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Mayoral recall squashed

First ballot attempt in Akron history to boot mayor fails by massive margin. Plusquellic vows to stay strong, fight

By Stephanie Warsmith and Carol Biliczky
Beacon Journal staff writers

Akron voters sent a strong message Tuesday: We support our mayor.

Winning every one of the city's 153 precincts and receiving nearly 75 percent of the vote overall, Don Plusquellic overwhelmingly thwarted the first attempted recall of an Akron mayor and will keep the job he has held since the 1980s.

At a victory party at Musica on East Market Street, Plusquellic bounded on stage about 9:30 p.m. and soon got teary-eyed.

‘‘I am going to continue to be strong and fight for the citizens of Akron,’’ Plusquellic told about 200 supporters to raucous applause.

He thanked a long list of people who helped with the anti-recall effort, including his Cabinet, City Council members and his family. He got emotional when he thanked his girlfriend, Melissa Barnhart, who stood on the stage with him, along with three of his five grandchildren.

Plusquellic told the crowd about advice his grandmother gave him when he was working at McDonald's as a teenager. He said she told him ‘‘there will be a small percentage who - no matter how hard you work, they will never be satisfied.’’ She said he shouldn't let these people dictate his actions.

‘‘We will never, ever make a certain percentage of this community happy,’’ he said. ‘‘If we dwell on them, if we let them set our agenda, God help us.’’

Warner Mendenhall, the Akron attorney who led the recall campaign, and others involved in the effort met at the Country Diner, on East Market Street, which has been the group's frequent gathering place.

Just after 9 p.m., with his 3-year-old daughter, Lilly, clutching his leg, Mendenhall conceded defeat.

‘‘We have sent an important message to City Hall,’’ Mendenhall said. ‘‘The message got through in a substantial way. This will change the future of the city.’’

Plusquellic's supporters were jubilant Tuesday night.

Council President Marco Sommerville punched his fists in the air like a boxer.

‘‘The people have spoken loud and clear,’’ he said. ‘‘The mayor is doing a good job and shouldn't be recalled. I hope everyone gets the message . . . I don't think there can be any confusion.’’

Akron developer Tony Troppe, who owns the live-music venue where the mayor's party was held, said the vote was an ‘‘affirmation that Akron is going in the right direction.’’

‘‘We're not only rockin', we're rollin',’’ he said. ‘‘It's the Don show.’’

Gary Wyatt, a community activist who works for the U.S. Postal Service, said he was impressed by the difference Plusquellic has made at the city, state and national levels.

‘‘The momentum is powerful with this administration,’’ Wyatt said.

The recall fared worst in Ward 8, which includes the affluent neighborhood of Northwest Akron, going down by nearly 82 percent. The highest percentage for the recall - nearly 36 percent - came in Ward 6, which includes the eastern half of Goodyear Heights and Ellet, traditionally blue-collar, middle-class neighborhoods.

Mendenhall launched the recall effort in November, when he unveiled a Web site to gauge whether he could muster enough volunteers for a campaign. He said Plusquellic had taken Akron in the wrong direction, pointing to the city's debt level and what he deemed the mayor's excessive spending and travel and crass demeanor.

Plusquellic and his supporters countered that the city has received numerous awards under the mayor's 23-year tenure and that Akron is in much better shape than other cities in Ohio and elsewhere.

Serious response

Plusquellic, who was elected to a sixth term in 2007, made it known early on that he was taking the recall effort seriously. He said during his annual State of the City speech in February, ‘‘I may be in the fight of my life.’’

In Change Akron Now's second attempt in May, the group submitted more than the 3,179 valid signatures required to trigger the recall.

Another recall could be tried; Akron's charter has no limitation on how often a recall may be attempted.

Mendenhall and other recall supporters have said, however, they wouldn't launch another effort. The group is expected to remain active and has been kicking around ideas.

Many of the arguments that began with the recall are expected to carry into the upcoming Akron City Council races, when every seat will be on the ballot and most are expected to be contested. The filing deadline for these and other local races is Thursday.

Run for council

During the concession speech, Mendenhall formally announced his wife's candidacy for an at-large council seat.

Kelly Mendenhall said she chose to run because the mayor's office ‘‘demonized’’ Change Akron Now in mailings for not having a public office.

‘‘Maybe I should do something about this,’’ she said.

‘‘This isn't how people should be treated.’’

Kelly Mendenhall said she would not run for mayor, but daughter Lilly got some laughs when she said she would run.

Plusquellic said he will continue to try to attract business people from outside, work with Akron's neighbors, fight crime and improve infrastructure. He also talked about his failed plan to lease the city's sewers to pay for college scholarships and pledged to find an alternative.

‘‘I will spend the rest of my life and energy doing everything I can to give this age, of every color, the opportunity for an education that's adequate,’’ he said, pointing to his grandchildren. ‘‘By God, we are going to find a way.’’


Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at 330-996-3705 or swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com. Carol Biliczky can be reached at 330-996-3729 or cbiliczky@thebeaconjournal.com.

 

Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic celebrates the defeat of a recall attempt at an election party at Musica on Tuesday in Akron, Ohio. (Mike Cardew/Akron Beacon Journal)
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Akron voters sent a strong message Tuesday: We support our mayor.

Winning every one of the city's 153 precincts and receiving nearly 75 percent of the vote overall, Don Plusquellic overwhelmingly thwarted the first attempted recall of an Akron mayor and will keep the job he has held since the 1980s.

At a victory party at Musica on East Market Street, Plusquellic bounded on stage about 9:30 p.m. and soon got teary-eyed.

‘‘I am going to continue to be strong and fight for the citizens of Akron,’’ Plusquellic told about 200 supporters to raucous applause.

He thanked a long list of people who helped with the anti-recall effort, including his Cabinet, City Council members and his family. He got emotional when he thanked his girlfriend, Melissa Barnhart, who stood on the stage with him, along with three of his five grandchildren.

Plusquellic told the crowd about advice his grandmother gave him when he was working at McDonald's as a teenager. He said she told him ‘‘there will be a small percentage who - no matter how hard you work, they will never be satisfied.’’ She said he shouldn't let these people dictate his actions.

‘‘We will never, ever make a certain percentage of this community happy,’’ he said. ‘‘If we dwell on them, if we let them set our agenda, God help us.’’

Warner Mendenhall, the Akron attorney who led the recall campaign, and others involved in the effort met at the Country Diner, on East Market Street, which has been the group's frequent gathering place.

Just after 9 p.m., with his 3-year-old daughter, Lilly, clutching his leg, Mendenhall conceded defeat.

‘‘We have sent an important message to City Hall,’’ Mendenhall said. ‘‘The message got through in a substantial way. This will change the future of the city.’’

Plusquellic's supporters were jubilant Tuesday night.

Council President Marco Sommerville punched his fists in the air like a boxer.

‘‘The people have spoken loud and clear,’’ he said. ‘‘The mayor is doing a good job and shouldn't be recalled. I hope everyone gets the message . . . I don't think there can be any confusion.’’

Akron developer Tony Troppe, who owns the live-music venue where the mayor's party was held, said the vote was an ‘‘affirmation that Akron is going in the right direction.’’

‘‘We're not only rockin', we're rollin',’’ he said. ‘‘It's the Don show.’’

Gary Wyatt, a community activist who works for the U.S. Postal Service, said he was impressed by the difference Plusquellic has made at the city, state and national levels.

‘‘The momentum is powerful with this administration,’’ Wyatt said.

