A proposed amendment to require public engagement before appointing new members of Akron City Council failed Monday by a 5-6 vote.
Fran Wilson, the Ward 1 council member who sponsored the resolution to add public feedback to the appointment process, said during the council meeting that the existing process includes a screening committee made up of council members and interviews, which are noted in council’s rules of procedure. Often, the process also includes a public forum for potential candidates, which Wilson wanted to formally enshrine in council’s rules of procedure.
Following the retirement of at-large Council Member Jeff Fusco, council members must appoint someone to the seat he vacated by the end of April — applications for the position close April 16.
In a committee meeting before the vote, several council members spoke against amending the resolution to add public feedback to the process. Council Member Phil Lombardo said when someone who was previously appointed runs for elected office in the next election cycle, voters serve as the public engagement part of that appointment.
Council President Margo Sommerville said in committee she thought it was a “best practice” to “not make any changes to how we appoint while we’re in the appointment process.”
Recent appointments included public engagement during hiring process
During three other council appointments, the body held public meetings where residents could provide input on prospective candidates and their priorities. An engagement session at Firestone Community Learning Center April 7 provided an opportunity for residents to provide input about this appointment, as well.
“Yes, we have been piloting this process for the past three appointments,” Sommerville said. “But I do believe that we should make it through the process. That way, council can evaluate the process.”
Wilson disagreed with the delay, saying in committee because Council was seeing the process play out, “this is actually maybe the best time to do this,” while it was fresh in the minds of elected officials.
“Enshrining the idea of public engagement in this process for the next time is important,” Wilson said. “It sets a standard.”
When the legislation failed, Wilson encouraged council members to keep their constituents in mind during the appointment process.
“I hope we can open the doors a little bit, shed light on what’s going on and bring the public along,” Wilson said during the council meeting. “I look forward to more robust conversations. I’m okay with the ‘nos’, I just want to know why a little bit more next time.”
Council members Tina Boyes, Jan Davis and Linda Omobien joined Garrett and Wilson in supporting the legislation. Sommerville, Bruce Bolden, Sharon Connor, Johnnie Hannah, Lombardo and Brad McKitrick voted against adopting the motion. (Council member Donnie Kammer was not in attendance.)
