A total of 21 applicants have entered their names to be considered for the Ward 8 City Council seat vacated earlier this month by James Hardy .
The city released the list Tuesday following Monday's application deadline. Those seeking to be appointed are:
- N.J. Akbar.
- Bruce Bolden.
- Patrick Bravo.
- Joann Collins.
- David Guran.
- William Hall.
- Matthew Hurm.
- Sage Lewis.
- Ed Matzules.
- Meghan Meeker.
- Joseph Micale.
- Sean Plank.
- James Rizopulos.
- Paula Sauter.
- Albert Smith.
- Paul Stallings.
- Timothy Stewart Sr.
- Shawn Strode.
- Darlene VerSluys.
- Dominique Waters.
- LaMont Wilson.
City Council now has until Monday to appoint someone; if it doesn't meet the deadline, Mayor Shammas Malik can appoint someone.
Hardy was elected to City Council in November, taking the spot previously held by Malik. It's the second resignation from the council this year. In January, Nancy Holland resigned as Ward 1 representative and Samuel DeShazior was appointed in her place.
Hardy, a senior program officer with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, cited developments in his professional life as his reason for exiting his council role.
How will City Council choose the new Ward 8 councilperson?
On Tuesday, City Council announced a special meeting of the screening committee for Thursday at 3 p.m. in Council Chambers on the 3rd floor of the municipal building at 166 S. High St.
The screening committee — comprised of council members Margo Sommerville, Jeff Fusco, Eric Garrett, Tina Boyes and Sharon Connor — will interview the candidates in a closed-door executive session.
On July 29, the council will announce its pick.
Ward 8 residents plan virtual town hall
On Thursday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., a virtual forum will be held as an opportunity for community members who applied for the vacant Ward 8 seat.
To attend the virtual forum, people can register to receive the Zoom call link: tinyurl.com/akronward8 .
The forum will be moderated by elected precinct representatives of Ward 8. Attendees will have the chance to learn about each candidate's vision for Ward 8 and the wider Akron community.
The event is organized in partnership with Merriman Valley Neighborhood Association, Revere Village Civic Association and The Big Love Network.
Contact reporter Derek Kreider at DKreider@Gannett.com or 330-541-9413
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron City Council Ward 8 vacancy draws 21 applicants; interviews set for Thursday
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