Akron City Council’s screening committee has several options to consider as it seeks to fill the Ward 8 seat vacated by James Hardy’s surprise resignation earlier this month.
Through a public records request, Signal Akron obtained the resumes and cover letters submitted by all 21 applicants by Monday’s noon deadline.
Six more people applied to the vacant Ward 8 seat than the vacant Ward 1 seat earlier this year.
City Council’s screening committee will hold interviews for the 21 candidates Thursday at 3 p.m. in a private executive session. Ward 8’s new representative, finalized by the full City Council in a vote, will then be named at Monday evening’s meeting.
Listed below, in alphabetical order, are the 21 Ward 8 candidates, their most recent self-reported job titles and an excerpt from the “letter of interest” they were required to submit.
We also posted their application letters and resumes together online – go to this folder to access them.
(Editor’s note: Whenever possible, the excerpts reflect the unedited text of the candidates’ submissions.)
Join the virtual candidates’ forum Thursday
Ward 8 Neighbors is hosting a virtual candidates forum for the open Akron City Council seat on Thursday, July 25 from 8 to 10 p.m.
Community members can hear directly from the candidates who applied for the vacant Ward 8 City Council seat.
The forum will be moderated by elected precinct representatives of Ward 8.
The event is organized in partnership with Merriman Valley Neighborhood Association, Revere Village Civic Association and The Big Love Network.
Those interested in attending should register to receive the Zoom call link at tinyurl.com/akronward8.
For more information or help, contact the organizing team at ward8neighbors@gmail.com.
Ward 8 candidates’ list, plus letters and resumes
Listed below, in alphabetical order, are the 21 Ward 8 candidates, their most recent self-reported job titles, and an excerpt from the “letter of interest” they were required to submit.
We’ve also posted their application letters and resumes together online – go to this folder to access them.
(Editor’s note: Whenever possible, the excerpts reflect the unedited text of the candidates’ submissions.)
N.J. Akbar
Current / most recent occupation: Executive director, Black Elected Officials of Summit County; President and senior principal consultant, B4U Services, LLC.
Note: Former Akron Public Schools Board of Education president
Letter Excerpt: “For more than 15 years since I moved to the Akron area, I have become deeply involved in Akron’s advancement; and I am committed and willing to bring the city together to find innovative solutions to move us forward towards our bright future. I am all in!”
Bruce Bolden
Current / most recent occupation: Local account executive, XPO Freight
Note: Ward 1 council representative from 1991-1997, on Akron’s Board of Zoning Appeals
Letter excerpt: “I am extremely comfortable conducting/facilitating constituent meetings and know that Ward 8 residents expect timely responses to their inquiries and concerns. I am fully aware of the time commitment here and as a salesperson, have a flexible schedule to meet the demands of this position. I am also aware of the May 2025 Primary cycle and have experience running in and winning local elections.”
Patrick Bravo
Current / most recent occupation: Executive director, Summit County Land Bank.
Note: Former APS school board member and president
Letter excerpt: “With more than 15 years in executive-level leadership in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, 12 years of direct administrative, operational, and financial responsibility for community and economic development and placemaking initiatives, and 9 years of practical experience and real estate and development, as well as military, lawn (sic) enforcement, and public safety experience, I am well-positioned to maintain and build upon the successes of Akron City Council.”
Joann Collins
Current / most recent occupation: Referral and support specialist generalist, Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board
Letter excerpt: “I am a mom of two young boys, a wife, an advocate for youth services in our city and county, and a part of a middle-class family in this current economy who knows first-hand what struggles most families are facing right now – because I am facing them too. I also have an extensive background in hospitality and customer service which has given me exceptional skills in communication and relating to people from varied backgrounds. I genuinely care about Akron, and I would be honored to serve on City Council to help influence positive change in our community and serve its citizens.”
David Guran
Current / most recent occupation: Water plant operator III, City of Ravenna Water Plant
Letter excerpt: “I have become involved the various community organizations since returning to Akron. I’m a member of Crooked River Action, a regional Indivisible group, a member of Akron Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), and a member of Progressive Democrats of America (PDA). Since December 2022, I’m the Advocate Tri-Chair for the Ohio Poor Peoples Campaign. Besides educating the Akron City Council via public comments, I have testified at public hearings of Ohio Legislature committees and the Ohio Redistricting Commission, at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), and at Summit County Council meetings via public comment.”
William J. Hall
Current / most recent occupation: Founder and CEO, The Hall Company; development director, Cleveland Buddhist Vihara
Letter excerpt: “I have always said, ‘Leadership is living representation’. Whether one is leading a Platoon, Company or Country, the singular representing the majority must first start by meeting their people. As a lifelong resident of Akron’s 8th ward, I intimately know the community, businesses and wants of my neighbors. I have the experience, desire and love to successfully lead Akron’s Ward 8 as the next Councilman.”
Matthew T. Hurm
Current / most recent occupation: Managing partner, Hurm Law Firm, LLC
Letter excerpt: “I strove to help the forgotten masses that work too hard to follow committee agendas or the nuances of budgetary policy and just count on their elected officials to do the right thing. I am proud to have been the youngest campaign manager of a governor’s race in 2006 and I worked in a dozen different states in the hope of making a difference.”
Sage Lewis
Current / most recent occupation: “Houseless Movement Executive Director”; CEO and project management, SageRock Inc.