The recall fared worst in Ward 8, which includes the affluent neighborhood of Northwest Akron, going down by nearly 82 percent. The highest percentage for the recall - nearly 36 percent - came in Ward 6, which includes the eastern half of Goodyear Heights and Ellet, traditionally blue-collar, middle-class neighborhoods.

Mendenhall launched the recall effort in November, when he unveiled a Web site to gauge whether he could muster enough volunteers for a campaign. He said Plusquellic had taken Akron in the wrong direction, pointing to the city's debt level and what he deemed the mayor's excessive spending and travel and crass demeanor.

Plusquellic and his supporters countered that the city has received numerous awards under the mayor's 23-year tenure and that Akron is in much better shape than other cities in Ohio and elsewhere.

Serious response

Plusquellic, who was elected to a sixth term in 2007, made it known early on that he was taking the recall effort seriously. He said during his annual State of the City speech in February, ‘‘I may be in the fight of my life.’’

In Change Akron Now's second attempt in May, the group submitted more than the 3,179 valid signatures required to trigger the recall.

Another recall could be tried; Akron's charter has no limitation on how often a recall may be attempted.

Mendenhall and other recall supporters have said, however, they wouldn't launch another effort. The group is expected to remain active and has been kicking around ideas.

Many of the arguments that began with the recall are expected to carry into the upcoming Akron City Council races, when every seat will be on the ballot and most are expected to be contested. The filing deadline for these and other local races is Thursday.

Run for council

During the concession speech, Mendenhall formally announced his wife's candidacy for an at-large council seat.

Kelly Mendenhall said she chose to run because the mayor's office ‘‘demonized’’ Change Akron Now in mailings for not having a public office.

‘‘Maybe I should do something about this,’’ she said.

‘‘This isn't how people should be treated.’’

Kelly Mendenhall said she would not run for mayor, but daughter Lilly got some laughs when she said she would run.

Plusquellic said he will continue to try to attract business people from outside, work with Akron's neighbors, fight crime and improve infrastructure. He also talked about his failed plan to lease the city's sewers to pay for college scholarships and pledged to find an alternative.

‘‘I will spend the rest of my life and energy doing everything I can to give this age, of every color, the opportunity for an education that's adequate,’’ he said, pointing to his grandchildren. ‘‘By God, we are going to find a way.’’


Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at 330-996-3705 or swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com. Carol Biliczky can be reached at 330-996-3729 or cbiliczky@thebeaconjournal.com.



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Jjams

Posted 11:31 PM, 06/23/2009

What a waste of time of money because a few people were playing the I dont like you political game.


Reality
Akron, oh

Posted 11:32 PM, 06/23/2009

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
GASP, GASP hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahha
hahahahahahahahaha GASP, GASP hahahahahaha
hahahahahahahahaha


in b4 overtaxed et al claim fraud.


r m kraus
Akron, OH

Posted 11:40 PM, 06/23/2009

Beating the recall will not change Plusquellic . . . . it might make him more arrogant than ever . . . . he will still be the tyrannical know-it-all who treats those that disagree with him as enemies . . . . . he will still have favorites upon whom he will generously bestow taxpayers' money . . . . too bad for Akron . . . . too bad for the little fellows that get in Plusquellic's way . . . . . . to hell with the little fellow, majority rules.

rmk, akron


WSP
AKRON, ohio

Posted 11:42 PM, 06/23/2009

What new and improved way will MendonHOLE waste the taxpayers money now? Except for not paying his own personal taxes???


immaculate-germ
Methron, OH

Posted 11:52 PM, 06/23/2009

POW, RIGHT IN THE KISSER!!!

all im saying til tax dares type


UAEngineering
Highland Square, OH

Posted 11:55 PM, 06/23/2009

HAHAHAHA

this is proof enough for me-- ohio.com does NOT represent the mentality of the average akronite.

NEGATIVE NANCY'S UNITE ON OHIO.COM


HAHAHHA. GO DON! GO UA! GO EVERYTHING THAT GIVES THESE IMBECILES SOMETHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT!


John
Westerville, OH

Posted 12:00 AM, 06/24/2009

Emperor Don has spent his 22 years catering to big business and building up downtown Akron while Akron's once proud neighborhoods have deteriorated into ghettos. North Hill, The Kenmore area (not even safe during the day), Firestone Park, and do you remember Rolling Acres Mall? Don's definition of "Big business" in the neighborhoods is a strip club or a tattoo parlor. Ahhhh, but if we're talking downtown, that's a different story.

Unemployment is at double-digits in Akron, and if you're not representing downtown Akron at the bargaining table, you're simply out of luck.

Again I'll ask the question of North Hill folks... is North Hill better today than it was in 1987?


justasking
akron, oh

Posted 12:08 AM, 06/24/2009

Congrats Mayor Don!!!
Go have lunch on us at Ken Stewart's!!
Enjoy--- you deserve it!! :)


steven

Posted 12:16 AM, 06/24/2009

the naysayers such as John of Westerville. What do you know of Akron? Keep making these blanket statements based on what? I have many rental properties in the city, in all parts. Yes some parts of some neighborhoods are not what they were. but that is true of every city in this part of the US. Not Don P. fault. In fact, AKron is in much better shape regarding neighborhoods than most cities of its size, Take a trip to Youngstown, toledo, dayton cleveland, and surrounding states. The subprime mess that is driving a lot of the problems facing some neighborhoods is beyond local control in many aspects. Kenmore? I have homes in Kenmore and to make a blanket statement that Kenmore is not safe even in daytime is utter BS. Such negative and blanket statements do NOTHING to help, they just hurt this city.


geazer
Minneapolis, MN

Posted 12:18 AM, 06/24/2009

Congratulations, Mr. Mayor.


chick
akron, oh

Posted 12:24 AM, 06/24/2009

Instead of going to Ken Stewart's, why don't ya go to Tangier's...you know...the place that you took black community leaders for a free lunch, then took them to vote...I see nothing wrong with eating at a placew that is opperated by murders. I guess neither do you, Don


Mall Rat
Akron, OH

Posted 12:25 AM, 06/24/2009

Well, that was easy.


SquareWest
Akron, OH

Posted 12:37 AM, 06/24/2009

''We will never, ever make a certain percentage of this community happy,'' he said. ''If we dwell on them, if we let them set our agenda, God help us.''
---

He must read the comments section on here. Whoop!


chick
akron, oh

Posted 12:40 AM, 06/24/2009

I totally agree with r m kraus. I just can't wait to hear what kind of special comments that the mayor has for those of us that voted for the recall. Does any one think that he may have learned from the reactions to his previous remarks about people who disagree with him ?...I doubt it. I'm sure that he'll find a more special place in hell for us...one worse than the place that he wanted for those who voted against the lease of the sewer system. Mister mayor, I know that the recall didn't pass. And I know that a large percent of the people voted against the recall...but you might want to consider why so many in Akron are un-happy with you. Try to accept your win with a little class and keep your hateful comments to your self...we too are tax payers and we deserve your respect...after all..you work for us...on that note, go have a celebration with Cindy and George...maybe you can spring O.J. from jail so he can complete the group :)


jhb
Akron, oh

Posted 12:42 AM, 06/24/2009

What is one lesson we are taught as children? Don't be a sore loser. As long as you try your best, keep your head up high. Look, the antimayor clan has tried their best, and spent lots of unneccessary money doing it. However, it appears that you have been outnumbered. The people of Akron have spoken. Good try. Now instead of wasting your breath about how you are not happy with the results and how much you dislike the mayor, use those efforts to change something. Fix something in your own neighborhood. Stop sitting around screaming, waiting for someone else to fix it. All it takes is a little effort from people to set change in motion.


mzEsqusite
Cuyahoga Falls, Oh

Posted 12:48 AM, 06/24/2009

chick, get it right Tangiers is owned by someone else. I guess you don't read the papers...........


