PT. 2 - Mayor Don Plusquellic - remarks after special election 06-23-09

After it was announced that the recall effort against him had been crushed by a 3 to 1 margin, Mayor Don Plusquellic addresses supporters at Musica in Downtown Akron, where they gathered on the evening of June 23, 1009. With 75% of the voters showing support for the Mayor, he reminded everyone that there is much work still to be done - and that hard-working, proven and positive candidates for City Council must be elected in the fall.

Mayor Don Plusquellic - Remarks after special recall election 06-23-09 - Part I

Supporters of Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic and the City of Akron were in great spirits on the evening of June 23, 1009. after it was announced that the recall effort against him had been crushed by a 3 to 1 margin. The overall result was that a resounding statement by the citizens of Akron that they appreciate the job that the Mayor has been doing, and that they believe his leadership has clearly kept the city on the right track.

Spotlight: Citizens & Volunteers Rally Against The Recall

On Saturday, June 20th, 2009, a number of folks from all over Akron rallied at the Summit County Democratic Headquarters to help fight against the recall and to distribute literature and information to various neighborhoods in the city.

The people in attendance heard anti-recall campaign manager Tom Reynolds, Summit County Council member Ilene Shapiro, and Mayor Don Plusquellic talk about the campaign and the need to get people out to vote on Tuesday, the 23rd.

Spotlight: Akron's Minority Leadership Shows Support for The Mayor

On Thursday, June 18th, 2009, Political and Community Leaders from Akron's minority community came together to rally support for Mayor Don Plusquellic. City and County office holders, community activists and other noted individuals and citizens listened to City Council President Marco Sommerville talk about the Mayor's strong leadership and commitment to the city.

Attendees also heard State Senator Tom Sawyer talk about the positive things that have come from the campaign - noting that it has helped sharpen the focus on our city's strengths and uniqueness. The Mayor followed by adding his own comments, and encouraged everyone to go out and vote on Tuesday the 23rd.

Spotlight: North Hill Leader & Activist Gary Wyatt Talks About The Mayor

As head of He Brought Us Out Ministry, Inc. and the North Hill Community House, Gary Wyatt is a recognized neighborhood leader and a strong voice for progress and hope in our community. In this video, Gary talks about the positive changes he has seen in Akron through the many years of Don Plusquellic's leadership.

Gary also notes the pride he felt when Don was recognized by President Obama as a leading mayor, during the Inauguration and also when the President needed local input on the economic stimulus plan. He explains that the City's support has been critical to a number of important neighborhood programs, like lunch programs, tutoring and youth activities--all of which give hope and relief to so many in need.

Spotlight: Summit County Sheriff Drew Alexander talks about The Mayor & Law Enforcement

Mayor Don Plusquellic has advanced several initiatives designed to improve the area's law enforcement capabilities, streamline operations and help save taxpayer money by avoiding duplication of services. In this video, Summit County Sheriff Drew Alexander points out the Mayor's willingness to listen to new ideas, his desire to promote collaboration, and his creativity in developing better approaches to law enforcement and public service in general.

Sheriff Alexander acknowledges the Mayor's forcefulness and his obvious passion for the job, which he views as attributes that Akron needs to make it through challenging times like we are having now. He believes the Mayor is definitely the "right man for the job" and that Don Plusquellic always puts the city's needs first.

Spotlight: DAP Chairman Gary Rickel on the Transformation of Downtown

When you take a close look at the changes in downtown Akron over the past 20 years, the results are really remarkable. In this video, Gary Rickel of CB Richard Ellis and the Chairman of the Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP) talks about the transformation of downtown during the tenure of Mayor Plusquellic, and how the Mayor's vision and energy have led to so much positive change.

From Canal Place and the new student housing and retail space going in on South Main Street, to Lock 3 Park and the lofts at Northside, downtown is finally reaching is potential, with a healthy mix of office, retail and residential development coming together. Rickel explains that a healthy downtown is critical to the Akron area, and that Mayor Plusquellic has been the catalyst for the steady improvement and growth in the city's Central Business District.