After several rounds of contested voting, Akron City Council elected Mark Greer to fill a vacant at-large council seat Monday night.
Council members floated three different names before voting 8 to 4 to elect Greer, the former director of Akron200, the non-profit organization that planned Akron's bicentennial in 2025.
A screening committee of council members had initially nominated George Johnson, a longtime city employee and labor union organizer. Greer and former Councilmember Tara Mosley Weems were then subsequently nominated after several residents and at least one council member expressed concerns about Johnson.
Council then voted four times after failing to reach the needed seven votes for a candidate. Members even had to take a recess while council staff printed additional ballots.
In the fourth round, Greer received eight votes. He was sworn in immediately following the election.
鈥淎kron is a special place, and I think we all here know that,鈥� Greer said. 鈥淚t is an honorable thing to be able to stand in this hall, in this hallowed horseshoe.鈥�
Greer will fill the seat vacated by long-time council member Jeff Fusco. Fusco retired at the end of March after 40 years in public service.
The term ends in December 2027, so Greer will have to run for re-election next year.
Greer will draw on his experience hearing from residents across the city during his work on the bicentennial, he said.
"All 24 neighborhoods, the voices of the people in every corner of Akron, have to be adequately represented," Greer said.
Greer was at his Downtown Akron home listening in to the council meeting when he heard his name come up, he added.
"As I was watching, I saw some interesting movement and thought, "Well, I think I better get down there,'" Greer said, chuckling. "I was not expecting that at all."
Despite the surprise, Greer is honored to serve the city in this new role, he added.
"It just made me feel more resolve for our city and our citizens, to make sure I'm doing the utmost, and everything I can, to really make sure this opportunity doesn't just work for me," Greer said. "This opportunity that I've really been honored and privileged with is the one that has to work for all of Akron."
Council also voted on new leadership. Fusco had served as vice president when he resigned. Council elected Ward 6 Councilmember Brad McKitrick as the new vice president, and Ward 9 Councilmember Tina Boyes as president pro-tem.
Greer elected after council changed their minds about Johnson
Johnson was the president of Akron鈥檚 American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union for six years. He served in various city positions including code compliance supervisor and public works supervisor before retiring in 2021.
He now works part-time as a labor and government liaison for a local law firm, Mendenhall Legal Group.
Johnson has previously spoken during council鈥檚 public comment period in support of the police union.
During the public comment period at Monday鈥檚 council meeting, several residents spoke out against Johnson, including Rev. John Beatty.
Beatty, who said he considers Johnson a friend, cautioned council that Johnson is against the Citizens鈥� Police Oversight Board.
鈥淚 know George is dead-set against that oversight committee, and we need it,鈥� Beatty said.
Resident Autumn Riddle also spoke out against Johnson.
鈥淲e don鈥檛 need another Fusco,鈥� Riddle said.
Greer was nominated by Councilmember Jan Davis. While Davis initially supported the selection committee鈥檚 decision, she changed her mind after having conversations with community members Monday afternoon about their concerns, she said.
"We're in a space where we need healing. You need healing, and you need someone to be able to lead that charge," Davis said. "The person that I believe can help bring that change is Mark Greer."
Councilmember Eric Garrett nominated Mosley Weems, a former Ward 5 council member.
Greer selected from ballot of 17
In total, 17 people applied for the job.
Several prominent city leaders applied, including Tara Mosley Weems, who served on council for 10 years and left in 2023 to run for mayor. Former at-large Councilmember Ginger Baylor also applied.
Other applicants came from various backgrounds, including church leaders, former city employees, educators and community organizers.
精东影业 obtained their names and resumes through a public records request.
The full list of candidates and their recent employment can be found below.
鈥� N.J. Akbar: Administrative lead for the Akron Legacy Building Project, President and Senior Principal Consultant, B4U Services, LLC
鈥� Ginger Baylor: At-Large Councilmember from 2020-2023
鈥� Catey Breck Scanlon: Director of Economic Development, inSITE Advisory Group
鈥� Rodney Dennis: Founder, Levels Barber College
鈥� Mark Greer: Chief Development and Engagement Officer, Development Finance Authority of Summit County
鈥� Maria Golden: Freelance photographer and artist
鈥� George Johnson: Labor and government liaison, Mendenhall Legal Group
鈥� Maurea Lollar: Community outreach coordinator, Patricia Ann Cargill Charities
鈥� Tara Mosley Weems: Court Navigator with Akron Municipal Court
鈥� Charley Nelson: Akron Public Schools retired and substitute teacher
鈥� Eric Nevins, Jr.: Youth programming coordinator at Red Oak Behavioral Health
鈥� Johnny Osby II: Prevention specialist, Minority Behavioral Health Group
鈥� Denane Pollard, Sr. (no resume provided)
鈥� Acacia Reynolds: Community advocate and organizer
鈥� William Reynolds, Sr.: Rideshare driver for Uber, Lyft
鈥� Kevin Thomas: Retired regional president, AAA Auto Club Associates