Tony James
Hudson, OH

Posted 12:56 AM, 06/24/2009

What a waste of money, time and resources


chick
akron, oh

Posted 12:59 AM, 06/24/2009

I don't feel that there was lots of unneccessary money spent on the recall elction. The mayor needed to know that alot of people are very unhappy with him. If it took this election to get that message across, then it wasn't wasted. and yes, the antimayor clan did try their best. By having this election, we did try to fix something that was and is in desprate need of fixing...it just didn't happen this time...


Jester
Akron, Oh

Posted 01:01 AM, 06/24/2009

The Plusquellic sheep are happy....baaaaa baaaaaa lol


chick
akron, oh

Posted 01:02 AM, 06/24/2009

Did you read the papers, your self? After Cindy went to jail and was released, Tangiers was put back into Ed Tangier's control...


chick
akron, oh

Posted 01:04 AM, 06/24/2009

Did you read the paper your self? After Cindy got out of prison, Tangier's was put back into Ed's name...I read it in the Beacon Journal..


UAEngineering
Highland Square, OH

Posted 01:26 AM, 06/24/2009

''We will never, ever make a certain percentage of this community happy,'' he said. ''If we dwell on them, if we let them set our agenda, God help us.''
---

He must read the comments section on here. Whoop!

----
HA! So true. Ohio.com, were pessimism happens.




The_Original_Jason
Make the world a better place... punch a Steeler fan in the face, .

Posted 01:26 AM, 06/24/2009

Chick,

No, that was wasted money. I'm glad I helped pay to launch Kelly Mendenhall's campaign. The Mendenhalls suck more public dollars than the worst welfare queens in town. I'm sure if she gets elected, she won't grandstand the entire time.

Haha


domer
medina, oh

Posted 01:31 AM, 06/24/2009

What in hell does Tangier's and the George's have to do with the recall??

Morons!


Overtaxed Voter
Akron, OH

Posted 01:32 AM, 06/24/2009

I notice that the ABJ didn't mention the approximately $11.00 per vote that the Anti-Recall folks spent compared to the approximately $0.50 per vote the Pro-Recall folks spent.

I guess those huge "Vote No" signs placed (illegally?) on city property don't come cheap.

Also, is it really that hard to get an accurate crowd estimate?

======================

ABJ reports:

" 'I am going to continue to be strong and fight for the citizens of Akron,' Plusquellic told about 200 supporters to raucous applause."

AkronNewsNow reports:

"Plusquellic held a joyous victory celebration with about 125 campaign supporters at Musica"

======================



RUNUTS
Akron, OH

Posted 01:34 AM, 06/24/2009

It's not over.


The_Original_Jason
Make the world a better place... punch a Steeler fan in the face, .

Posted 01:40 AM, 06/24/2009

RUNUTS,

You can't see me doing it, but I'm laughing at you.

Like shooting fish in a barrel!


The_Original_Jason
Make the world a better place... punch a Steeler fan in the face, .

Posted 01:43 AM, 06/24/2009

RUNUTS and OV,

Are you guys posting from the wireless corridor downtown? I wasn't sure if the "party" let out yet.


Lie Detector
Akron, oh

Posted 01:57 AM, 06/24/2009

The Don will be challenged again. Don are still bad for Akron


Gerard
Akron, OH

Posted 02:37 AM, 06/24/2009

I have never seen a community more in denial that they VOTED in a incompetant candidate in the first place.

It's like a little kid who stole candy . . . the kid will never admit that they did anything wrong even when the Jolly Rancher is sticking out of their nose.

That's why the vote was overwhelming!


Jax
Akron, Oh

Posted 02:51 AM, 06/24/2009

Congratulations Mayor Don!!!!!!!


Ignorance Kills
Tepplin, DC

Posted 04:06 AM, 06/24/2009

I think most Akron voters are intelligent people who can make adult decisions. This recall was child's play, and the majority of Akronites who participated in this election acknowledged as much. End of story.

To the recall organizers and backers, and yes Warner, Larry Parker, Miss Tia, Davidian, Akronwatch, et.al., I'm talking to YOU ALL: If you want to take this city down an alternate path, you need a vision and a plan to match. It's no longer enough (if it ever was) to post on this board, whining about what a mean, nasty guy Plusquellic is... going on and on about how more people should realize this.

Did any of you ever catch a clue that maybe most Akron voters DO realize that Plusquellic could use some work on his people skills? And that despite this, they still regard him as an effective manager who has been more good than not for the city?

You guys are now 0 for 3 against Plusquellic. Don't you think it's time to come up with a strategy? I would have said re-think, but that would suggest that you had a strategy to begin with. As I hope you can now see, campaigning on personal vendettas, Warner, is not effective against a popular incumbent. You need a real platform, and until you get one, you will never win.


Urban Renaissance
Akron, OH

Posted 04:36 AM, 06/24/2009

*Princess Leia voice*

"Department of Justice probe, you're our only hope."


lesterslippyII
Wadsworth, Oh

Posted 05:37 AM, 06/24/2009

Is anyone posting on this site, over the age of 16?


OldManGrump
Tallmadge, OH

Posted 05:53 AM, 06/24/2009

The sun will shine today and the temperature will be about 85 degrees. Mayor Don will mount his throne as the rest of us do at least once during the day.

Akron voters - remember you get what you ask for. You had your chance to rid the city of THE DON and you blew it. Too bad - so sad!


immaculate-germ
Methron, OH

Posted 06:03 AM, 06/24/2009

Lay back down Grump with yo repostin mad sad soul, lesterslippyII stop making it so easy to spot out your mad, Tax what happened man??! Oh you know you gone get some SERIOUS hecklin from muaw later for all the negativity you put us through, may the mayor raise your taxes to double.


wilma

Posted 06:15 AM, 06/24/2009

I would like to congradulate all the voters who support the mayor and hanging our police and fire out to dry. when your robbed by one of the thugs the mayor and marco defend to the end just remember you voted to let the police come to your aid in a "sled" and thats why your in the place you are. thank you for signing the death warrent for the city of akron.


RSelleEcom
Uniontown, Oh

Posted 06:21 AM, 06/24/2009

Akron was once a great place to live. I moved to Uniontown after building a new home in 1985. I still work in Akron so I still pay city taxes. It seems as though my tax money could be spent better by having more police officers to make the streets safe again. I have no vote so I can not help to change the way things are. Most of the people that I know do not feel safe in most parts of the city. The area that I grew up in is now a run down shadow of the proud community that I remember. What has happened to make the area so bleak. I went to Garfield High School and got a great education and have a good job. Baseball stadiums and boarded up restaraunts (Youngs) should not be paid for with dollars that could be spent better on safty and upgrading the decaying neighberhoods. I only work in Akron and thank God that I can leave behind the mismanagement and crime at the end of the day. I feel sorry for those without the means to leave this unsafe decaying area behind It may be to late to stop the slide down the slippery slope that has become the Akron that I know today.


sixpantsmaloney
Akron, OH

Posted 06:24 AM, 06/24/2009

The recall failed to get more votes because no clear alternatives were presented. The vision stopped at "Don's a jerk". There was no lucid, long-term plan.

