Akron City Council, Ward 8
Randy Cole
Personal information
Cole (R), 40, is married, has one child and lives in Northwest Akron.
Education
B.S., The University of Akron, public policy management, 1989
Graduate studies, The Ohio State University, 1990-92
Experience
Currently, president, GovTech Solutions LLC (2-1/2 years)
Formerly, employed by FirstEnergy (1998-2004)
Formerly, employed by the Summit County Engineer’s Office (1993-98)
Activities
Member, National Resource Assistance Council (2001-present)
Chairman, Ohio & Erie Canalway
Association (2002-present) Chairman,
Marketing Committee, Metro Parks, Serving Summit County
Formerly, chairman, Ohio &
Erie Canalway Coalition
Member, United Way Young Leadership Steering Committee
Member, Akron Crime Control Plan Steering Committee
Member, Faith Lutheran Church
What makes you the best candidate for the position?
“I will return to the basics of listening to and advocating for the residents of Ward 8. The incumbent is too often a spokesman for the administration instead of our representative to city Hall. It may sound simple, but while I was visiting voters this year, I have been told house after house that the focus on providing quality city services has been replaced by press releases and ribbon cuttings. My first priority is fully staffing the Akron Police Department by cutting other spending or, as a last resort, by raising only the revenue required for our most pressing need.
“We have numerous road, sidewalk and storm water improvement needs in Ward 8. I want to involve residents earlier in the process to make sure the project meets the residents’ needs and we reduce the cost of the assessments that come after the construction. “The most important factor is how I approach the job. Through my years in public service and community involvement, I have always been known for being bi-partisan and working for consensus, while offering thoughtful and independent viewpoints. Those are qualities we need on city council.”
Bob Keith
Personal information
Incumbent Keith (D), 57, is married, has three children and lives in Northwest Akron.
Education
B.S., The University of Akron, technical education
Experience
Currently, Akron City Council Ward 8 representative (10 years)
Currently, owner, Summit Tailoring
Formerly, owner, Thurmont House Pizza
Activities
Member, Ducks Unlimited
Member, West Akron Kiwanis
Member, Board of Governors, Pi Kappa Epsilon Fraternity
Chairman, Akron City Council Public Service Committee
Vice chairman, Akron City Council Public Safety Committee
Vice chairman, Akron City Council Planning Committee
Vice chairman, Akron City Council Rules Committee
What makes you the best candidate for the position?
“I believe that I am the best candidate for the position for many reasons. First and foremost, my years on City Council have provided me with an in-depth knowledge of the issues that face my constituents. With my understanding of how city hall works, I can better address the issues that most concern the residents of Ward 8 in the most effective and efficient method possible.
“Second, my leadership positions on Council as Chairman of the Public Service Committee and Vice Chairman of Public Safety allow me to best serve my constituents in these essential areas. When you have questions with regards to the safety of our neighborhoods, the integrity of our roads and infrastructure, and the quality of our public parks and community centers, I can use these leadership positions to quickly research the issue at hand and get you an answer as soon as possible.
“Finally, I believe my job is to serve you, my constituents, to the best of my abilities. No question or issue is too small. My job is one of customer service and I pride myself in being able to help you and hope to do so for another two years.”
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