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.

Spotlight: Former Mayoral Candidate on Don Plusquellic's Leadership

About 20 years ago, Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic won a hard-fought Democratic primary against public relations expert and community leader David Meeker. It was a tough campaign, with plenty of back-and-forth, as Plusquellic defended the seat he had inherited when then-mayor Tom Sawyer was elected to Congress.

In this video, Dave talks about the leadership and passion that Mayor Plusquellic brings to his job, as well as the remarkable progress the city has made during his tenure in office. He also addresses the need for all of Akron's citizens to work together toward positive goals - particularly during tough economic times like we are experiencing right now.

Spotlight: HBA leaders talk about Neighborhood Development - Part One

Of course, we all know the home building industry is taking a hit now in the current economy. But as Tony Crasi, President of the Home Builders Association, and Carmine Torio, the group's Executive VP point out, creative and committed leadership can find ways to make development happen--even in tough times. In this video, both men discuss the Mayor's determination to improve housing and build neighborhoods, as well as his ability to bring various groups together to exchange ideas.

In noting the Mayor's critical role in consensus-building, Crasi and Torio detail their first-hand experience of his openness and willingness to explain his decisions. They also point out that despite claims to the contrary, the city's efforts to develop Akron's neighborhoods and improve housing have matched efforts directed toward downtown, and that there has been a healthy balance overall.

Spotlight: Civic Theatre Board President Ralph Palmisano on The Civic & the Mayor's Role in Development

Just a few short years ago, the Civic Theatre was in danger of closing -- needing costly renovations, and struggling to find a new identity and relevant programming. In this video, Civic Board President Ralph Palmisano talks about how the leadership of Mayor Plusquellic was critical to changing the environment downtown and turning the Civic into a thriving attraction. Along with other venues like Lock 3 and Canal Park, the city's efforts to bring more people downtown have continued to pay off in a big way.

Ralph also believes the spirit of teamwork that Mayor Plusquellic encourages is central to the success we are seeing in so many citywide developments, from the Bridgestone and Goodyear projects to the University of Akron's new football stadium. He believes the Mayor's ability to bring different personalities and interests together has had a major impact in moving these important projects forward.

Spotlight: Ohio & Erie Canal Coalition Executive Director Dan Rice on Akron & The Canalway

When the Heritage Canalway through Summit County is finished by late next year or early 2011, Summit will be the first to have achieve that county-line to county-line goal. Dan Rice, executive director of the Ohio & Erie Canal Coalition, says one of the main reasons that Summit will be the first to the finish line is the outstanding leadership of Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic, his administration and county leaders.

According to Rice, Akron's involvement not only brought partners to the table, but also providing a limited amount of city money has enabled the coalition to leverage significant matching grants from the state and other sources. The canal path has now been restored to Akron's central business district, and work will soon begin on the south end of downtown.

Spolight: Akron's Efforts on Expanding Jobs and Global Business Development

As two innovative Israeli companies make the move into Akron's Global Business Accelerator, Mayor Don Plusquellic made some remarks at a May 29 news conference about the city's efforts to attract international businesses to the area. He explains why marketing our advantages to the rest of the World is important, and how it can be a vital source of new jobs for Akron residents.

In return for public and private investment during their operation in an Israeli business incubator, companies agree to set up operations in Akron later on, after their businesses have advanced to the point where expansion is necessary. This business agreement has provided an innovative foundation for bringing new technologies to our area - many of which could turn into major industries over the coming years. For more information on the two companies featured in this press conference, see the press release here.

Spotlight: AMHA Executive Director Tony O'Leary Talks About Edgewood Village & the Mayor's Leadership on Housing

Eighty families have now moved into Akron's new $53 million Edgewood Village, and construction will soon begin on an additional 49 units. The housing project has recently won three awards and the response from residents is overwhelming, according to AMHA Director Tony O'Leary, who speaks about the project and the transformation of a neighborhood in this video.