Still... 75%? In political terms that's pure humiliation.


ElletDonald
akron, oh

Posted 06:36 AM, 06/24/2009

Good job FOP. You really made a point by calling every day and still losing by a 3 to 1 on recalling a great mayor. My applause.


PacMan
My Heart Is In K-Town, .

Posted 06:36 AM, 06/24/2009

One last time as stated many times in recent months:

My money is on The Don.


rayy
Akron, OH

Posted 06:39 AM, 06/24/2009

Grump, you can be sad if you want to, and/or as grumpy as you wanna be. Those of us that live in Akron are quite pleased. The recall made no sense. Have a temporary mayor for 3 months, then another election? For what, because our current mayor has some rough edges? Silly. We are better off.


Bergermeister
Akron, OH

Posted 06:47 AM, 06/24/2009

Now that the good people of Akron have spanked Mendenhall back into oblivion there are still two more things on the agenda that need to be addressed:

1) Get Overtaxed, RU and OMG to join Warner in oblivion.
2) Get City Council to rewrite the charter to make sure this recall nonsense only takes place when it is valid.

CONGRATS, MAYOR DON! I agree with jusasking! Lunch for the staff at Ken Stewart's. I think the city can afford about $3-5K for it. I would suggest more, but Mendenhall and his minions just blew the petty cash fund with this stupid recall election!

:0)


thecatinthehatisback
Hudson, OH

Posted 06:48 AM, 06/24/2009

Let's put a positive spin on this for the losers -- maybe Warner could move to cuyahoga county, where they really do need a recall. but in Akron, just over 5 percent of the registered voters supported the recall. goes to show you how much how a small group of people can dominate the bile on the internet.


firehousebassguy
Louisville, OH

Posted 06:54 AM, 06/24/2009

Two words; LICENSED PANHANDLING.


The Big Lebowski
Wadsworth, OH

Posted 06:55 AM, 06/24/2009

Hip Hip Hooray!

Good defeated evil once again!

Congratulations to the voters of a Akron for sending yet another clear message that you want Plusquellic as mayor.

Perhaps this time your voices are loud enough to be heard by the Mendenhall camp.


jestere
Akron, Oh

Posted 06:58 AM, 06/24/2009

First time Grump has been close to correct in months... it is sunny. Perhaps I'll go golfing today. Congrats Mayor P and to all the tax paying citizens of Akron. Well done. Way to see through the hidden agendas and personal vendettas and do what is right for Akron. Now about this Kelli Mendi-clown thing... are you serious? WE, the actual people paying taxes, just wasted $200grand so she can launch a run for herself? Clean up your own home, then get back to us NEVER!


The Ghost of Tom Joad
Akron, Oh

Posted 07:04 AM, 06/24/2009


Warner,

Do us all a favor: GO AWAY! The voters of this city rejected in crushing-fashion your lies, half-truths, and hypocritical statements -- we are tired of your negative campaigning and lack of any real vision for this city.

The fact that you and your supporters were chanting that you won last night shows how devoid from reality all of you are. You claimed at the beginning of this nightmare that the voters of this city were tired of their mayor, and would rise up and toss him out of office -- yet, it took you two tries to get the required signatures (representing less than two percent of the city's population), and your movement was crushed by 75 percent of the city's voters in one of the largest municipal elections in history.

We don't want or need you, your wife, or any of the other Mendenbots -- we want real leaders with real ideas about moving this city forward.

So please, Warner, your 15 seconds of fame are up: go back to Silver Lake, pay your taxes (all of them, like the rest of us), chase some more ambulances, and leave us and our families alone.


smarter_than_u
wadsworth, OH

Posted 07:08 AM, 06/24/2009

@ RUNUTS, Overtaxed, Grump, Mendenhall, et al.

First let me congratulate you all for the months you wasted posting and ranting about the Don, the will of the people, and the illegitimate 2007 election. Hmm....75% voted no....seems pretty legitimate to me. Now maybe you all will sit down and shut up. You lost.....HA HA HA HA


Betamax
Akron, OH

Posted 07:08 AM, 06/24/2009

Well well, congratulations to the city hall hero. I don't think too many folks were surprised by the outcome.

Should be fun to read the comments today.


smarter_than_u
wadsworth, OH

Posted 07:09 AM, 06/24/2009

@ RUNUTS, Overtaxed, Grump, Mendenhall, et al.

First let me congratulate you all for the months you wasted posting and ranting about the Don, the will of the people, and the illegitimate 2007 election. Hmm....75% voted no....seems pretty legitimate to me. Now maybe you all will sit down and shut up. You lost.....HA HA HA HA


The Fat Painter
uniontown, oh

Posted 07:14 AM, 06/24/2009

Tis such a shame to have wasted the 200,000 plus dollars on the recall effort when that money could have been better spent on sending one of our politicians on another taxpayer funded fact finding vacations.

Why…That money could have even been used by Obama to have taken his wife on another date but instead was spent on such foolishness as recall attempts.

So…How soon till we begin the recall on Obama ??


Watching in Summit County
akron , oh

Posted 07:16 AM, 06/24/2009

smarter than u...... sitting down and shutting up is not how politics works. so no that won't happen.

my vote is on lilly... she have more sense than all of you put together.


Eric

Posted 07:25 AM, 06/24/2009

Look at the numbers, the recall lost in all 153 precincts. Not one precinct!


Truthtalk
akron, oh

Posted 07:26 AM, 06/24/2009

Okay...As I said in all of my posts before the recall...The mayor is a bully, no doubt. In the real world though...you need a strong willed person to get things done. He won and he is STRONGER than before.

Recallers...you made the move, now reap the rewards...

Where are all the "change akron" people??? Mendenhall...please pay your taxes now!!


lady buckeye
Upstate , ny

Posted 07:27 AM, 06/24/2009

You go Don!!!!!!!!!


Chris S
Akron (west), OH

Posted 07:27 AM, 06/24/2009

@sixpants

I think you’re right on. It is not that the anti-recall people are pro-Don, just anti-recall. Not too hard to figure out; even a caveman can do it.

Don’t all the Akron voters get to vote for the council-at-large seat…..? That will be interesting.


r3rjr

Posted 07:29 AM, 06/24/2009

Recall Obama? HAHA Maybe when he sends even more troops across seas. Or when he dares N. Korea to nuke us.

Good job Mayor, there was no chance you would lose your job. Please though, improve police protection.
Should have used the tax money to improve education, not a recall.


real voice of reason

Posted 07:34 AM, 06/24/2009

Not suprising at all. Akron has never been known for people with alot of sense. You can see they always got out the stupid voters


AllyV80
Akron, OH

Posted 07:35 AM, 06/24/2009

Well, there's a shocker. Talk about a waste of taxpayer money...


Cat
Portage Lakes, OH

Posted 07:47 AM, 06/24/2009

Congratulations to the Mayor and the city of Akron.
You've trounced the naysayers and have determined to move your city forward.

We moved away from Akron to help care for our elderly parents, but we still frequent the city. The downtown area is by far better and still improving than it was when the Mayor took office.
The neighborhoods are struggling a bit, but are better tended than the other cities of Akron's size and situation. Much grant money has been spent in the outlying neighborhoods and more will be spread around. Remember, it was Akron's mayor who was first to apply for the stimulus money while others were posturing.

The Mayor is definitely rough around the edges, but he is also a very good leader and an enthusiastic hard worker. His leadership and ingenuity have held Akron together and will bring the city to shine.

