Displaying items by tag: Russ Pry

Ilene Shapiro and Bill Roemer faced off in the Summit County Executive's race debate Wednesday afternoon at Quaker Station in downtown Akron, which was sponsored by the Akron Press Club. Democratic candidate Shapiro was appointed interim executive after the death of Russ Pry...she was county council president before that. Roemer, the Republican challenger, was previously a county council member himself. Shapiro said the county executive's biggest responsibility is fiscal responsibility. 

"Taxpayer money that each and every one of you pay into the county, is what enables us to keep our budgets steady, to be able to monitor what we need to do, and to forecast what we will be able to do in the future," Shapiro said. "We have a strong fiscal responsibility." Roemer said for him, the biggest thing is keeping Summit County safe. "As a part of doing that, we've seen the sheriff's budget reduced significantly. We've seen a wing of the jail closed," Roemer said. "Those are items that need to be addressed immediately." 

But Roemer and Shapiro disagreed on the costs of the closed jail wing.

Shapiro said there's a reason that the $3.5 million dollar cost estimate has been made...due to a legal settlement..."Part of the settlement in that was if we opened the pod, we would have to fully fund the jail, OK, the 50 officers," Shapiro said. "You do the rough math for the 50 officers, at let's say $60,000 without benefits or whatever, we're well over $3 million." Roemer said that he's talked with executives in the sheriff's office, and that the net cost would be lower.  "The net cost, given the amount that we paid to Geauga County, the amount that we are currently paying to open a portion of that jail when needed, the net cost of that would be $700,000," Roemer said. "The $3.5 million figure cited is the figure that is needed to bring the sheriff's department funding to the 2008 level." 

The candidates also talked about the sales tax increase which failed in 2014, which Roemer says he supported in its revised form because it supported law enforcement and the sheriff's office. Shapiro says she supported it before an arena proposal was removed, saying the county had a "window of opportunity" to fuel growth and the county's tax base.

Editor's note: the complete debate can be heard below. 

 

A county agency is renaming one of its properties after late Summit County executive Russ Pry.

The Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board passed a resolution renaming its Barberton center as the Russ Pry Barberton Center.

Summit County DD cited Pry's support and involvement with the agency, and his career as a public servant.

A dedication of the Russ Pry Barberton Center will take place this fall.

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(Summit County DD, news release) Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board, or Summit DD, passed a resolution at the August 25 board meeting renaming its property located at 501 West Hopocan Avenue, Barberton, Ohio the "Russ Pry Barberton Center."

The motion was introduced by former Board President Randy Briggs. "The Board lost a very good friend, County Executive Russ Pry," Briggs stated as he spoke about Russ Pry's support and involvement with Summit DD. "I am proposing that we rename the Barberton center the Russ Pry Barberton Center as a very fitting tribute," continued Briggs

The resolution recognized that Mr. Pry dedicated his entire career as a public servant to improving the lives of those most in need in our community.

"Under Mr. Pry's leadership, collaboration with community partners, innovation, diversity, equity and inclusion were values he lived by in serving the people of Summit County," stated Summit DD Superintendent John Trunk.
Summit DD will plan a dedication of the Russ Pry Barberton Center this fall.

Summit DD is the community resource that connects more than 4,000 adults and children with developmental disabilities and their families to services and supports in Summit County. It is the Agency's mission to connect people with disabilities to supports that empower each individual to contribute to their own success and to that of their community. More information regarding Summit DD is available online at SummitDD.org.

The memory of the late Russ Pry will live on thanks to an event he founded.

The Beacon Journal reports organizers of the Summit For Kids Family Expo decided to rename their annual youth award after the former Summit County Executive who passed away last month from complications with colon cancer.

The winner of the first Summit For Kids Russ Pry Youth Award is 18 year-old Maria Paparella of Akron. She created a nonprofit organization called "Chair-ity" that provides furnishings and other household items to young adults who age out of the foster care system. Paparella has raised over $15,000 and donated 233 pieces of furniture to 22 youth.

The Summit For Kids Family Expo, which Pry helped start seven years ago, is held at the John S. Knight Center in Akron and features educational activites for families and free back to school supplies for kids. The event will run until 4:00 PM today.

On the Web: Ohio.com

"If you were his friend, you were his friend for life," said Carol Deszo, judge in Summit County Domestic Relations Court.

An estimated one-thousand people filled the John S. Knight Center to celebrate the life and legacy of Summit County Executive Russ Pry who passed away at the age of 58 after battling colon cancer.

