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Horrigan, Williams face off in Akron Press Club debate

TRACEY BLAIR
Legal News Reporter

Published: August 25, 2015

One of two legal professionals will challenge a local defense attorney Sept. 8 to take over the embattled office of Akron mayor.

The two Democratic candidates in the mayoral primary, Summit County Clerk of Courts Dan Horrigan and Akron Councilman Mike Williams, participated in an Akron Press Club debate Aug. 19 at the University of Akron’s Quaker Station.

The winner of the Democratic primary will face defense attorney Eddie Sipplen, the unchallenged Republican candidate, in the general election Nov. 3.

Horrigan was first elected to the clerk of courts in January 2009. He previously served four terms as Ward 1 councilman for the city of Akron.

Williams holds a law degree from the University of Akron and has been an Akron councilman for 28 years.

During the debate, which was moderated by Beacon Journal Editor Bruce Winges, Williams stressed the importance of attracting and retaining millennials who want to live and work in the city.

“We have the obligation as the elders to welcome young people and address their issues and concerns,” he said.

Williams added that he was proud to have been instrumental in helping renovate the West Akron YMCA -- a place he frequented as a child.

The candidates were asked a series of questions about what can be done locally to fix the national problem of mistrust between police and minorities they serve.

Williams said re-training patrol officers is key.

“It’s not only about training. We must also have a workforce that reflects the community,” said Horrigan. “The first thing I’ll do is hire a personnel director.”

Horrigan added that all police should be equipped with body cams to protect themselves as well as the public.

“I don’t want to buy insurance, but I think I’m going to need it,” he said.

Williams agreed that body cams are necessary.

“The neighborhoods that need the police the most are the ones who have the most problems with police,” he said. “You have good people on both sides. Then we have people who are causing issues on both sides. As an African-American male, I am very sensitive to that. I have a good relationship with both the police departments and the community at large.”

Each candidate said they would bring trust back to the mayor’s office, which has the unusual distinction of having three mayors in three months.

After serving 28 years, Mayor Donald Plusquellic suddenly resigned in May after well-publicized squabbles with city officials and newspaper reporters.

Garry L. Moneypenny was then sworn in as mayor. But after serving just 10 days, Moneypenny resigned, admitting he “behaved inappropriately with a city employee.”

Council President Jeff Fusco will serve as mayor through the end of the year.

“Respect is the fundamental issue that has been missing,” Williams said. “Debate is absolutely essential to good government. But it has to be done in a respectful manner. If anything has been lacking here in Akron government, it’s respect.”

Horrigan said he is a big proponent of government transparency, noting the clerk of courts’ records have been online since 2001.

Horrigan said his ideal staff member would be someone smart, efficient and unafraid to challenge the mayor.

“I want a staff that doesn’t tell me what I want to hear, but what I need to know,” he said. “It’s not my ego that’s involved. It’s all about service.”

Williams said his biggest accomplishments on council include helping to turn around an “anemic” downtown with a vibrant baseball park and other business.

To move the city forward economically, Williams said officials must focus on attracting more small- and medium-sized businesses while not increasing taxes.

“Our challenge is to reprioritize our budget,” he added. “The city is financially challenged. We need to increase the level of city services. We have not been doing that as it relates to our streets. Sewers is another top priority.”

Horrigan said he could not rule out raising taxes.

“Posterity is only going to get us so far,” he said. “I have a plan to move this city forward to make it bigger, better and stronger.”

Williams, who is employed by Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, is the son of James R. Williams, a former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio and a former judge of Akron Municipal Court and Summit County Court of Common Pleas.

Horrigan’s leadership on council led to projects including the Highland Square Development Initiative, two new libraries and the Rack 40 Project to benefit the preservation of the Cuyahoga River and the surrounding environment.

Each candidate said they would support the other Democrat’s race against Sipplen if they lose in the primary.

The Press Club plans to host an Oct. 13 debate with Sipplen and the Democratic primary winner.


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