Today is a beautiful day!


Akroudy
Front Line, KC

Posted 07:53 AM, 06/24/2009

Akron in my prayers. It is exciting to see the young moving out. Pray for the others. I hope the people at least got a look at the corruption in the city. I look at the city and think just because you put lipstick on a pig, it is still a pig.
Good luck to those that can not escape Akron you are in my prayers. To the young, leave as soon as you can.


Retired

Posted 07:54 AM, 06/24/2009

Old Man Grump needs to direct his attentions to his own back yard! Tallmadge's mayor is the one who needs to be recalled! Your town isn't doing so well these days, is it? Again, where is your fine "town center"?


Retired

Posted 07:55 AM, 06/24/2009

They should make everyone who signed that stupid recall petition pay for the "special" election. What a waste of taxpayer money!


gene
akron, OH

Posted 07:55 AM, 06/24/2009

Consider that the Mayor stayed in office with less than 15% of registered Akron voters? Thats a mandate from the people?


ProudOfAkron
Akron, Oh

Posted 07:57 AM, 06/24/2009

Thank You RSelleEcom of Unioniontown,

I've lived in Firestone Park for 36 years now and this is the first time I knew I was living in a GHETTO. I always thought that my neighborhood was holding it's own and actually improving over the years. Guess I'll have to sell home and move to Uniontown before the spreading urban decay you speak of spreads here and destroys my property value. Now if you would like to see some REAL urban decay, take a drive 5o miles East and tour Youngstown, especially the North side. Then you will really see what government mismanagement and urban decay looks like. Perhaps instead of fleeing to the suburbs you might have stayed in Akron and actually done something yourself to make this city a better place. Certainly is easy to criticize the city of Akron and it's administration isn't it, especially from Uniontown. I resent your statement that Akeon is dying because you really don't have a clue as to what is going on in Firestone Park and other neighborhoods in our city. If you are so concerned about the plight and downfall of this beautiful city, how about move back here and do your part to help improve things.....perhaps even run for Mayor in the next election. Bet you would fare just about as well as the recall did.


Janine

Posted 07:59 AM, 06/24/2009

I'm relieved! Well said by Ignorance Kills. As for Chick, you keep saying things like "a lot" of people and "so many" people were against the Mayor, well, in fact,in the scheme of things the results prove just the opposite.

Life can go on now.


big jer
Akron, OH

Posted 08:01 AM, 06/24/2009

time to close up this rediculous loophole in the city charter.


Liz

Posted 08:06 AM, 06/24/2009

At least it's over and the mayor can get back to work


Gain Some More Reality
Akron, OH

Posted 08:07 AM, 06/24/2009

@r m kraus, if your statement is true, and all time will tell, I am wondering why the recall group felt so victorious in their statements after losing 3-to-1. If they cannot change the mayor, what did they really accomplish?


Retired

Posted 08:09 AM, 06/24/2009

Didn't I read where 8,000 people signed the recall petition? If so, interesting that only 7,325 voted to have him recalled! Guess the rest had a change of heart. Where is Mendenhall? Out looking for a way to pay his own taxes?


bilbo
Akron, Oh

Posted 08:11 AM, 06/24/2009

Mendenhall actually had the nerve to lie and say the recall effort sent a strong message. Yes it did but not the one he claims. His efforts single handedly sent the message that we support our mayor. Mendenhall and his mendenbots are good at one thing: shooting themsleves in the foot and on our dime.


empowermentone1
akron, oh

Posted 08:17 AM, 06/24/2009

IT goes simple, Just like this follow the money our resident crook and his band of thieves had much more than the challenger crook and his band of thieves. The golden rule he who has the most gold rules, Now Dandy Don and the boys can go back to doing what they do best wasting our money on their insider personal gain agendas. Business as usual.


Welcometothejungle
Akron, OH

Posted 08:17 AM, 06/24/2009

Seamus8...are you kidding me? That was a terrible thing to say.


gene
akron, OH

Posted 08:18 AM, 06/24/2009

80% of Akron voters didn't care about the Mayor or the recall, they didn't vote. Thats the real landslide here.


honestgirl
AKRON, OH

Posted 08:22 AM, 06/24/2009

@ OVERTAXED Voter "I notice that the ABJ didn't mention the approximately $11.00 per vote that the Anti-Recall folks spent compared to the approximately $0.50 per vote the Pro-Recall folks spent.

I guess those huge "Vote No" signs placed (illegally?) on city property don't come cheap."

YOU NEED TO STOP! HE WON GET OVER IT YOU ARE NOBODY GOT IT OLD MAN!WE DONT NEED YOU TO KEEP BASHING THE SITE OR WRITERS ON IT < THAT YOU READ ALL DAY EVERY DAY AND COMMENT ON >GET A LIFE OLD MAN TAKE A NAP AND SHUT UP


farwest side
Akron, OH

Posted 08:22 AM, 06/24/2009

Guess I will put my two cents worth in here..

The recallers played entirely by the rules that are in place at this time.. should they be changed?? That is a subject for future debate..

Should the recall have been attempted? Like I said they played by the rules, though I prefer to remove a politician though the normal election process where I have a clear choice, which one does not have in a recall.

I continue to maintain that given the one party rule in Akron that the mayoral election should be nonpartisan. You know it will be all democrats... in this way independents and the few republicans in Akron can have a voice.


Doug N

Posted 08:24 AM, 06/24/2009

Well, I must say, I never got the point of the recall other than being a personal vendetta against Plusquelic. The only argument I ever seemed to see was, "this guy's a jerk." How is it that he's held office for over 20 years? He was just re-elected TWO years ago! This was a complete waste of time and all you pro recall supporters need to give it up. If you really want him out, provide a strong enough candidate to oppose him. I'm actually indifferent on the job the mayor's doing. I do think there could be some benefit to an alternative point of view being presented in Akron's government, but a recall was completely unfounded since there was no proof that any fraud was being committed. How would the city go about imposing term limits? I do think that this could be a viable alternative.


veggiegirl45
Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Posted 08:28 AM, 06/24/2009

I don't know what the answer is but something has got to be done about the city of Akron. The city as a whole is in turmoil and most neighborhoods are not safe to walk around in. Crime and unemployment is rising to an alarming rate and the number of boarded up houses is ridiculous. This city needs help and whether your a supporter of the mayor or not, there is no way of denying this.


Whatevs
Akron, Oh

Posted 08:30 AM, 06/24/2009

Let's all not forget to congratulate the ABJ. The paper went out of its way to paint recall supporters as being nothing more than a bunch of crazies. The folks at the ABJ should really be ashamed of themselves. I wonder how many ABJ reporters actually live in Akron.

One good thing about the recall, we can be certain about the direction the city is headed, and it ain't good. Wait and see. For everyone who says, "be glad we're not Youngstown, Cleveland, etc.," it's coming.


whatah
Norton, OH

Posted 08:33 AM, 06/24/2009

too bad for Akron, SO GLAD I MOVED OUT OF IT!!


mgreat2785
Akron, Oh

Posted 08:37 AM, 06/24/2009

JOHN

He is the mayor, not a super hero. I live in Kenmore, and yes, it has gone downhill, but you are telling me it's not safe to walk in the day? You must be a pretty boy because funny I do it all the time. I would walk day or night. PERHAPS it's the PEOPLE that live in Kenmore. YOU can't tell people where to live and not live. It's the people that make the neighborhoods go downhill, not the mayor. Did you not know that we are in a recession and more than Kenmore and North Hill has changed since the 80s! People want to do crime and have crappy houses. Not the mayor. If it's not safe anymore, maybe people should be looking at themselves. This whole thing was stupid, he is doing a great job. We never had a mayor that really stuck around long enough to do anything before Plusquellic. But, I figure you didn't read up on that either.


mgreat2785
Akron, Oh

Posted 08:38 AM, 06/24/2009

AKROUDY, WHICH BY THE WAY IT'S SPELLED AKROWDY. Um why don't you worry about where you live, not everyone else? You don't see other mayors around here going to Washington or overseas for the Board of Mayors.


justagirl
Akron, OH

Posted 08:40 AM, 06/24/2009

Well said ProudOfAkron, well said!