While Pry's passing was recognized as a great loss, the focus was on the legacy Pry left behind in the county and beyond. Congressman Tim Ryan was the first to deliver a eulogy, describing Pry as a gentle man with "no ego" and a passion to serve the community and make a difference.

Those involved in the service included Phil Montgomery, Congressman Tim Ryan, Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan, Former Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic, Summit County Domestic Relations Court Judge Carol Dezso and personal friend Mike Cassetty. 

Carla Davis with Akron-Summit County Library, accompanied by pianist Tatsuya Nagashima performed "Amazing Grace" to begin the service and ended with a performance of "Over the Rainbow."

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Summit County council president Ilene Shapiro is acting as interim county executive after the death of Russ Pry.

Should Shapiro remain in that role, the Summit County Democratic Party will have to fill her council vacancy and her name on the ballot for council at large.

The party says there'll be another Central Committee meeting on Wednesday, August 17th should that be needed.

A meeting already set for August 11th will select the ballot replacement for Pry, and the interim county executive for the remainder of Pry's term.

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(Summit County Democratic Party, news release) In response to recent press inquiries surrounding the sudden and unexpected passing of County Executive Russ Pry, the Summit County Democratic Party announced today the process for which this and another potential vacancy will be filled.

First, a replacement for Russ Pry as the Party's candidate for County Executive on the November ballot is to be nominated by the Summit County Democratic Party Central Committee at a meeting on August 11th, 2016 at 7:00 PM at North High School in Akron. In the same meeting, the Central Committee will appoint someone to fill the vacancy in the office of County Executive until the end of the current term. Meanwhile, in accordance with the Summit County Charter, County Council President Ilene Shapiro serves as County Executive on an interim basis.

In case the appointment of someone on August 11th should create a vacancy in a Summit County Council at Large seat, another Central Committee Meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 17th, at 7:00 p.m. at North High School in Akron. The purpose of this meeting will be to nominate someone as the Party's candidate for that County Council at Large seat in the November general election and to appoint someone to that seat until a replacement is elected on November 8th.

By law, a majority of the members of the Central Committee must be present in order for someone to be nominated as the Party's candidate in the general election. Currently, there are 287 Central Committee members; 144 constitutes a majority of 287. Also by law, a majority of the Central Committee members present must vote in favor of a particular candidate in order for a nomination to be made.

Under the Constitution and Bylaws of the Summit County Democratic Party, 50 Central Committee members must be present at a meeting in order to appoint someone to fill a vacancy in a countywide office. To be appointed, a candidate must receive a simple majority (i.e., more than half) of the votes cast.

If there are multiple candidates in a Central Committee election and no candidate receives the requisite majority in the initial balloting, runoff elections will be conducted.

This process will be strictly adhered to in order to ensure an orderly and proper transition of leadership for the residents of Summit County.

The passing of county executive Russ Pry has shaken up a lot of people, both citizens and politicians alike. But his impact was felt across the entire region, and just not politically.

First, Mayor Dan Horrigan, a close friend of his for many years, spoke about dealing with Russ on a personal and professional level.

Marco Sommerville also dealt with Russ on different projects throughout the years, and he talked of the county executive’s efforts on keeping jobs in the Akron area.

Reaction to the passing of Summit County Executive Russ Pry was quick on Sunday; Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan said he would "...miss his leadership and his ability to bring people together" and credited Pry's personality to bring people together.

Congressman Tim Ryan calls Pry "...first and foremost...a dear friend, a thoughtful, compassionate human being who always put the good of the people ahead of politics."

Senator Sherrod Brown noted Pry's loss is "...will be felt by all those whose lives were made better by his service to his community.”

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Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan: “I’ve lost a great friend much too early. We will all miss his leadership and his ability to bring people together. Russ had an uncanny knack for empathizing and identifying with all people, regardless of their age, race, gender, orientation or creed, making him well-loved by all. Personally, I will miss his friendship, his quick wit and his invaluable advice.”

U.S. Congressman Tim Ryan: "Russ first and foremost was a dear friend, a thoughtful, compassionate human being who always put the good of the people ahead of politics.

I have never seen a better leader than Russ Pry, who made local government work efficiently and effectively for the people he represented. He had no ego and always brought people together to make lives better for ordinary people.There is a huge hole in Summit County today and a huge hole in my heart as well--one that can never be filled. But we can all learn from how Russ conducted himself; always with humility, always responsibly and, for those of us in public life, always making sure government was creating opportunity for those who were looking to get ahead in life.Andrea and I extend our deepest sympathies to Russ' family and his amazing group of friends and coworkers who know better than anyone the amazing gifts that Russ brought to the people of Summit County.He was a friend, a leader, a generous and brilliant public servant lost too soon."

