Effective immediately, James Hardy has resigned as Ward 8 Akron City Council member. Hardy’s replacement will be appointed by City Council on July 29 from a pool of candidates who apply by July 22, according to a resolution submitted today.
In a statement published on the City Council website early Monday, Hardy wrote that recent developments in his professional life made it difficult to provide the time and responsiveness he planned to uphold in the position.
“Fairlawn Heights, Northwest Akron, Wallhaven, and Merriman Valley each expect and deserve more attention than I will be able to provide going forward,” said Hardy, 40, who was elected to City Council in November, taking over the position previously held by Akron Mayor Shammas Malik.
Signal Akron requested an interview with Hardy, but the said he’s “going to let my statement be the final word.”
Hardy’s resignation marks the second this year from City Council, after Nancy Holland called it quits in January. He previously served on the Akron School Board. He also served as deputy mayor and chief of staff for the City of Akron.
Hardy issued a 292-word public statement released by City Council on Monday morning, and sent a 54-word hand-written resignation letter to Council President Margo Sommerville:
“President Sommerville –
It is with a full heart, and deep gratitude, that I submit to you my resignation from Akron City Council as the representative for Ward 8, effective immediately.
Please know I will work collaboratively with whomever Akron City Council selects to replace me, ensuring nothing is lost in transition.
Sincerely,
James Hardy”