Meredith

Posted 08:41 AM, 06/24/2009

victory!!!!! congrats!!


bilbo
Akron, Oh

Posted 08:45 AM, 06/24/2009

Tar and Feather Warner Mendenhall and save enough for Kelly.


savedbygrace
Akron, Oh

Posted 08:49 AM, 06/24/2009

I am happy for The Mayor, I am also proud that I live in a country where, there is REAL DEMOCRACY. I believe that we all have a right to our opinions. We have a right to fight something if our charter says we can. Change the language in the charter so that recalls are used for what they are suppose to be used for. Stop being angry at people because they used their right as a citizen to vote how they feel. Mayor Don some of us feel that you are doing great, others feel you are not, but each of us as citizens and voters have a right to sign, a petition, agree, or disagree, vote for, or against, it is what makes me so proud to live in America. With all of her faults, I would not want to live in any other country, and I am proud to live in Akron. I pray that now we can all move forward.


The Big Lebowski
Wadsworth, OH

Posted 08:50 AM, 06/24/2009

Where is AkronWatch???

Probably crying over the latest post at www.watchingakronwatch.org


The_Original_Jason
Make the world a better place... punch a Steeler fan in the face, .

Posted 08:51 AM, 06/24/2009

wilma,

We get it, you're bitter. Stop wasting our time and get on the line with U-Haul since you hate it so much.


william

Posted 08:52 AM, 06/24/2009

A bad day for Crakron, as the city slides further away into oblivion.


Fix_It_Already
Akron, oh

Posted 08:53 AM, 06/24/2009

@Doug are you seriously trying to tell us that nothing has changed around here in the last 2 years?

This entire country has changed in the last year, and our cities are much worse off for it.


Doug N

Posted 08:57 AM, 06/24/2009

@ Fix It,

No, I don't recall saying that at all. You also proved another good point. The entire country has deteriorated. How is Akron any worse than any other city, particularly Cleveland and Youngstown? Some people just expect government to do everything for them and take zero responsibility themselves.


Onez Wife
Akron, oh

Posted 09:02 AM, 06/24/2009

If you don't like Akron, then Move!!!!! Our city is a 100 times better than it was 20yrs ago, you can't blame the whole economy and all the problems of our city on the Mayor. Blame George Bush. First Obama was supposed to fix our country's many problems over night, atleast thats what people expected, and now its the mayor's fault. Everybody needs somebody else to blame, (for their tax liens). Congratulations Mayor....Once again.


The_Original_Jason
Make the world a better place... punch a Steeler fan in the face, .

Posted 09:04 AM, 06/24/2009

gene,

That's how elections work. Do you have another method?


r
wads, OH

Posted 09:05 AM, 06/24/2009

WOW!! i can't believe you said that!!


whatah
Norton, OH SAID,

Posted 08:33 AM, 06/24/2009

"too bad for Akron, SO GLAD I MOVED OUT OF IT!!"

YOU LIVE IN NORTON!!! the home of every oddball political freak in ohio. the only good thing for the residents on norton was the recall took the heat off of the idiots that go to norton council meetings just to "stir the pot"...get em there to vote at election time would be a lot cheaper for your broke a** little duckburg of a political nightmare.


stephend6
AKRON, OH

Posted 09:06 AM, 06/24/2009

domer Birds of feathers


beachin

Posted 09:08 AM, 06/24/2009

Please, enough time, money and arguing has been spent on this useless project. Can we just move on?
What do all you snippy people do for our city other than complain??


Cav2009
Stow, oh

Posted 09:08 AM, 06/24/2009

Paragraphs are welcomed!



I am enjoying the posts with my coffee, however I am having a difficult time reading some of the posts that are one big block of letters.

Please consider breaking your post up with a line space when the thought changes.

If you are not sure when the thought changes, then just use a line space every six or seven lines of type; it will be easy on the eyes.

Thank you for your consideration.


Spirit of Reagan
Richfield, OH

Posted 09:08 AM, 06/24/2009

This whole thing is funny. Look - local leaders need to get business in here. It wasn't Bush's job. It's the MAYOR'S JOB. Local and state government needs to set the conditions where people want to setup shop here.


degoray

Posted 09:08 AM, 06/24/2009

2 more years of ol Don, and wait until he raises your taxes, and see how you love him. He has screwed the people of Akron, so now we need to be screwed some more. Maybe theirs a place in Hell for him, just like he told us about the sewer deal, let him put that in his pipe and smoke it. You might of won Don, and I am sure you made deals with people in the past, and you got them to vote for you, you are still a rotten mayor and always will be.


The_Original_Jason
Make the world a better place... punch a Steeler fan in the face, .

Posted 09:09 AM, 06/24/2009

Wow, who'd have guessed that Watching in Summit County would be a b*tch about something? Just because your man ignores you doesn't mean we should bear the brunt of the effects.


WSP
AKRON, ohio

Posted 09:10 AM, 06/24/2009

Now that the MendenHOLES have proven themselves to be the idiots we always believed can we sterilize them for the greater good of the community?


Kara4633
Akron, OH

Posted 09:10 AM, 06/24/2009

This is what is wrong with the city, everyone against each other. REALLY?!? Over one man? He obviously has done a decent enough job to be in office for this long, why complain now? As for the waste of money and time, HE IS A POLITITION. HE wastes money ALL of the time, but everyone turns their heads-what we don’t see or know won't hurt us right? We shall see......


Jon

Posted 09:11 AM, 06/24/2009

I voted to recall the mayor, and I'm not afraid to admit it. As a voter, I was asked whether Don Plusquellic should remain Akron's mayor, and I voted to remove a man that's bad at his job from that job, just as any of our employers would do.

I have no loyalty to Warner Mendenhall. I wouldn't vote for him or his wife, but they weren't running for mayor. What I think about him is irrelevant. His name wasn't on the ballot.


A Voice
Akron, , OH

Posted 09:12 AM, 06/24/2009

Mayor, thanks!!
It's better this way!!!
As for the recall losers,I am certain a one way ticket could be secured for your future in politics.

Are Tar and feathers still available??


The Pope
"Your souls condition don't impress,you,a man in a purple dress", ..

Posted 09:13 AM, 06/24/2009

@Betacoward who's hiding over here today and not showing his ignorant face on the Letters Comments:

Mornin' Betamax (Chucklin). Mebbe yus should fry up that Crow this mornin' insteads of a eatin' it raw. Dem feathers cans cause severe chokin'. And I thinks yus should start popin' dem Bud Lites early Iffn' yus wants to wash down that Crow cos the City Hall Hero done won with 76% YES I SAYS 76% of dat darn vote! Now we's knows thats yus not gonna be a poppin' in today. But we knows that yus gonna be a readin' us though. And we's pretty sure that by's the times the sun starts a sinkin' today dat you's face will probably be all drunk and passed out right on you's computer screen! Now you don't worry anys more about your fine City of Akron. All you's neighbors has spoken loud and clear and have complete faith and confidence in The Don. I guess, Betamax, yus could say that they've all collectively just told yus to SHUT UP........Chuclin'


The Fat Painter
uniontown, oh

Posted 09:15 AM, 06/24/2009

So...Don has been in office for 20 years.


