This article is part of the Voters Guide produced in partnership with the League of Women Voters of the Akron Area.
Description of Race/Referendum:
Vote for no more than one — term commencing Jan. 1, 2025.
The County Council is the eleven-member legislative authority, taxing authority and policy-making body of the Summit County government.
Cynthia Blake
Republican
Candidate Email: cynt1960@yahoo.com
Training/Experience: Public Policy Analyst, Community & Economic Development, Social Action Leader -Successful work history with top banking institutions that concentrated on increase of minority mortgages and commercial loans. Special interest in criminal sentencing reform, Autism legislation and public policies.
Current occupation: Public Policy Analyst
Campaign phone: 330-571-3158
Website: https://makenomistakevoteforblake.com/
Education: University of Akron, 1981
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
I am uniquely qualified because serving people is my passion. I have dedicated my life to aiding this community through seeking resolution to public schools, neighborhoods, and community concerns. I would work fulltime for my constituents this would not be a part-time job to me or secondary income. I am committed to be accountable to our residents with regular district hours and represent them and promote their best interest. My public policy analyst experience and fiscal planning background position me as qualified to best address many issues and challenges within our beloved county.
What are the top priorities you seek to address once in office?
One of the top current issues facing Summit County residents is the of acquisition of Summa Health a new business venture owned by venture capital firm General Catalyst. We want to be assured that Summit County residents health care is preserved and accessibility. We should all be watching and seeking answers for the preservation of health care. Summa Health is one of the largest employers this would have major effect on are local economy. Secondly, from the State of Summit County address October 2023 Ilene Shapiro, County Executive shared older adults growing population expected to grow by 30% by 2030. I would support special programming or service s designated to senior citizens. In addition to supporting youth programs & workforce development. Lastly, I would priorities support to assisting small business owners and entrepreneurs.
What strategies will you use to accomplish those priorities?
The county can be a safety net for residents if the acquisition affects the closing of local clinics. However, the Summa Health announcement assured Summit County residents that all services and employees would remain intact. Depending on committee assignments with council I will navigate to create partnerships for older adults and youth programs. There is currently a program where employers adopted local schools. I would like to advocate for this program to have increased financial support from County to help the youth with high demand career paths such artificial intelligence. I would also request for budget allocations age bracket 5 years to pre-teen for Summit County programming. This budget allocation is now necessary due to the affects of COVID, lack of social skills, social media and isolation that has affected this age group.
Brandon Ford
Democrat
Candidate Email: ford4summit@gmail.com
Training/Experience: Pediatric Nurse, Corporate / Business Lawyer / Small Business owner
Current occupation: Attorney – Corporate
Campaign phone: 330-520-8632
Website: www.ford4summit.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554843733129
Education: Bachelor of Science Nursing – Case Western Reserve University, Juris Doctor Law – The University of Akron, Master Business Administration – The University of Akron
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
I am the best candidate because of my deep-rooted connection to our community and my diverse professional experience. My background as an attorney, nurse, global business executive and business owner has given me a broad perspective on the needs of our community. Endorsed by respected leaders, I am committed to connecting our county and its’ resources to our community, families, and businesses.
What are the top priorities you seek to address once in office?
My primary focus will be on: supporting families, small businesses, and working with public health and safety services to ensure resources that flow through the county are connecting to our district. These areas are crucial for the overall well-being and growth of our community and I am committed to addressing them.
What strategies will you use to accomplish those priorities?
I plan to work collaboratively with Summit County Council members, citizens in District 5 and business leaders. My strategies include securing necessary resources for District 5, advocating for policies that support our district, and fostering community partnerships to create a safer, more prosperous, and healthier environment for all our residents in District 5.
