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

David A. Licate is running for the District 3 Summit County Council seat.
David A. Licate is running for the District 3 Summit County Council seat.

David A. Licate

Democrat

Candidate Email: dlicate@gmail.com

Training/Experience: Professor and Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Akron, Fellow – Center for Intelligence and Security Studies, Associate Director – Center for Emergency Management and Homeland Security Policy Research

Campaign phone: 330-221-1888

Website: www.votedavidlicate.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LicateforSummit/

Education: Ph.D. in Public Policy –  Kent State University, Master of Science in Criminal Justice – University of Cincinnati, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice – Kent State University,  Certificate in Critical Infrastructure Protection – Texas A&M Engineering Extension

Previous public office: Stow City Council At-Large, Stow-Munroe Falls Board of Education. 

Why are you the best candidate for the office?

I have a history of working well with others to improve my community.  My success as the administrator of an academic department at a university, school board president, at-large city councilperson, and executive management team member of a policing consortium is due to my ability to partner with, listen to, and learn from others.  I am focused on practical outcomes that solve problems and raise the quality of life for my constituents including: a better process for dealing with nuisance properties, funding for the trimming of overgrown trees on the tree lawn, more accommodating zoning for people with disabilities, and programming that helps kids in our schools avoid drug addiction.  I brought air conditioning and security vestibules to our schools and established a security committee that made systematic improvements to school safety.  I have volunteered to conduct dozens of security training courses in every district building, saving the district thousands of dollars.  

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

The services provided by county government directly impact the health, welfare, and safety of residents – that is what attracted me to this office.  Programs that support our seniors, the disabled, veterans, and those with mental health challenges are relied upon by many.  We must maintain our infrastructure, including our wonderful parks, roads, sewers, and bridges. The courts, prosecutor’s office, sheriff’s office, and other public safety services must be supported and properly resourced.  My priority is to work with the local officials in District 3, other members of county council, and the county executive to maintain the effective and efficient delivery of these important services.  As a criminal justice researcher, I look forward to continuing my work with public safety and human services officials, and will support evidence-based and data-driven approaches to crime prevention, emergency management, rehabilitation programs, and services for victims of crime.   

What strategies will you use to accomplish those priorities?

Good leaders bring people together.  Success in public service requires a developed ability to work well with others for the good of a community.  Video recordings of Stow City Council (2022/23) are available on the City of Stow web page.  Instead of relying on campaign material provided by the candidates, you can directly view our conduct in office.  Then ask:  Who do I want on my team?  Who conducts himself with the temperament and professionalism required for the position?  Who treats others with courtesy, dignity, and respect?  Who seeks advice and expertise from others?  Who respects the perspectives of others, and not just those in his political club?  Who listens more than he speaks?  Who is there to solve problems and increase the quality of life in the community?  My research, organizational, and communication skills have been developed over decades in leadership positions, and have led to a record of accomplishments.  I understand how to build partnerships to succeed. 

Jeremy McIntire

Republican

Candidate Email: jeremycmcintire@gmail.com

Editor’s note: This 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.