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown: “Connie and I are saddened to hear of Russ’s passing and offer our deepest sympathies to his family and the Summit County community. His loss will be felt by all those whose lives were made better by his service to his community.”

Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper: “Ohio Democrats’ hearts are heavy today as we mourn the passing of our friend, Summit County Executive Russ Pry. Russ loved the people of Summit County and served them with an open heart and generous spirit, always fighting for progressive values. He was a great champion for Summit County Democrats, and he helped nurture the current generation of Democratic leaders. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.”

Funeral and memorial arrangements will be announced later following the passing today of Summit County Executive Russ Pry.

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(Summit County Executive) Summit County Executive Russ Pry passed away peacefully today at the age of 58.  Russ was diagnosed with colon cancer in June and has been recovering since surgery on June 14^th.  Unfortunately, a series of setbacks in his recovery became too much for him to overcome and he passed away today shortly after 5pm.

Russ will be remembered as a leader who helped restore stability in County government, led the County through the Great Recession, cared and honored the men and women who served in the military, created and kept jobs in Summit County for thousands of people, and made all of us think more about the children and less fortunate in Summit County.  He was a leader that came along at the right time, and will be sorely missed by this community.

Pursuant to the Summit County Charter, County Council President, Ilene Shapiro, will be sworn in immediately as interim County Executive until such time as the Central Committee of the Summit County Democratic Party meets to appoint a person to serve as Executive for the balance of Russ’s term, which expires on December 31, 2016.

At this time, the Executive’s Office does not intend to make any further comment.  Details regarding a memorial service and celebration of Russ’s life will be announced in the near future.

 

Summit County executive Russ Pry is pulling his name off the November general election ballot, citing a need to focus on his recovery from health issues.

Pry will continue as Summit County Executive through the end of the year.

He hasn't yet physically returned to the executive's office, but is communicating with his chief of staff Jason Dodson...who is running the daily operations.

There's no word on when Pry may return to the office before the end of 2016.

Summit County Democrats say there'll be a central committee meeting August 11th to name a ballot replacement for Pry.

In a statement, Pry says he's been "honored" to serve the residents of Summit County for nine years, and thanks people for well-wishes, prayers and thoughts.

(Summit County Executive's Office, news release) This afternoon, Summit County Executive Russ Pry will notify the Summit County Board of Elections of his intention to withdraw his candidacy to be re-elected in the November 8, 2016 General Election. Executive Pry has chosen to withdraw his candidacy in order to focus on his recovery from health issues previously disclosed to the media and public. Executive Pry will continue to serve as Summit County Executive until the conclusion of his current term on December 31, 2016.

While there is no current timetable for his physical return to the office, he continues to manage the affairs of the office through, and in communication with, his Chief of Staff, Jason Dodson, who will continue to oversee the daily operations of the office.

Russ has been honored to serve the residents of Summit County for the last nine years, and will continue to do so through the end of this year. He also thanks everyone for their well-wishes, prayers and positive thoughts.

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(City of Akron, news release) In light of the recent news that Summit County Executive Russ Pry has decided not to run for re-election this November for health-related reasons, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan is showing his support and appreciation for the long-time Executive.

Mayor Horrigan states, "Russ Pry has been a mentor, friend and confidant for 15 years. This City and this County were lucky to have his strong, steady and capable leadership for as long as we did. We would not be the City we are today without him. While all of us at the City are saddened that he won't be returning to his post, we fully support his decision to do what's best for his health and well-being. I'm truly blessed to be his friend and colleague and wish him all the best in his continuing recovery."

The City of Akron commits to continue to be a valued to partner to the County in any way possible as Pry's administration and staff finishes the final months of his term.

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(U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, statement) "Russ has been a fixture of Summit County for years and it's been an honor to work with him on the issues impacting his community – from combatting blight to tackling the opioid epidemic and infant mortality. We should all be grateful for his service to Ohio. Connie and I wish him the best as he focuses on his recovery."

After recently announcing that he was diagnosed with colon cancer, Summit County Executive Russ Pry underwent successful surgery to remove a tumor. 

Pry's Chief of Staff announced on Friday that Tuesday's surgery at Cleveland Clinic Akron General went well and Pry is recovering. He added that the cancer had not spread beyond his colon and had not reached an advanced stage. Pry will take the next 6 weeks to recover and is expected to return to work August 1st, when Summit County Council returns from their summer recess. 

