be utilized by the community we have to do away with some of the "red tape" so the community can hold various functions at the CLC's. My church has held Sunday services at East CLC for over two years and it has  exceeds the word limit

City Of Akron Ward 6 Council

Address: 482 Amberwood Dr, Akron, OH 44312
Website: none

Question 2:  How have your life experiences prepared you to represent your constituents?
I had one of the best teaching environments by working at Acme Fresh Markets, the people I worked for and with there, and the customers who shopped there. I equate representing constituents to taking care of your customers. You have to satisfy them to keep them happy and coming back.

Question 3:  How do you envision the role and utilizations of the Community Learning Centers?
I like the fact that the Community Learning Centers are open for public use and we need to address the liability factor so that doesn’t become too restrictive. Evening continuing education classes ( Stark State ) at an affordable cost is an excellent start for helping residents find new avenues of training.

City Of Akron Ward 6 Council

Address: 47 Kreiner Ave, Akron, OH 44312
Website:  none

Question 2:  How have your life experiences prepared you to represent your constituents?
Being a divorced Mother of 4 children will no financial assistance , I learned the art of budgeting and stretching a dollar. In addition to C above I also organized a successful Regional Printing Association Trade Show.   I have strong leadership , organizational and interpersonal skills.

Question 3:  How do you envision the role and utilizations of the Community Learning Centers?
One of my ideas has to do with having an abbreviated vocational training program that someone is placed in after taking an aptitude test.  The program is underwritten by companies that will have first choice of anyone who goes through the program. The buildings could be used for this.

City Of Akron Ward 7 Council

Address: 1426 Beardsley St, Akron, OH 44301
Website:  none

Question 2:  How have your life experiences prepared you to represent your constituents?
I've served 16 years with the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office and an additional 14 years serving the City of Barberton/Barberton Municipal Court as a public servant.

Question 3:  How do you envision the role and utilizations of the Community Learning Centers?
I would like to see more after-school and summer activities scheduled for the children.

City Of Akron Ward 7 Council

Address: 368 E Ido Ave, Akron, OH 44301
Website:

CANDIDATE DID NOT RESPOND TO THE QUESTIONS

City Of Akron Ward 8 Council

Address: 30 Harcourt Dr, Akron, OH 44313
Website:

CANDIDATE DID NOT RESPOND TO THE QUESTIONS

City Of Akron Ward 8 Council

Address: 585 Winslow Ave, Akron, OH 44313
Website:  none

Question 2:  How have your life experiences prepared you to represent your constituents?
I’m a 2^nd grade teacher at Case Elementary. I have a BA in Elementary Education and a master’s equivalency in Elementary Education with 24 additional graduate hours. As Director of the Akron Digital Academy, a cutting edge concept, I maintained a balanced budget while creating policies and procedures.

Question 3:  How do you envision the role and utilizations of the Community Learning Centers?
Resnick School is our only CLC in Ward 8. I would like to see it used more for community gatherings and educational programs that are not presently offered at our community center. Through a survey we could identify the needs of all residents and provide age appropriate programs.

City Of Akron Ward 9 Council

Address: 1914 19th St SW, Akron, OH 44314
Website:

CANDIDATE DID NOT RESPOND TO THE QUESTIONS

City Of Akron Ward 9 Council

Address: 2484 11th St SW, Akron, OH 44314
Website:

CANDIDATE DID NOT RESPOND TO THE QUESTIONS

City Of Akron Ward 10 Council

Address: 570 Wyandott Ave, Akron, OH 44305
Website: http://darritadavisforward10.com/

Question 2:  How have your life experiences prepared you to represent your constituents?
I am the Peoples People, your concerns are mine. The voice of the common citizen has remained silent while social and economic injustices plague our communities. The responsibility of City Council is to listen to the concerns and represent the citizens and provide the change they want for our city.

Question 3:  How do you envision the role and utilizations of the Community Learning Centers?
Community learning centers are the cornerstone of this community. I envision that our centers are  open for the community seven days a week,  providing outreach programs, not only to our youth but to the community as a whole.

