This story has been updated with new information.
It took four ballots, but Akron City Council has appointed a new council member to the at-large seat vacated by Jeff Fusco when he retired.
Akron City Council voted 8-4 on April 27 to confirm Mark Greer as Akron’s new council member over screening committee nominee George Johnson. Summit County Domestic Relations Judge Kani Hightower swore Greer in following his selection.
“This was unexpected,” Greer said. “I didn’t have anyone standing with me because I was expecting to just be home and checking my emails. I am so incredibly humbled and honored to be here and to have gained the support of the members of council.”
Johnson – currently a part-time government and labor liaison for the Mendenhall Legal Group and formerly the full time administrator and representative for Akron city employees in AFSCME Local 1360 – couldn’t garner a majority of council’s support after three ballots despite being the nominee chosen by council’s screening committee. Greer, who was nominated by Ward 4 Councilwoman Jan Davis, was elected on the fourth ballot.
In March, Greer joined the Development Finance Authority of Summit County as chief development and engagement officer. He recently served as executive director of Akron 200, the city’s bicentennial celebration commission. Before that, he was small business manager and Great Streets administrator for the city of Akron.
In his application to the position, obtained by the Beacon Journal from the city via records request, Greer pledged to listen to and elevate residents’ voices to council chambers; work with council and the administration to “advance our objectives and deliver positive, tangible results;” gain the trust of Akron’s communities through representing and addressing their concerns; and join council in its mission to improve the lives of every Akronite “and uplift the city we call home.”
“The city of Akron, just a little over 200 years ago, had its start,” said Greer. “It’s the city that has inspired all of us. It’s the city that the mosaic of the people, the neighborhoods, the communities, the churches, the schools, the civic groups, the leaders that have made this city what it is. Akron is a special place, and I think we all here know that.”
Because Fusco’s retirement also vacated the position of council vice president, the body voted on filling that administrative assignment as well. Council elected Ward 6 Councilman Brad McKitrick as its new vice president, which vacated the position of president pro tem. McKitrick nominated Ward 9 Councilwoman Tina Boyes for pro tem while at-large Councilman Eric Garrett nominated Ward 4 Councilwoman Jan Davis.
Council appointed Boyes to pro tem by a vote of 7-4, with one vote for Garrett and one abstention.
Contact reporter Derek Kreider at DKreider@Gannett.com or 330-541-9413.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron City Council picks new at-large council member
Reporting by Derek Kreider, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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