Pry, 58, was diagnosed with colon cancer after a routine exam. He is using his diagnosis to stress the importance of continuing routine check-ups and exams. 

Summit County Executive Russ Pry has been diagnosed with cancer following a routine colonoscopy.

A news release states that a CT scan "indicates the tumor has not spread beyond his colon and is not Stage 4."

Pry is scheduled for Laparoscopic surgery Tuesday, June 14. The recovery period is expected to last over the next six weeks and Pry is scheduled to return to work on Aug. 1.

"I would like to encourage those who are due for a colonoscopy to do it now, early detection is extremely important," Pry stated in a news release. "I am grateful for my doctors and for the exceptional medical care - we are lucky to have outstanding hospitals and medical professionals in our County."

Chief of Staff Jason Dodson will take over the day-to-day operations for the time being.

We could learn more next week about plans for Stark State College to establish a presence in Akron.

Stark State, along with leaders from Akron, Summit County and others, plan an announcement on Thursday morning in Akron.

A news release describes "Stark State College Akron" as "a new education and workforce training center" with few other details.

Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and Summit County Executive Russ Pry will be there, along with Stark State president Dr. Para Jones.

Stark State recently received $6 million in state funding towards an Akron initiative.

Stark State already has a Summit County presence, with a branch in Barberton.

Summit County Executive Russ Pry has banned all official county government travel to North Carolina in response to the state's controversial "Bathroom Bill."

North Carolina House Bill 2 includes provisions that require people to use the public restroom that corresponds with their biological sex and that supercede non-discrimination laws passed by municipalities. Opponents of the bill, including Pry, contend the bill discriminates against the LGBT community.

Pry joined The Jasen Sokol Show to explain his decision:

The State of the County is getting strong, healthy and getting better says the top elected administrative official in Summit County. That includes Summit County's ranking as the most efficient of the six largest counties in Ohio for per-capita cost of government and low sales tax rate.

So says Summit County Executive Russ Pry in his annual address delivered today/Thursday at a sold-out John S. Knight Center. These "State Of..." speeches usually center on achievements, and Pry's address was no different.

Pry highlighted a budget that was still $80 million dollars less than levels before the start of the 2008 recession but reported the economy was showing improvements despite a significant drop in state funding. Pry noted building plans and fees were up 50% since merging Akron's building department with the County and credited online applications for keeping development business a 24/7 process. He told the audience during their question and answer period there had been no ongoing discussions relating to construction of a new arena downtown.

The Summit County Executive -- running for re-election in November against former County Council member Bill Roemer -- also touted consolidation into new offices in the Firestone Tire complex, savings through new IT initiatives upgrading the County's computer programs, closer partnerships with local governments on public services and programs and programs to develop stronger mentoring and workforce development programs.

Pry also lauded efforts to move ahead with needed upgrades to the County's emergency radio system used by public safety first responders and said the new system would go online in 2017. He also highlighted investments in sewer system projects in the southwest portion of Summit County, especially the impact helping with development in the Barberton, New Franklin and Clinton areas.

Pry's address was broadcast live on 1590 WAKR. The text of the full speech is included as a .PDF at the attachment field in this story.

Former President Bill Clinton was welcomed by a boisterous applause when he entered the United Steelworkers local 2 building in Akron on Saturday.

Senator Sherrod Brown introduced former President Clinton, telling him no offense, but Hillary is the best qualified presidential candidate running in his lifetime.

Speaking to a crowd of about 100 people, Clinton told the group, the country cannot afford to vote a republican as president. He says to a roaring crowd, thanks to Ohio that won't happen.

Clinton was joined by Summit County Executive Russ Pry, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan, Congressman Tim Ryan, and former Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic, who Clinton joked with, saying he looks just as young as he did when he first came to Akron. He joked "it is a life after politics".

Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was in Cleveland, speaking at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church.

News broke late Monday night that FirstMerit Bank will soon merge with Huntington, though not for another six months. The headquarters for FirstMerit Corporation is located in downtown Akron, and, after the merger with Columbus’s Huntington, it will create the largest bank in the state of Ohio.

This came as a shock to many local residents and even politicians, where many jobs and branches will soon be affected. Summit County executive Russ Pry and Akron mayor Dan Horrigan called into the Ray Horner Morning Show to share their thoughts on FirstMerit’s history in Akron and their commitment to the community, as well as what Huntington has in store going forward.