Displaying items by tag: Mayorelect Dan Horrigan

One recommendation of Akron Mayor-elect Dan Horrigan's Blue Ribbon Task Force has been released.

The first Interim Report released Friday outlines support for natural gas purchasing aggregation, something the city already does for electricity.

In a statement, Mayor-elect Horrigan says he fully supports the idea, which was introduced at Akron City Council.

The body would have to approve putting such an issue on the ballot...an idea Horrigan wants as well for the March 2016 primary ballot.

The task force's full report is due in February.

(Mayor-elect Dan Horrigan, news release) In keeping with his pledge to release all recommendations made by his Blue Ribbon Task Force, Mayor-elect Dan Horrigan today released Interim Report #1.

Interim Report #1 outlines the Task Force's support for gas aggregation relative to the purchase of natural gas, and supports the efforts of the current administration and Akron City Council to place this issue before the voters in the March 2016 Primary Election.

"I'm pleased that the Task Force and Akron City Council independently came to the same conclusion on this important issue," said Mayor-elect Horrigan. "I fully support Akron City Council's efforts to place this before the voters."

The current and new Akron mayoral administrations have tapped someone who will manage their transition, and will become the new mayor's chief of staff next year.

Mayor Jeff Fusco and Mayor-elect Dan Horrigan say James Hardy will start Tuesday to ensure "a smooth and effective transition". He'll become Horrigan's chief of staff on January 1st.

Hardy is currently the Assistant Director of Community Health at the Summit County Health Department.

He served as an Akron school board member and became the board president in 2009.

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(City of Akron, news release) Mayor Jeff Fusco and Mayor-elect Dan Horrigan announced Monday that James J. Hardy, MPH, will join the administration on December 1, 2015, as an Assistant to the Mayor for the purpose of coordinating transition activities.

"When I assumed the position of Mayor in June, I knew I would be passing the torch to another Mayor on January 1st," Mayor Fusco said Monday. "In my six months as Mayor I've made it a priority to not only advance new initiatives and improve existing services and processes, but to set the groundwork for a seamless changeover between my administration and the next administration. I see significant value to the City in bringing James on board now to facilitate efficient and effective communication and planning as the City prepares for Dan Horrigan's new leadership."

"I have enormous respect for Mayor Fusco and how he has served and will continue to serve this City, and I'm grateful for his partnership in this process," remarked Mayor-elect Horrigan. "Our announcement today affirms our joint commitment to ensure a smooth and efficient transition."

Hardy currently serves as an Assistant Director for Community Health at Summit County Public Health. There he has led the Health Equity and Social Determinants Unit, managing a diverse portfolio of community-based programs and public health services. Previous professional positions include service as Special Assistant to the President and Board of Trustees of Kent State University, as a Regional Director for Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, and as an Executive Office Intern for Former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

In 2005, Hardy was elected to the Akron Public Schools Board of Education. During his six years on the Board he served as chair of several committees, including the Joint Board of Review and the district's Finance and Capital Management Committee, which oversees Akron Public School's $313 million general fund budget. In 2009, his peers elected Hardy as Board President.

Mayor-elect Horrigan also announced today that Hardy would serve as Deputy Mayor for Administration, Chief of Staff beginning January 1, 2016.

"I've known James for 15 years, and during that time I've seen him emerge as acommitted, thoughtful leader who cares deeply about his community and the future of Akron," said Mayor-elect Horrigan. "He has always impressed me with his ability to manage complex issues and challenges with integrity and good judgment. His knowledge of Akron, and diverse professional background, makes him well suited for this role."

Hardy brings to the position a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science-Criminal Justice from the University of Akron, and a Masters in Public Health from Kent State University with a concentration in Health Policy and Management.

A lifelong resident of Akron, Hardy is involved in various community organizations including service on the boards of Community AIDS Network/Akron Pride Initiative (CANAPI) and the Akron Regional Interprofessional Area Health Education Center. He is a past recipient of the Greater Akron Chamber's 30 For the Future Award (2011).

Hardy's salary will be $106,454, consistent with other Assistants to the Mayor.