City Of Akron Ward 10 Council

Address: 725 Hansen Ct, Akron, OH 44305
Website:  none

Question 2:  How have your life experiences prepared you to represent your constituents?
Military and voluntary work in nursing homes; 16 years Salvation Army (League of merit) contact Capt June Cain

Question 3:  How do you envision the role and utilizations of the Community Learning Centers?
I am in favor of Community Learning Center if they stay out of politics and do not go against parents wishes

City Of Akron Ward 10 Council

Address: 537 Fulmer Ave, Akron, OH 44314
Website:  none

Question 2:  How have your life experiences prepared you to represent your constituents?
My whole adult life has been dedicated to Public Service. Serving the needs of those in distress, conflict and victimzation.  Thirty seven years as an Law Enforcement Officer and 7 years as an elected official has prepared me for dealing with the needs and solutions of my constituents.

Question 3:  How do you envision the role and utilizations of the Community Learning Centers?
The roles and utilizations of our Community Learning Centers has still not reached its full potential due to budgetary restraints.  But as the economy comes back around we need to expand programs for our Senior Citizens as well as after school classes for our children who are struggling.  

Akron City School Board of Education

Address: 1495 S Hawkins Ave, Akron, OH 44320
Website:  none

Question 2:  How do you think teachers should be evaluated?
Teacher evaluations should be based on subject knowledge, ability to engage students in the learning process, ability to effectively deliver instructions in a diverse classroom setting, evidence of effective coaching and negotiation skills, and test scores. Additionally, evaluations should include self assessment, peer assessment, administrative assessment and student/parent comments.

Question 3:  What ideas do you have for improving the utilization of the Community Learning Centers by the Akron community?
CLC’s should serve as homework, tutoring and social enrichment centers. Programs should be justified by demonstrating benefit to students and community. Quality performance initiatives should be in place to monitor program effectiveness. Based on findings, programs should be adjusted as needed and if ineffective, eliminated. 

Akron City School Board of Education

Address: 94 Kenilworth Dr, Akron, OH 44313
Website:  none

Question 2:  How do you think teachers should be evaluated?
Presently the move is to focus teacher ratings on the student achievement tests. While important, it is not the only factor that should be used. Teacher peer ratings and feedback from the students and their parents would prove very indicative and helpful regarding a teacher's effectiveness in our schools.

Question 3:  What ideas do you have for improving the utilization of the Community Learning Centers by the Akron community?
It is important to offer programs to the community using the Commnunity Learning Centers however we need to make sure those programs are not a drain on the school system's finances.

Akron City School Board of Education

Address: 1266 Romayne Dr, Akron, OH 44313
Website:  none

Question 2:  How do you think teachers should be evaluated?
Strong teachers are critical. APS has recently overhauled its HR, recruiting and retaining highly-qualified teachers. Teacher evaluations should consider test scores but also what teachers are able to accomplish with individual students. The complication lies with punishing teachers when their students have so many issues beyond school control.

Question 3:  What ideas do you have for improving the utilization of the Community Learning Centers by the Akron community?
I recently suggested that updating the APS homepage with a link to the City of Akron might clarify planning for those seeking information about CLCs. The city manages CLC usage and partners with APS in these agreements. Hundreds of non-school events are held in Akron's CLCs every year.

Akron City School Board of Education

Address: 396 Brairwood Dr, Akron, OH 44320
Website:  none

Question 2:  How do you think teachers should be evaluated?
I believe Teachers should be evaluated on their ability to successfully engage and educate children in a measurable way, through the utilization of classroom observations by both peers and superiors, and their effectiveness in engaging and working with the support systems of children. 

Question 3:  What ideas do you have for improving the utilization of the Community Learning Centers by the Akron community?
Ensure they are advertised as welcoming community hubs were residents can gather for both educational and recreational activity.  Promote intergenerational coming together by the community to encourage learning more about each other. Utilize them as safe gathering places for youth to engage in sporting events, social functions, and/or entrepreneurial explorations.     

Akron City School Board of Education

Address: 1899 Stabler Rd, Akron, OH 44313
Website:  none

Question 2:  How do you think teachers should be evaluated?
Sufficient academic progress by students during the school year. 

Question 3:  What ideas do you have for improving the utilization of the Community Learning Centers by the Akron community?
Expansion of current, and creation of additional, community based programs.  Getting the word out to the community about the programs and working with the city to ensure access. 

Akron City School Board of Education

Address: 38 Kuder Ave, Akron, OH 44303
Website:  none

Question 2:  How do you think teachers should be evaluated?
I think a combination of factors including an assessment of their student's academic growth and achievement, evaluation of their expertise and performance in the classroom along with their ability to ensure/enhance student learning. Most important in the evaluation process is student growth.

