For Immediate Release
Contact: Dr. Joan M. Williams
jwilliams@akronohio.gov or 330-375-2258
Published: 07-1-2024
Akron City Council Ward 8 Council Member Submits Resignation
Akron, Ohio, July 1, 2024 – Today, Councilman James Hardy provided notice of his resignation as Ward 8 Council Representative effective immediately on Monday, July 1st, 2024.
Councilman Hardy’s Statement”
“Carl Jung said, “Life really does begin at forty. Up until then, you are just doing research.” I turned forty years old this year, and for me, Carl’s words ring true. Today, I submitted my resignation from Akron City Council to President Sommerville. I did so with a full heart and deep appreciation to the residents of Ward 8 for electing me.
During my six years on the Akron School Board, my five-plus years as Deputy Mayor and Chief of Staff for the city of Akron, and this past year and a half campaigning for and serving on Akron City Council, I have been overwhelmed by the incredible dedication and compassion alive and well in Akron. I pray I reflected some of that back over the years. It has been an honor and privilege to serve my hometown in such diverse ways.
Recent developments in my professional life have made it impossible for me to provide the time and responsiveness I planned to bring to Ward 8 as its council representative. Fairlawn Heights, Northwest Akron, Wallhaven, and Merriman Valley each expect and deserve more attention than I will be able to provide going forward.
I remain a cheerleader for Akron and plan to volunteer for causes dear to me such as preserving our tree canopy and improving our neighborhood parks. I will work with whomever Akron City Council appoints to fill the vacancy to ensure important items are not lost in transition. Ward 8 voters will get a chance to elect a permanent replacement in 2025, beginning in May with the primary election.
As I embark on the next chapter of my life, I am filled with inner peace and excitement. I thank all my friends and family for their steadfast support.
“Akron City Council would like to thank Councilman Hardy for his service to the residents of Ward 8 particularly, but also to the city of Akron as a whole”, said Council President Margo Sommerville. “His love for the City of Akron and extensiveness of his service to the residents has left an indelible mark than cannot soon be forgotten.”
According to Section 28 of the Charter, Akron City Council has 30 days to appoint a new Council Representative. Interested applicants must have resided in Ward 8 for the past 1 year and can submit their letter of interest and resume to the Clerk of Council at sbiviano@akronohio.gov by 12 Noon on Monday, July 22nd.
Until a new Council Representative is selected, Ward 8 residents can contact Councilman-At-Large Jeff Fusco at atlarge1@akronohio.gov or 330-208-5561.
We wish Councilman Hardy well. No further comments will be made or interviews granted at this time.
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