A reminder to all volunteers (and invitation to new volunteers) to join us Tuesday, September 1 at Tina’s house at 6pm for a crucial volunteer meeting.
We will be working on a mailing, confirming the coverage for the primary, and scheduling anyone who can drop literature before the primary.
We will serve pizza so don’t worry about eating! Thank you for your continuing support!
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The League of Women Voters has published the 2009 Voters Guide for the Akron area races, including this excerpt for Ward 7 City Council.
Don’t forget to vote for Tina Merlitti in the September 8 primary!!
Tina responded to 3 questions posed by the League:
WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE OFFICE OF COUNCIL? PLEASE INCLUDE OCCUPATION AND EDUCATION.
My over 12 years of experience in government helps me resolve issues quickly and bring resources to Ward 7. I have been on City Council for 4 years. I currently work as a Communication Specialist for the County of Summit. Bachelors Degree in Political Science from The Ohio State University.
WHAT IS THE MOST URGENT ISSUE FACING THE CITY OF AKRON TODAY? IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT?
Increase in rental properties and crime are problems. Both of these issues can be resolved with increased community involvement. I have been actively working to increase the number of block watches in Ward 7. I will continue to support efficient innovations in law enforcement and housing inspection programs.
WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU SUGGEST FOR ADDRESSING THE CITY’S CURRENT FINANCIAL CHALLENGES?
We need to continue working with other government agencies to combine resources and efficiently utilize tax payer dollars. Personnel cost, especially health care, has increased exponentially over the last several years. A countywide health care package would save money not only for Akron but for all Summit County Communities.
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Join your neighbors for the August 26 Ward 7 meeting, at the Firestone Park Community Center at 7pm.
This month’s speaker will be Christine Gilley from Summit County Consumer Affairs. She is going to talk about how to protect yourself from fraud and identity theft.
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Thank you to the Akron Beacon Journal for the endorsement for the 2009 election for Akron City Council Ward 7.
Our choice: Tina Merlitti in the Democratic primary
Published on Thursday, Aug 20, 2009
Democratic voters in Akron’s Ward 7, which covers Firestone Park and neighborhoods to the south, are facing another rematch between incumbent Tina Merlitti and challenger David Reymann. Merlitti is running for her third full term on the City Council. Reymann is seeking his first victory after repeated tries for the city and county councils.
We recommend the election of Tina Merlitti in the Sept. 8 primary.
An employee in the Summit County executive’s office, Merlitti works in the communications department. Her work involves community outreach, and she has put those skills to good use in Ward 7.
From helping keep the Bridgestone Firestone technical center in the ward to storm water management and community policing initiatives, Merlitti is well organized and attentive. Reymann charges that she was ”nowhere to the seen” following the recent rampage in Firestone Park. The reality is, Merlitti quickly contacted block watch captains, met with residents and organized a community meeting.
Neither is Merlitti the ”rubber stamp” portrayed by Reymann, who himself follows the agenda of the Democrats for Reform slate. She opposed Mayor Don Plusquellic’s college scholarship initiative and dug in to get a more favorable payback from David Brennan on loans for his downtown hotel.
Reymann, who was active in the campaign to defeat Plusquellic’s scholarship plan, has spent much time in Ward 6 targeting Ernie Tarle. That said, the Lockheed Martin retiree does stay in close touch with Ward 7 and its problems. Yet Reymann continues to display an abrasive style, making charges based on superficial observations. Also running in the Democratic primary is Anthony Holt. The winner will face Republican Duane Schramm.
Democratic voters in Akron’s Ward 7, which covers Firestone Park and neighborhoods to the south, are facing another rematch between incumbent Tina Merlitti and challenger David Reymann. Merlitti is running for her third full term on the City Council. Reymann is seeking his first victory after repeated tries for the city and county councils.
We recommend the election of Tina Merlitti in the Sept. 8 primary.
