This article is part of the 2025 General Election Voters' Guide produced in partnership with the League of Women Voters of the Akron Area.

Shorter Griffin Jr.

Democratic

Campaign phone: 330-715-4432

Previous public office: Barberton City Councilman At Large, Barberton City Councilman 3rd Ward

Campaign email address: shortergriffin@outlook.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/franforthepeople

Training/experience: Public speaking, computer science

Education: High School / Stark State

Why are you the best candidate for the office?

I have been elected twice, I have experience in City Government I am currently the vice-president this is my eight year of being in City Council. I am involved in more community based activities than any other person on City Council

What are the top priorities you seek to address once in office?

Support strategic investments in roads, utilities, and public spaces that improve daily life

Ensure infrastructure projects are communicated clearly, with timelines and resident impact front and center. Encourage sustainable development that balances economic opportunity with community character.

What strategies will you use to accomplish those priorities?

Champion clear communication of Council actions, budgets, and development plans. Push for timely public updates and accessible records to ensure residents stay informed. Promote ethical leadership and responsible stewardship of city resources.

Megann M. Eberhart

Republican

(Editor’s note: The candidate did not respond to requests for information.)

Editor-in-Chief (she/her)
Zake has deep roots in Northeast Ohio journalism. She was the managing editor for multimedia and special projects at the Akron Beacon Journal, where she began work as a staff photographer in 1986. Over a 20-year career, Zake worked in a variety of roles across departments that all help inform her current role as Signal Akron's editor in chief. Most recently, she was a journalism professor and student media adviser at Kent State University, where she worked with the next generation of journalists to understand public policy, environmental reporting, data and solutions reporting. Among her accomplishments was the launch of the Kent State NewsLab, an experiential and collaborative news commons that connects student reporters with outside professional partners.