Einstein once said, 'The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.'

Youngstown,
Cleveland,
Detriot
Buffalo
Cincinnati
Miami
St. Louis
El Paso
Milwaukee
Philadelphia
Newark



It is the poor who habitually elect Democrats---yet they are still POOR !

"You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred. You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence. You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves."

Abraham Lincoln


stephend6
AKRON, OH

Posted 09:16 AM, 06/24/2009

Gain Some More Reality A brown nose yeeeeeeeeeessssssssssssss man as yourself will never understand.Like proverbs states: When you correct a fool he got more foolish.One lady get shot in Iran AND IT'S WAKES UP THE WORLD.A RECALL WIN OR LOOSE WAKES UP PEOPLE AND THEY START TO TAKE NOTICE.Like in Iran that's dangerous for the person in charge.


peebs02
Canal Fulton, Oh

Posted 09:26 AM, 06/24/2009

@CHICK ,chill the heck out..dang.you sound like a baby who hasnt had its nap yet today.Chill ...Not everyone is ever happy with whos in charge and they all act like they can do a better job.thats always the way.people didnt like Bush,or Clinton,and now I dont like what Obamas doing,but im not joining a crusade to get rid of him.It was a waste of taxpayers money for this recall,and to get 76% of the vote im guessing im not the only one thinking it was a waste of time,energy and money..


The Pope
"Your souls condition don't impress,you,a man in a purple dress", ..

Posted 09:31 AM, 06/24/2009

@Real Voice of Treason: See my post to Betamax........:

LOL......LOL.........LOL.......LOL..................

Mebbe yus should spend the day with Betamax, iffn' yus able to leaves the house today..........

Ha.........Ha.........Ha...........Ha..................


The_Original_Jason
Make the world a better place... punch a Steeler fan in the face, .

Posted 09:37 AM, 06/24/2009

The Fat Painter,

What policies, typical of Democrats, has DP engaged in? Most of the gripes from the recall crowd were due to his economic development, pro-business actions. It is the OPPOSITION that is engaging in populist rhetoric, which I usually expect out of the left. And don't tell me "supporting the cops." Refusing to give the police a blank check for OT, vacation scheduling, not hiring PT officers, etc is not "hating" the cops. If there is a legitimate beef with the cop rolls, then that's a legitimate argument that can be debated and I would likely agree with, but I know first-hand that a lot of hate from the cops is due to pay and HR-related issues. I know four APD cops off the top of my head.


nottheusual1
Tallmadge, OHIO

Posted 09:44 AM, 06/24/2009

@Fat Poncho the Painter: Of all the people who post here, you would be the last one connected to Abraham Lincoln.

Please let us all know where you'll be today so we can avoid the inevitable lightning strike.


Bystander

Posted 09:46 AM, 06/24/2009

still so many negative people. this was a landslide. i still live in akron and am not going anywhere. it needs work, just like most other cities in the U.S., but blanket complaints don't make a difference. you all can run to the suburbs and complain about it all you want, but there are still plenty of people who are staying and working towards making it better.

i don't understand what you all really thought was going to happen... you can't get rid of the mayor without having a realistic option to follow.


nottheusual1
Tallmadge, OHIO

Posted 09:48 AM, 06/24/2009

BetaJoe Eatin' Crow!!!

Need some salt???


Truthtalk
akron, oh

Posted 09:48 AM, 06/24/2009

The POPE...most excellent comments (((chucklin))).

I remember the recallers saying that we should wait for today for some reason...anyone?? anyone???

Recall him at ELECTION time, dimwits.


The Pale Horseman
Tallmadge, Oh

Posted 09:49 AM, 06/24/2009

Wow. Is it not surprising that there is only one post so far from someone? From what I hear the fun is about to begin! What is that Saying? "Like a roaring Lion, seek whom it may devour".


nottheusual1
Tallmadge, OHIO

Posted 09:51 AM, 06/24/2009

@Fat Poncho the Painter goes for an intellectual double saying:"Einstein once said, 'The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.'"

You mean like posting the same mindless drivel every day?

You should speak to that with great eloquence.


RUNUTS
Akron, OH

Posted 09:52 AM, 06/24/2009

its not over.


The Fat Painter
uniontown, oh

Posted 09:52 AM, 06/24/2009

@Spirit of Reagan ~ Look - local leaders need to get business in here. It wasn't Bush's job. It's the MAYOR'S JOB. Local and state government needs to set the conditions where people want to setup shop here.




So...just how do you attract business into your state and local community???

LIKE THIS:

Hey Big Business owner Please come and set up your shop here in our town. Please provide our people with good jobs with health care and benefits. Please revive our city.


In return we promise to bark and complain that you are not paying a fair wage. We will insist that your company pay the cost of every social program that comes along.

We will insist that the Unions have a right to picket your business and force them to pay even more out in compensation to the employees.

You will have no right to refuse any of the strict mandates and regulations imposed upon your business.

Forget about receiving any tax breaks as consideration for setting up shop in our community because we believe you should 'pay your fair share'!

And also please remember that regardless of how great your product is and how much of your own money has been invested in the business; your pay check should be no bigger that those of us who helped build your company.

And when the cost of doing business becomes more than what you receive in profit, please keep this in mind. NAFDA is not the answer. We think it would be unfair for us to have such a part in building your business to what it has become only for you to move out of the country in hopes of cheaper labor and operating cost.


But Hey! We love ya, we need ya, and we all think it would be really neat if ya come here and help us out.


Now that's how you attract business.


nottheusual1
Tallmadge, OHIO

Posted 09:52 AM, 06/24/2009

@RUNUTS: URNUTS


g8rsgal
AKRON, OH

Posted 09:53 AM, 06/24/2009

The Don is still in office!!!


Sally

Posted 09:54 AM, 06/24/2009

1 Describe your vision of Akron, short and long term.
2 Develop a business perspective.
3 Outline your financial goals for Akron.
4 Find a candidate with local, state, national and international connections.
5 Run in the next election.

My sister and her husband moved to Akron 8 years ago. After doing much reasearch, I moved here as well. For a mid sized city Akron is holding her own. I have lived in 2 major and 2 mid sized cities that are NOT in Ohio. Akron has really held in there. I have friends who also moved here in the past 6 years and my mother is moving here in September. I could care less if Mr P. is a horse's behind. I own a home in North Hill. I know my neighbors. I feel comfortable walking around most of my neighborhood night or day. Get out there and be part of the solution, because if you do not, you are the problem. Volunteer, make a difference. Clean up your yard, pick up the trash. Just do something other than whine that you do not like somone's personal behavior. Facts, concrete no- nonsense facts. From the brain, not the 'child' mentality. Go do it, and perhaps folks might take you seriously. My brother in KC and my friends in Toledo have been laughing thier butts off at you recall folks. You just do not have a clue.


nottheusual1
Tallmadge, OHIO

Posted 09:54 AM, 06/24/2009

@bilbo said:"Tar and Feather Warner Mendenhall and save enough for Kelly."

This may be the only time we ever agree on anything........