An employee in the Summit County executive’s office, Merlitti works in the communications department. Her work involves community outreach, and she has put those skills to good use in Ward 7.
From helping keep the Bridgestone Firestone technical center in the ward to storm water management and community policing initiatives, Merlitti is well organized and attentive. Reymann charges that she was ”nowhere to the seen” following the recent rampage in Firestone Park. The reality is, Merlitti quickly contacted block watch captains, met with residents and organized a community meeting.
Neither is Merlitti the ”rubber stamp” portrayed by Reymann, who himself follows the agenda of the Democrats for Reform slate. She opposed Mayor Don Plusquellic’s college scholarship initiative and dug in to get a more favorable payback from David Brennan on loans for his downtown hotel.
Reymann, who was active in the campaign to defeat Plusquellic’s scholarship plan, has spent much time in Ward 6 targeting Ernie Tarle. That said, the Lockheed Martin retiree does stay in close touch with Ward 7 and its problems. Yet Reymann continues to display an abrasive style, making charges based on superficial observations. Also running in the Democratic primary is Anthony Holt. The winner will face Republican Duane Schramm.
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We are looking for a few volunteers to pass out campaign literature in the coming weeks before the primary. Please email Mark Derrig or call Tina at 330-724-2520 if you would like to support Tina’s campaign.
More details on getting involved are under the Campaign 2009 page!
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Attention Ward 7 residents!
Mark your calendars for our next neighborhood meeting:
Wednesday, August 26
7:00 pm
Firestone Park Community Center
1480 Girard Street
I look forward to seeing you there!
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Don’t forget that early voting for the September 8 primary election starts today! Just visit the Summit County Board of Elections online, in person, or call for more information.
Office Location:
470 Grant Street
Akron, Ohio 44311
Contact Info:
Phone: (330) 643-5200
Fax: (330) 643-5422
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday (8:00am -4:30pm)
Email:
Summit@sos.state.oh.us
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From City of Akron press release:
Ward 7 – The basketball courts at the Firestone Park Community center will be gone for good, but in their place will be refurbished tennis courts and a new outdoor pavilion on the community center grounds.
Akron City Council passed an ordinance authorizing the city to proceed with the $405,000 improvements to the Girard Street facility, which were prompted in part by residents who complained about profanity, fights, litter and unruly crowds at the basketball courts.
Ward 7 Councilwoman Tina Merlitti ordered the removal of the basketball rims from the city park two years ago. She said new tennis courts would be a better fit for the park and nearby churches have requested an outdoor pavilion for picnics and other outings.
“It’s been two years since the rims were removed, and overwhelmingly people like the fact that they’ve been down,” Merlitti said. “The police and the community center staff say it’s so peaceful there now.”
Construction on the pavilion and courts is scheduled to begin in September and be complete in November.
Merlitti pointed out that those who wish to play basketball in the area can play at the two new basketball courts that have been added to nearby Morgan Park, at Morgan Avenue and Beardsley Street, and during open gym times offered by the YMCA at the Voris Community Learning Center, 1885 Glenmount Ave.
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Thank you to everyone who participated in National Night Out yesterday, in 13 locations throughout Akron, sponsored by the National Association of Townwatch.
Firestone Park residents gather for one of 13 National Night Out events in Akron.
In Firestone Park, the Akron Peacemakers sponsored a special night of healing after the recent incident on Girard Street. Below is some coverage of this event, including the article in the Akron Beacon Journal (with a quote from Tina) and the speech she shared with the crowd.
Tina’s speech at National Night Out
Photos from Firestone Park Healing Event
City of Akron Press Release for National Night Out
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Tonight is St. Paul’s Catholic Church Card Party.
Tickets are $7, which includes light supper and prizes. Bring a game of your choice!
Doors Open at 5 PM and dinner is served at 6 PM.
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Tina Merlitti City of Akron Council Vice President, Ward 7 Council Member 