The debate comes as grand jury reviews evidence in Jayland Walker police shooting.
AKRON, Ohio — Seven Democratic Akorn mayoral candidates vying for voter support squared off in a debate Wednesday evening. Many of the questions and talking points were influenced by the deadly police shooting of a young Black man last summer and the nine months of discussion and policy changes since his death.
The first question of the night asked how they would tackle racism as a public health crisis. Others asked about supporting Akron youth, retaining talent in the city, and improving police relations. Current Deputy Mayor Marco Sommerville, who is endorsed by outgoing Mayor Dan Horrigan, closed his remarks touting his three-decade career in politics and questioning some of his contenders’ qualifications.
Ward 8 City Council Member Shammas Malik pointed to his leadership on Issue 10, a ballot initiative 62% of voters supported to create a permanent police oversight board. “We have an influx of vacant houses. That’s racism. We have a public safety issue that is in my ward. That’s racism,” she said. Summit County Council Member Jeff Wilhite pointed to fundamentals, like housing and food security, as the foundation for creating progress in Akron. He reiterated the collaboration necessary to tackle the city’s challenges.
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‘We are still fighting for justice:’ Church officials, demonstrators pray for justice for JaylandWhile Akron waits for a grand jury decision on whether to indict eight police officers who fatally shot Jayland Walker, church officials and community members are also focusing on peace, prayer and police accountability.
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Community activists keep Jayland Walker’s memory alive as grand jury convenes“We wish this wouldn’t have happened to Jayland. We wish our family member would have been the end. We hoped that would’ve created some positive change in Akron so this wouldn’t happen to anybody else,” said Vaughn.
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Akron Children’s Museum unveils 3,000 square-foot expansion, new exhibits downtownThe Akron Children’s Museum expansion will allow the museum to serve more community members and includes a new exhibit workshop, a recording studio, exhibit space, a sensory room, two meeting/party rooms, an office and a nursing room.
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Man breaks window, fires multiple shots into Akron apartmentFour people, including a four-year-old child, were inside the apartment when the crime happened.
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