Question 3:  What ideas do you have for improving the utilization of the Community Learning Centers by the Akron community?
The CLC's are first and foremost for our children and their needs should be given priority. We need to ensure our children are being provided every opportunity to grow, achieve, learn and reach their fullest potential in a safe and secure environment.

Akron Municipal Court Judge

Address: 996 Newport Rd, Akron, OH 44303
Website:  www.oldhamforjudge.com

Question 2:  Ohio Municipal Courts have seen a dramatic increase in default judgments in collection suits against individuals and families for medical bills, evictions and rent, and other consumer debts. What can courts do to help individuals who can't afford lawyers, have their side of the case heard?
As a Magistrate and in private practice, I have firsthand knowledge of this dilemma. We must actively encourage attorneys to provide pro bono services, place more effort into strengthening existing legal aid programs, and allow third year law students to provide supervised legal assistance to individuals in need of representation.

Question 3:  Should municipal court proceedings of any kind be broadcast on public access television or on the internet? Please explain your answer.
The decision to broadcast proceedings should be made on a case by case basis.  Courts remain open to the public if one wishes to observe in person.  The benefits of televising proceedings include judicial transparency.  The disadvantages of televising proceedings include the potential for distracting theatrics in the courtroom.

Akron Municipal Court Judge

Address: 210 Hilen Rd, Akron, OH 44333
Website:  none

Question 2:  Ohio Municipal Courts have seen a dramatic increase in default judgments in collection suits against individuals and families for medical bills, evictions and rent, and other consumer debts. What can courts do to help individuals who can't afford lawyers, have their side of the case heard?
Mandatory mediation prior to trial is one way to hear the debtor’s side of a conflict and avoid a default judgment.  Offering a non-confrontational alternative to an inevitable and intimidating formal Court hearing may encourage debtors to try to less the damaging impact on their finances and perhaps avoid bankruptcy.

Question 3:  Should municipal court proceedings of any kind be broadcast on public access television or on the internet? Please explain your answer.
Broadcasting some court proceedings could help to demystify how the Court system really works and correct the misperceptions perpetrated by fictional television  shows that make real lawyers want to scream at the TV.  Cellphones and You Tube already publicize people’s indiscretions and illegal activities, broadcasting the consequences may deter undesirable behavior.

Akron Municipal Court Judge

Address: 32 Marshall Ave Apt 3, Akron, OH 44303
Website:  www.wilmsforjudge.com

Question 2:  Ohio Municipal Courts have seen a dramatic increase in default judgments in collection suits against individuals and families for medical bills, evictions and rent, and other consumer debts. What can courts do to help individuals who can't afford lawyers, have their side of the case heard?
The slow economy has created an increase in civil litigation and in particular pro se defendants.  Regardless, courts must treat all parties in a proceeding with dignity and respect to make certain fair results are achieved. In certain cases referrals can be made for attorney assistance at Community Legal Aid  exceeds the word limit

Question 3:  Should municipal court proceedings of any kind be broadcast on public access television or on the internet? Please explain your answer.
Yes, public court proceedings should be broadcast on public access television or on the internet.  The Ohio Supreme Court is encouraging all courts to embrace this trend. Unfortunately financing for the project may be prohibitive. 

ISSUE 4: AKRON

Proposed Charter Amendment – Shall Section 64a of the Charter be adopted to allow the donation to Akron Children’s Hospital, its designee or assignee of the City of Akron’s steam and chilled water system to facilitate Akron Children’s Hospital’s ongoing efforts to meet the long-term health care needs of children?

League Explanation of Issue 4: Passage of this charter amendment would allow transfer of the ownership of Akron’s downtown district heating plant (RES plant) from the City of Akron to Akron Children’s Hospital.  This will provide Children’s with heating at a reasonable cost and provide reliable heating for other downtown businesses.

Arguments in favor of the issue: The loss of money on the steam plant exceeds revenue.  Since 2007 the City of Akron has subsidized operations of the RES plant operations in the amount of $28.9 million.
Donation of the steam plant to Children’s Hospital will insure continued service to customers.  Over 50 downtown customers, including Children’s, Akron General Hospital, City Hall and County offices use the downtown district heating system.

Arguments against the issue: The City will no longer subsidize heat and air for downtown buildings.  This subsidy has kept the price of doing business in the downtown district low.
If the steam plant is donated to Children’s Hospital, the City of Akron will be a paying customer like everyone else on the system.