Note: Lost to James Hardy in the primary for this position last year
Letter excerpt: “What sets me apart is my proven track record of identifying needs within our community and taking action. My work with various community initiatives demonstrates my commitment to fighting for all people, regardless of their circumstances. This experience has sharpened my ability to listen to diverse perspectives, build coalitions, and work towards practical solutions that benefit everyone.”
Ed Matzules
Current / most recent occupation: Senior vice president, Colliers International
Letter excerpt: “I helped bring many jobs to Akron. I sold Chapel Hill Mall and an industrial property on Jenkins Ave which created many jobs and increased tax revenue. The sale of the mall resulted in a tax payment of approximately $900,000. Currently, I am bringing Hillandale Farms to the Massillon Rd Industrial Park. Additionally, I recently went under contract at the former Akron Baptist Temple. A new mixed use development will help revitalize that neighborhood.”
Meghan Meeker
Current / most recent occupation: Director of social media, Cision | Brandwatch
Letter excerpt: “I believe my professional background, as well as my extensive experience with area boards and nonprofits would make me an excellent fit for the Ward 8 council position. A friend to all neighbors, I am already a problem solver and connector for my community and would only continue to do so if I were offered an opportunity to serve my city in this capacity.”
Joseph Micale
Current / most recent occupation: Founder and principal, Narrative Digital Media
Letter excerpt: “If I were elected, I would bring a servant mindset coupled with a leadership mentality. I know everyone has something they want, and the key will be how we can come to an agreement and collaborate to ensure Ward 8 and the city moves in the right direction. I am confident that I will bring a fresh, open, youthful, and positive perspective that makes me a strong candidate for this position.”
Sean Plank
Current / most recent occupation: Senior pastor, Summit Christian Church
Letter excerpt: “One of the most important things one can do in leadership is to do for one what they wish they could do for everyone. Whenever I am serving someone, whether that be a congregant in a church or a student applying for college, I am working for the greater good of both that person and the community as a whole. This is something essential for the Ward 8 Council Representative to understand and live out.”
James Rizopulos
Current / most recent occupation: Senior account manager, Repros Inc; appraiser, Summit County Sheriff’s Department
Letter excerpt: “Every day, I listen intently to what customers need and then work hard to deliver on their goals. I can equate this to listening to Akron’s residents, and working hard to deliver on their goals, if I were to be in the Ward 8 role. I understand the balance between what the customer is asking for, and what the goals of the business are, and often how compromise is needed, and how communication is the most important aspect in this situation. Working within this space is one of my strengths.”
Paula A. Sauter
Current / most recent occupation: Office manager, Black Fork Strategies
Note: Former deputy director of the Summit County Board of Elections
Letter excerpt: “I have focused on unpacking my internalized racism and misogyny and learned more about myself along the way. I have experienced poverty many times in my life and in recent years I have experienced the struggle to find a job in Akron that pays a living wage and is willing to reasonably accommodate my disability. I want to improve the lives of those around me and my hope is to continue this as Ward 8 City Councilor.”
Albert L. Smith
Current / most recent occupation: Owner and president, Lianna Development Corporation
Note: Former captain in the Akron Fire Department
Letter excerpt: “I am highly motivated to work collaboratively with other council members to support and promote initiatives that promote excellence and recognize outstanding achievements. I am committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, transparency, and accountability within the council to ensure that all voices are heard and considered.”
Paul A. Stallings
Current / most recent occupation: Accounting manager, Progressive Real Estate
Letter excerpt: “I do not take the responsibility of a seat on city council lightly and have no intention of using this position as a stepping stone to future positions. I don’t have aspirations for future political offices. I have an idea of the responsibility that this position entails and I look forward to the challenge of working to assist the constituents in the 8th ward and across the city of Akron.”
Timothy M. Stewart, Sr.
Current / most recent occupation: University of Akron Upward Bound program (unlisted job title)
Letter excerpt: “My vision for improving Akron is one that rests on nothing but optimism. I believe that by attracting Wall Street capital, we can emulate the success of cities like Pittsburgh, which attracted information tech companies like Google and created more than two thousand jobs. I envision establishing a Google high school institute at three Akron area high schools: Buchtel, North, and East. Furthermore, I believe that the construction of another large chip manufacturing plant in Akron will not only boost our economy but also increase national security efforts in manufacturing large-capacity chips.”
Shawn L. Strode
Current / most recent occupation: Assistant building service worker, University of Akron
Letter excerpt: “If selected to city council, I will focus on community safety, developing opportunities for new businesses, while continuing to promote and support our current community businesses. I will exercise responsible fiscal decision making, support our local schools, and work toward offering more opportunities for our youth in their recreational programs that promote important values such as tolerance and respect in an ever evolving and diverse community. I will dedicate time for all residents to have a voice to address their concerns at monthly ward meetings and make decisions in the best interest of them.”
Darlene VerSluys
Current / most recent occupation: Owner, Akrona Galleries
Letter excerpt: “I have a degree in Social Work, an academic discipline and practice bases (sic) profession concerned with meeting the basic needs of individuals, families, groups, communities, and society as a whole to enhance their individual and collective well- being.
Dominique Waters
Current / most recent occupation: Branch store director, UNKNWN / Nike
Letter excerpt: “My vision for Ward 8 is one where every resident has access to quality education, safe neighborhoods, and opportunities for economic growth. I am committed to fostering a community that values inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation.”
LaMont C. Wilson
Current / most recent occupation: Ohio Substitute Teacher Services
Letter excerpt: “I am a life-long resident of Akron and I have lived in Ward 8 for 19 years. I am aware of the dynamics that specifically and directly impact Ward 8 and the city of Akron as a whole.”