Displaying items by tag: Bill Melver

Democratic mayoral nominee Dan Horrigan says his campaign is still working hard, despite the success of other Democrats in the past.

"You always work hard. You don't take anything for granted. Nobody gives you anything, " Horrigan tells WAKR.net. "You've gotta go out and earn it, and that's one of the great characteristics of the city...we've earned every everything that we've had. Nobody gives us anything."

Horrigan faces challenges from Republican Eddie Sipplen and Independent Bill Melver. The city of Akron historically leans heavily Democratic, and has had a Democratic mayor leading the city for the past 30 years.

There are more than 20,000 registered Democrats in Akron, compared to more than 2,800 that identify themselves as Republican, according to the Summit County Board of Elections data. There are over 99,000 voters who identify as independent.

Horrigan says his campaign's efforts on the ground proved to be an important tool, saying candidates have to understand the voters' needs and concerns. "This campaign has always been about issues," Horrigan says. "And it's about the voters. It's not about me, and it's not about the other opponent. It's about what they (voters) care about. Because that's what elections are for."

Akron will elect a new mayor for the first time in nearly 30 years next Tuesday. Early voting through the weekend hours at the Summit County Board of Elections, 500 Grant Street, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday; 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday and 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday. Precincts will be open the usual times for in-person voting on Tuesday.

The two major party candidates for Akron mayor squared off in a debate this week.

There's another candidate who wasn't there - Bill Melver, who is running as an independent in November against Democrat Dan Horrigan and Republican Eddie Sipplen.

Melver says he wants to help stem Akron's population loss by more promotion of the things Akron has to offer.

"Those who are contemplating moving out of the city," Melver tells WAKR's Jasen Sokol, "they are passing up a great opportunity to make a quality of life living right here in Akron."

He says current leaders do a "lackadasical" or poor job highlighting the city's strengths.

Melver points to his years working at GE under former CEO Jack Welch, and says asking what Welch would do would be a guide for him.