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Akron council appoints Mark Greer to at‑large seat after multi‑round balloting
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Summary
After several rounds of ballots and a procedural debate, Akron City Council adopted a substitute resolution appointing Mark Greer to the at‑large council vacancy; the resolution passed 12–0 and Greer was sworn in at the meeting.
Mark Greer was appointed to fill Akron’s at‑large City Council vacancy after council members conducted multiple rounds of ballots and adopted a substitute resolution.
Council opened nominations for the at‑large seat after the screening committee presented George Johnson as its recommended candidate. Nominees from the floor included George Johnson, Mark Greer, Tara Moseley Weems (listed on the ballot), and others. Early tallies recorded one round of voting at which George Johnson received six votes, Mark Greer five and Tara one. Councilmember Garrett moved to limit a subsequent round to the two highest vote‑getters; the law director explained that members may still vote for any applicant on a ballot even if council votes to truncate debate, and the body proceeded with further ballots.
On a later count, Mark Greer received eight votes to George Johnson’s four. The council then read a substitute resolution appointing Greer to serve the remainder of the term through 12/31/2027 and declared an emergency. The resolution was adopted by voice and recorded as passing 12 to 0. Hon. Connie Hightower of Summit County Domestic Relations Court administered the oath; after taking the oath Greer thanked the council and pledged to represent all Akron neighborhoods.
The session included short debate and expressions of support for other candidates from several council members. Councilwoman Jan Davis, who earlier had said she would vote her conscience and nominated another candidate, later offered a public expression of respect for the process and support for Greer’s service. Law department counsel described the procedural options for shortening debate and confirmed that ballots allow members to choose any eligible applicant.
The appointment alters council composition and immediate committee assignments: Greer was added to the council and was subsequently placed on several committees; committee rosters were announced later in the meeting. The resolution and swearing in concluded the at‑large selection process for the current term.
The council next elected leadership and assigned committee roles before adjourning.
