The 11-member Summit County Council makes budget decisions that affect all aspects of the county and its residents. While there are more candidates on the ballot representing all of Summit County, District 6 is one of the six whose elected official will represent parts of Akron and appear on its residents' ballot.
Republican Nick Rubino, 42, now serves as an at-large councilman for the City of Tallmadge, where he lives.
In emailed responses to questions, he said he’s focused on creating opportunities to help residents “achieve the American dream,” including getting a stable job, having a secure family life and buying a home.
Rubino said he thinks everyone should have an equal opportunity “to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination and initiative.”
If elected to County Council, Rubino said he would focus on preventing crime in the county, strengthening infrastructure, minimizing taxes and supporting small businesses, among other priorities.
He also wants to ensure that the body focuses on solving constituent issues as they are brought up.
“If something doesn’t align with my personal views but is supported by community feedback, my intentions will be to represent the priorities of the people rather than my own interests,” he said. “As elected officials, it is our duty to represent the people, their values, and their priorities. Our role is to serve as their voice and advocate in all decisions we make.”
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Rubino also said he wants to prioritize responsible spending and financial accountability. As part of that goal, Rubino said he thinks the government should explore ways to reduce wasteful spending or increase revenues through other means before raising taxes.
Rubino said he has a passion for community involvement and takes pride in contributing to efforts that improve people’s lives.
He works in the logistics and trucking industry, where he serves as an operations manager.
The extensive experience Rubino has in project management and leadership makes him the best candidate for County Council, he said.
“My approach is centered on actively listening to the community and advocating for policies that reflect their values,” he said. “I am focused on preserving Summit County as a great place to live, work and raise a family, while promoting economic opportunities and safeguarding its natural beauty.”
Higham looks to ‘give back to my community, any way that I can serve’
Rubino’s opponent is Christine Wiedie Higham, a Tallmadge resident who was appointed to County Council in 2022. She ran for and won the remainder of the unexpired District 6 term that November. A Democrat, she is now running for a full term because community service is important, she said.
“Any way that I can give back to my community, any way that I can serve, is my utmost interest and my passion,” she said.
Higham, 51, has worked in social services, in state and local government, and in the private sector. She’s currently the director of human resources for Mustard Seed Market. Helping people solve problems or gain access to the best information and services available is central to her work, she said.
She said the skills she has gained throughout her career translate to her work with County Council, where they align to help her achieve her top aim — serving constituents.
Two ways to find your council district:
Map of Summit County Council districts
Map by Summit County Council districts including ward precinct boundaries.
“I have a really good global sense of the issues that impact our community,” Higham said, addingshe’s used to being in a position where people come to her seeking solutions.
“I may not be able to solve it for them, but I can connect them to the resources that can help them solve it,” she said. “I think that experience puts me in the best position to be able to represent this district.”
Among her priorities on council are health and safety collaborations she’s developed, she said, like the Let’s Move Summit County Annual Bike & Hike event.
She also serves on the finance committee. Higham said she sees safeguarding taxpayer dollars as a “very important” part of her job, and Higham said she values the strong relationships she’s forged with City Council members and those on various boards with whom she has worked.
“Being able to bring those services and to connect all those people together for the residents I serve is something I’m very proud of,” she said.
