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.
Matt Shaughnessy
Democrat
Candidate Email: mr.matthewshaughnessy@gmail.com
Current occupation: Retired Firefighter/ Attorney
Campaign phone: 330-907-5038
Website: www.mattshaughnessy.com
Education: Juris Doctorate, University of Akron
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
For Starters, I’ve got over 25 years of public safety and service that informs my approach to political office. I started out as a Cleveland Police Officer, and shortly thereafter became a Firefighter/Paramedic. This experience forged my belief that leaders should be accessible to their constituents, treat them with compassion, and their problems with a sense of urgency. After I retired from the fire department I attended the University of Akron and became an attorney. Every attorney has a choice where they want to practice, I chose to help victims of violent crime and while it hasn’t made me rich, it has filled me with great satisfaction, much like my service on Green City Council (2018-2022). On Green City Council I earned a reputation for being a fiscal watchdog, making sure tax dollars were spent appropriately, and fighting against over development. So, to answer the question: A lifetime of helping people in need and solving problems is what makes me the best candidate
What are the top priorities you seek to address once in office?
My top priorities in office revolve around safety and fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and supporting our seniors. First, I will closely scrutinize the budget to ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently, aiming to reduce unnecessary spending without compromising on essential services. My goal is to find innovative ways to lower the tax burden on those with fixed incomes, making our community more affordable for seniors and those on fixed incomes. I also plan to enhance community engagement by establishing regular communication channels for residents to express their concerns and contribute to decision-making processes. By focusing on these priorities, I aim to create a more inclusive, economically sustainable, and responsive government that serves the needs of all its residents.
What strategies will you use to accomplish those priorities?
To accomplish my priorities, I will leverage a multi-faceted strategy focused on efficiency, collaboration, and innovation. For fiscal responsibility, I plan to scrutinize current expenditures, to identify areas for cost savings and reallocate funds to high-impact projects, especially those benefiting seniors and individuals on fixed incomes. To foster community engagement, I will implement regular town hall meetings, both in-person and virtual meetings (to ensure broad accessibility). For reducing tax burdens, I will explore innovative funding mechanisms, such as grants and public-private partnerships, to lessen the financial load on our taxpayers. By combining these strategies, I aim to create a more accountable, transparent, and responsive council that directly addresses the needs and concerns of our community.
Joseph A. Kacyon
Republican
Candidate Email: joe@joekacyon.com
Training/Experience: 15 years of Practice as an Attorney
Current occupation: Attorney
Campaign phone: 330-922-4491
Website: joekacyon.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561652422124
Education: JD from University of Akron School of Law, MBA from University of Akron, BA from Rochester Institute of Technology
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
I was appointed to County Council to serve District 8 to fill Anthony DeVitis’ seat and have been serving the district ever since. As an active practicing attorney, business owner, and a father of two in the district I have a unique perspective to bring to County Council. My master’s in business administration and legal experience allow me to understand the complex legal and financial issues that face the County and its $670+ million budget.
Summit County Council oversees the budget of the County Prosecutor, Sheriff, and County Court system where my law firm and I practice on a daily basis. I get to see how the County money is being put to use. As the current County Council Member for District 8, I have the experience and relationships to continue to serve.
What are the top priorities you seek to address once in office?
The County’s budget is the first priority. Summit County Council oversees a budget of over $670 million and other income and spending that combined reaches well over a billion dollars. That kind of budget requires knowledge and a steady hand. It’s important to make sure that our crucial county services and funded while also watching for ways to save the taxpayers’ money. The County Sheriff, County Jail, County Prosecutor, and Court system all get their funding from the County budget. I will ensure that our community safety is well funded. The County also has an important role to play in ensuring that Summit County is open for business and opportunity. In that regard it’s important that we protect the rights of property owners and businesses to put their resources to use without unneeded government interference. Summit County also needs to continue to support its senior citizens. As an estate planning and probate attorney, I’m in a unique position to safeguard their interests.
What strategies will you use to accomplish those priorities?
On Summit County Council, we’re a group of intelligent individuals that focus on getting good results for our people. I have worked with the other members of Council and will continue to do so on behalf of the people of Summit County. I’ll use my own experiences as an attorney and business owner to accomplish our goals and solve problems. When faced with new issues, I think it’s important to discuss the issue with the people, businesses, and groups that are most affected and most knowledgeable about that issue. Too many politicians think that they have all the answers, and that government should dictate to the people. In a government run by the people, the people should feel free and able to discuss solutions with their elected representatives. That’s how I’ve approached my job on County Council and that’s how I’ll continue to approach it.
