AKRON, Ohio — Akron City Councilman James Hardy, who has represented Ward 8 since his election last year, abruptly resigned on Monday, citing "recent developments in his professional life."
The resignation of Hardy is effective immediately.
Hardy was elected to Akron City Council after serving as chief of staff for the city from 2015-20. He went on to become Akron's deputy mayor for integrated development until 2021, when he became senior program officer for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Hardy returned to Akron politics with his election to council in Nov. 2023, winning the seat that was held by Shammas Malik before his election as mayor.
In a statement, Hardy says his constituents in Fairlawn Heights, Northwest Akron, Wallhaven, and Merriman Valley "each expect and deserve more attention than I will be able to provide going forward."
You can read the full statement below.
“Carl Jung said, “Life really does begin at forty. Up until then, you are just doing research.” I turned forty years old this year, and for me, Carl’s words ring true. Today, I submitted my resignation from Akron City Council to President Sommerville. I did so with a full heart and deep appreciation to the residents of Ward 8 for electing me.
During my six years on the Akron School Board, my five-plus years as Deputy Mayor and Chief of Staff for the city of Akron, and this past year and a half campaigning for and serving on Akron City Council, I have been overwhelmed by the incredible dedication and compassion alive and well in Akron. I pray I reflected some of that back over the years. It has been an honor and privilege to serve my hometown in such diverse ways.
Recent developments in my professional life have made it impossible for me to provide the time and responsiveness I planned to bring to Ward 8 as its council representative. Fairlawn Heights, Northwest Akron, Wallhaven, and Merriman Valley each expect and deserve more attention than I will be able to provide going forward.
I remain a cheerleader for Akron and plan to volunteer for causes dear to me such as preserving our tree canopy and improving our neighborhood parks. I will work with whomever Akron City Council appoints to fill the vacancy to ensure important items are not lost in transition. Ward 8 voters will get a chance to elect a permanent replacement in 2025, beginning in May with the primary election.
As I embark on the next chapter of my life, I am filled with inner peace and excitement. I thank all my friends and family for their steadfast support."
Akron City Council has 30 days to appoint a new representative. The city says interested applicants must have resided in Ward 8 for the past year and can submit their letter of interest and resume to the Clerk of Council at sbiviano@akronohio.gov by noon on Monday, July 22nd. Until a new Council Representative is selected, Ward 8 residents can contact Councilman-At-Large Jeff Fusco at atlarge1@akronohio.gov or 330-208-5561.
“Akron City Council would like to thank Councilman Hardy for his service to the residents of Ward 8 particularly, but also to the city of Akron as a whole," said Akron City Council President Margo Sommerville in a statement. “His love for the City of Akron and extensiveness of his service to the residents has left an indelible mark than cannot soon be forgotten.”
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