This article is part of the 2025 General Election Voters' Guide produced in partnership with the League of Women Voters of the Akron Area.
Fran Wilson
Democratic
Previous public office: Democratic Ward 1 Precinct K representative
Campaign email address: neighbors@franforthepeople.com
Instagram: instagram.com/franforthepeople
Facebook: www.facebook.com/franforthepeople
Training/experience: Senior executive in public relations. Restaurant server.
Website: VoteFran.com
Education: Masters in Studies of Law (in progress)
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
Fran has 4 generations of ties to Ward 1, understands the politics and processes of City Hall today, has a demonstrated history of showing up for local issues, and has a customer service background.
Fran is a queer and nonbinary progressive community organizer. Fran has attended city council and council committee meetings for the last 5 years, helped to pass a local nondiscrimination ordinance, has written a weekly council issues newsletter for the last 3 years, and served as an Akron Civil Rights Commissioner investigating discrimination cases.
Professionally, Fran works in international public relations and policy with a focus on US-China relations, and holds down a second job serving at a local Ward 1 restaurant to pay the bills.
What solutions, if any, do you propose to address concerns surrounding neighborhood safety and criminal justice in Akron?
If elected to represent Ward 1, Fran will prioritize public input in decision making, government accountability, and building stronger blocks and neighborhoods.
- Neighborhoods. Akron history and geography shows that safety and wellbeing are tied to neighborhood resources and investment. Black, Brown, and poor Akronites have faced systemic barriers like redlining, displacement, police brutality, and economic exclusion. Neighborhoods need safe and affordable housing, food security, transportation options, and places to connect with the community.
- Justice. Ward 1 residents and 62% of surveyed Akronites want police reform. Fran has been a long-time vocal advocate for change and against police brutality. One clear step for more police accountability is empowering the Citizens Police Oversight Board with resources to investigate misconduct and offer recommendations for policy change.
What steps, if any, do you think the city should take to address housing insecurity in Akron?
- Affordability. More than 60% of Ward 1 residents are renters. As rent increases across the ward and the city continues to face an ongoing eviction and affordability crisis, we need action. Council’s housing committee has met only a handful of times in the last two years — that is unacceptable. We need to revamp our housing code, enforce landlord registration, protect renters’ rights, and fund legal support for those being evicted.
- Homelessness. Akron’s unhoused population has grown by 300% since 2023. 10% of APS students are homeless. Our city has a deficit of hundreds of shelter beds and AMHA has a voucher waitlist in the thousands. The city offloads responsibility for caring for our unhoused population to nonprofits, while not increasing funding at the level that is needed. The city needs to stop sweeping encampments, stop violating unhoused people’s rights by destroying their property during sweeps, and invest in expanding shelter care and bed access in Akron.
Aside from the issues addressed by previous questions, what other top priorities do you seek to address once in office, and how do you plan to accomplish those priorities?
- Public comment. Akronites have a right to address city leadership at its meetings. However, in the wake of major public backlash after a police killing and a housing issue, council passed legislation to restrict public comment. Fran will work to restore public comment.
- Budgeting. Our budget process is muddled and inaccessible for residents. Fran will work with the administration to host townhalls and educate residents on budget items by ensuring information is posted publicly on the city and council’s website.
- Fracking. In 2021, Fran organized with residents to shut down a bill authored by then-Mayor Horrigan and Councilor At-Large Fusco for a mineral rights lease near LaDue Reservoir. As councilor, Fran will keep tabs on mineral rights leasing and be vocal against all oil and gas fracking.
- Community development. As a former West Hill Neighborhood Board member, Fran will advocate for more funding for neighborhood organizations that uplift our community.
Acacia Reynolds
Nonpartisan
Campaign Phone: 330-422-8214
Campaign email address: AReynoldsforAkron@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556015695893
Training/experience: Daughter of a Pennsylvania central committee member along with a lifelong commitment to civic engagement. Multiple college and job leadership roles. Regular attendance at City council. Advocate for my fellow citizens by addressing city council. Leadership training with the Freedom Bloc, & the Akron NAACP.
Website: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556015695893
Education: BA in Biology
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
I bring deep community roots, proven leadership, and a record of standing up for justice in Akron. I believe in building an Akron where everyone can live in peace regardless of race, age, gender, orientation, religion, or income. I will be accessible, listen with respect, and follow up to ensure residents’ voices are heard. I am committed to advocating with Akron’s rental population for fair housing policies, increasing positive outlets for youth, and finding real alternatives to address crime. I will hold my fellow councilors accountable, end the disrespect seen in meetings, and demand transparency by opposing off-record dealings. Above all, I will work with others, whenever possible, for the betterment of our city. I will work tirelessly so every voice in Ward 1 is heard and respected.
What solutions, if any, do you propose to address concerns surrounding neighborhood safety and criminal justice in Akron?
Neighborhood safety in Akron requires more than policing, it requires trust, accountability, & investment in people. I believe in people-centered solutions: expand youth programs, mentorship, & violence interruption efforts led by trusted neighbors. To rebuild trust, policing must be transparent & accountable,body cameras on at all times, independent investigations of use-of-force, & real civilian oversight with decision-making power. We must fix our justice system to stop criminalizing poverty & addiction. Rehabilitation, & mental health crisis response teams can keep families together while reducing crime. Safety also comes from stable housing, good jobs, & clean, well-lit neighborhoods; investing in these basics prevents crime before it starts. Finally, collaboration & healing are essential,regular community forums & restorative justice programs can build understanding, repair harm, & strengthen trust. We deserve a safer, fairer future where justice & opportunity go hand in hand.
What steps, if any, do you think the city should take to address housing insecurity in Akron?
Akron must address housing insecurity with both urgent action and long-term planning. We should expand affordable housing by partnering with nonprofits, developers, and land banks, while also preserving and reusing historic structures throughout the city as affordable housing, community spaces, or mixed-use developments. Stronger tenant protections, including legal aid and fair eviction rules, will help prevent displacement. A “Housing First” approach, paired with wraparound services like job training and mental health care, will reduce homelessness. Supporting homeownership through down payment help, repair grants, and property tax relief can stabilize families. Finally, investing in neighborhoods, supporting community land trusts, and promoting mixed-income housing will ensure every Akron resident has access to a safe, affordable home.
Aside from the issues addressed by previous questions, what other top priorities do you seek to address once in office, and how do you plan to accomplish those priorities?
In addition to housing, safety, and youth opportunities, I will prioritize economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. I plan to attract and support small businesses through accessible resources and fair policies, preserve and reuse historic structures to strengthen neighborhoods, and improve green spaces for public health. I will regularly be attainable to the residents I serve, ensuring direct input through town halls, digital forums, and neighborhood advisory boards. My approach is hands-on: listening first, acting transparently, and building partnerships to turn ideas into tangible results for all Akron residents.