The partnership between the city and the housing authority was instrumental in getting this grant, and Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic played a big role in that, according to O'Leary. Plusquellic was president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and put Akron in the spotlight during much of the evaluation process. The Mayor also worked closely to ensure that other community interests, like the Urban League, the Akron Zoo and the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank, remained committed to the area, helping attract private investment that maximized the benefits of this project.

Spotlight: OSU Study Report Lauds Akron's After-School Progams

On May 28th, 2009, officials from Akron Public Schools, the Ohio Afterschool Network, the Governor's Office and the City of Akron came together to announce the release of an Ohio State University report on the effectiveness of Akron's after-school programs. Described in the report as "bold and creative," the city's programs are highlighted as an excellent example for others in Ohio and elsewhere:

"Akron's leaders have developed innovative programs and services that exemplify the potential and power of extended, accelerated and connected learning, demonstrating how this learning can be an integral, essential component of expanded school improvement."

Speakers included APS Superintendent David James, APS After-School Program Director Desiree Bolden, the Governor's Regional Economic Director Steven Meeks, Ohio Afterschool Network Director Liz Nusken, and Akron mayor Don Plusquellic. As noted by the other presenters, Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic was instrumental in building the City / School District partnership that made the programs possible, as well as providing the vision and leadership to make Akron's new, city-wide Community Learning Centers a reality.

The full report can be downloaded HERE.

Spotlight: Summit County Elected Dems Turn Out Big to Support Mayor Plusquellic and Vote Early AGAINST the Recall

A large group of Summit County's Democratic elected officials and other supporters turned out at the County Board of Elections at noon on Tuesday, May 26th to cast early votes AGAINST the Recall of Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic. The group first met at Democratic Party headquarters, where Summit County Council member Ilene Shapiro spoke briefly to the media and then led the assembled group down the street to the Board of Elections.

By 12:15, the BOE office was filled with citizens - young and old - who wanted to take time out from their busy day to express their support for the Mayor. City and County officials - including Summit County Executive Russ Pry and Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Jones - were also part of the anti-recall group. Later, Mayor Plusquellic joined the crowd as well, to cast his own vote.

Spotlight: Butch Reynolds says Mayor Plusquellic a Key to Success of After-School Program

Butch Reynolds is one of Akron's Hometown Heroes...a Gold-Medal winning Olympic athlete...World Record holder...and now, a committed community leader who's showing hundreds of our young people the path to success through his Care for Kids program. Through his foundation, Butch stresses the importance of education, humanistic values, sportsmanship and the respect for oneself as well as others.

But Butch's program could have taken root someplace else - like California or Atlanta - if Mayor Plusquellic hadn't recognized the value of such a program and committed the City of Akron's support to help make it a reality. In this video, Butch talks about how important the Mayor's continued support has been to the success of the program, what makes Akron a great place to live, and how important it is to have good leadership in place if we want to keep our city on the right track toward the future.

Chrissy Hynde Supports Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic

Legendary Rock Icon and Akronite Chrissy Hynde speaks at a Saturday morning rally to support Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic outside the Summit County Democratic Party Headquarters. A large crowd turned out to hear various speakers, and later went on to distribute anti-recall information material in several Akron neighborhoods.

Chrissy talks about the Mayor's accomplishments in terms of rebuilding the city and making it a better place for people to live. Returning more often to her hometown over the past few years, and investing in a downtown restaurant, she likes the changes she has seen, and understands that the Mayor has been the guiding force in Akron's continued improvement. Chrissy even joined the crowd to deliver Citizens for Akron information and visit with nearby neighborhood residents.

Spotlight: Dr. Luis Proenza Talks about Progress and Innovation in Akron

As one of Akron's most recognized community leaders, Dr. Luis Proenza is committed to the growth and development of Akron, and has worked tirelessly to advance both education and the overall quality of life in our community.

In this video, he talks about the pleasure he has had working with the City of Akron and Mayor Don Plusquellic, noting the quality of leadership that he has demonstrated over the years...leadership which will he believes will continue to advance the community and lead to further innovation and growth.