The fallout over a move to oust Barberton’s mayor continues.
Mayor William Judge resigned June 15 in the midst of a move by some members of Barberton City Council to have him removed from office.
Judge resigned before council acted on the removal.
Some on council citted Judge’s behavior on the job as the reason to begin the procedure to remove the mayor.
At the conclusion of Monday night’s meeting, a member of Barberton City Council announced his resignation over the flap.
Ward 6 Councilman Monte Harris announced on social media that he had resigned effective immediately.
“This has nothing to do with the previous mayor’s resignation and everything to do with the lack of integrity, honesty and ethics among other council members and some of the administration,” Harris wrote. “I accepted this role to help move our city forward and work toward meaningful solutions for our residents.
“Unfortunately, I have found that too much of the council’s time and energy is spent on personal agendas, political games, and conflicts that have little to do with serving the people of this community.”
With Judge’s resignation, by charter Council President Shorter Griffin became Barberton’s mayor.
Harris said council meetings have become a “complete circus” with competing interests making it “difficult” to acomplish anything.
“Equally concerning is the lack of clear direction for the future of our city,” he wrote. “Without a shared vision, strong leadership, and a commitment to working together, the city risks stagnation while important issues go unaddressed.”
A retired city police officer. Harris was elected to council in 2023.
Harris said he plans to continue to work on behalf of the city now that he is “no longer governed by the rules of city council or the manipulation of some of the city administration.”
He added: “The battle is lost, but the war has yet to be won.”
During the meeting, Ward 5 Council person Rebecca Gearhart was sworn in as the new council president.
Council has scheduled a special meeting for July to select a new council vice president.
Griffin told council members that he spent his first days in office meeting with staff and talking with residents.
The new mayor thanked residents, city workers and council for their support.
At the conclusion of Monday night’s meeting, Ward 4 Council person Emily Beck called on the council to “dig in” and do the work they were elected to do to help strengthen and stabilize the city.
“This is a moment for leadership,” Beck said. “… Our city has been through a difficult and unexpected time. Now is not the moment for upheaval, division or unnecessary disruption.”
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Barberton councilman quits amid turmoil in city hall. See who resigned
Reporting by Craig Webb, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Craig Webb, Akron Beacon Journal | USA TODAY Network