Minna Wade
akron, OH

Posted 09:55 AM, 06/24/2009

I supported Mayor Plusquellic because I put a lot of stock in two things he does very well: economic development and representing our city to the "outside world."

I do understand the position of many recallers, that he should be more focused on their neighborhood problems, crime and specific projects. Those are important, and I think they have the the mayor's attention. However, I think his role should be more big-picture, and Plusquellic performs well in that role.

I don't believe he will shift his focus as a result of this effort, nor should he.

I'm somewhat disappointed in the waste of time, money and other resources, especially since there were not legitimate issues of malfeasance, but I give Mendenhall et. al. credit for sticking to their potato guns.

Moving right along...


sixpantsmaloney
Akron, OH

Posted 09:56 AM, 06/24/2009

@nottheusual1

Might be the first comment that ever made me laugh out loud.

Storm clouds are a-brewin'!


ed

Posted 09:58 AM, 06/24/2009

Whatevs said: One good thing about the recall, we can be certain about the direction the city is headed, and it ain't good. Wait and see. For everyone who says, "be glad we're not Youngstown, Cleveland, etc.," it's coming.

Oh really? I lived in Akron for 26 years and currently have family there. I have resided in the Mahoning Valley since 1991 and invite you to take a drive through Warren and Youngstown. They are ghost towns. Only the suburbs survive. Yes, Akron has it's rough spots and the mayor is now aware that he must address them with more urgency. Overall however; Akron is light years ahead of these two cities due to its re-vitalized downtown and far more diversified economy. Youngstown Warren regional airport? Dead! GM and Delphi, the area's largest employers are in chapter 11 and most of the area businesses that support these companies are hurting big time. The fact that you have a mayor who aggresively seeks out new business is an asset, even if he is an A hole at times. The Valley should be so lucky.


truth seeker
Barnsville, Ohio

Posted 10:01 AM, 06/24/2009

I am almost 70 years of age going on 39. I remember the Akron Downtown when it was thriving
and why it died. Don is an Honorable man and has
done a great deal to revitalize downtown and Akron
in general. To those protestors against the mayor, there will be another election soon and if you want someone else vote for them. Keep up the good work Mr. Mayor.


nottheusual1
Tallmadge, OHIO

Posted 10:02 AM, 06/24/2009

@sixpantsmaloney: LOL


Just A Mom
Tallmadge, Oh

Posted 10:04 AM, 06/24/2009

Ha!


majorbeefalo
Akron, Oh

Posted 10:15 AM, 06/24/2009

Hey....On the front page picture what the heck is the mayor granddaughter doing up so late?


nikki

Posted 10:21 AM, 06/24/2009

Good job Mayor. All this recall nonsense did was to point out how good you are. I think becoming an All American City starts with the Mayor.

As for the Mendenhall tax cheats and all the rest of the loosers that wanted "change" they can back up Mrs. Mendenhall for a council seat. I wonder what ward would want her representing them? Probably somewhere like say........Baghdad.


whodunit
Akron, OH

Posted 10:22 AM, 06/24/2009

Wow - only ONE comment from Betamax on this entire blog post. And it was only a sheepish one or two sentences. Amazing.

This flies in the face of every negative nancy out there who spent months and months posting on these article blogs, thinking they would actually change the hearts and minds of 75% of Akron voters. All I have to say is - did you REALLY expect any other outcome? Really???


Long live the Don!


stleo
akron, oh

Posted 10:25 AM, 06/24/2009

When the mendenholes finish eating crow, you can use the feathers to tar them with.


Retired

Posted 10:26 AM, 06/24/2009

majorbeefalo: School's out remember? Besides, what business is it of yours? At least she's not out running the streets, robbing stores, and shooting at people! You need to get a life!


warnermendenhall
Akron, Oh

Posted 10:27 AM, 06/24/2009

@SavedbyGrace and Jon. You got it. The hundreds of volunteers who worked on the recall effort created a space for new ideas, debates, and other possibilities. They showed that the citizens are in charge in Akron. They reminded our political leadership that they can be held accountable at any time for their actions.


Kelly_Akron
Akron, OH

Posted 10:31 AM, 06/24/2009

Congratulations Mayor Don... you make us proud!
Thank you.


IDon'tThinkSo
Akron, OH

Posted 10:49 AM, 06/24/2009

So do the taxpayers foot the bill for Don taking his girlfriend on his business trips? Does anyone know how often she accompanies him, and if Don pays her way?


elaine

Posted 10:52 AM, 06/24/2009

Hey, where's my post? Did I say something wrong? I did not use any foul language or anything.


stacie
Akron, OH

Posted 10:54 AM, 06/24/2009

Woo hooooooooo..........All The Hail The Chief - Crybabies!!!!!

I'm so happy the "normal" residents turned out last night to vote to keep our Great Mayor exactly where he belongs....IN HIS OFFICE. You bleeping idiots.


ScottyBoy
akron, oh

Posted 10:55 AM, 06/24/2009

@gene: "Consider that the Mayor stayed in office with less than 15% of registered Akron voters? Thats a mandate from the people?"

Uhhh, gene, you bet, the mayor won overwhelmingly, no matter how you spin it. To win 75% of the vote and go 153-0 by precinct, that's called a good ol' country a55-whippin', an astounding landslide in voting circles.

So, if another golfer wins a tournament that Tiger Woods did not play in, it really doesn't count, huh?


jazmataz06
akron, oh

Posted 10:55 AM, 06/24/2009

I can't see where the Mayor deserved to be recalled anyway. He has been the mayor this long, and yes there are dyng parts of the city, but I don't see how any Mayor would want that to happen on his/her watch. Akron's problems are from people wanting to live in this town anymore. And I am one of them and I know alot more. All I have to say to Mr. plusquellic is....Find a way to make people want to come and stay, and then you will see Akron back on the map.


deidre

Posted 10:59 AM, 06/24/2009

these are some of the best comments ever. Gerald
"It's like a little kid who stole candy . . . the kid will never admit that they did anything wrong even when the Jolly Rancher is sticking out of their nose." - that is classic.
Seamus and Nottheusual - thanks for making me laugh too!!!


PineHollow
Copley, OH

Posted 10:59 AM, 06/24/2009

Retired: running the streets, robbing the stores, shooting at people? Where did you get those possible activities of the young in Akron? Add robbing banks, drug activity and muggings on the streets of Akron, and I might see where you are going w/that. The present and future activities other 'children' of Akron ARE involved in, without the support needed for our brave police force. Term limits are sorely needed here.


Overtaxed Voter
Akron, OH

Posted 11:04 AM, 06/24/2009

==========
@Ignorance Kills

You guys are now 0 for 3 against Plusquellic.
==========

Who taught you how to keep score?

Nov 4, 2008
Plusquellic's "Stools for Schools" Scheme
62.01% NO
37.99% YES

May 8, 2007
Plusquellic's .25% Income Tax "Economic Development" Scheme
65.97% NO
34.03% YES


Overtaxed Voter
Akron, OH

Posted 11:11 AM, 06/24/2009

====================
@ScottyBoy

Uhhh, gene, you bet, the mayor won overwhelmingly, no matter how you spin it. To win 75% of the vote and go 153-0 by precinct
====================

You might want to check your '153-0' facts.

I went to the SuCo Annex on Tallmadge this morning. The results tape was posted on the door (as required by Jennifer Brunner beginning with last Nov's election).

Plusquellic LOST the vote at the precinct and I doubt that it was the only one that went that way.


Dell2

Posted 11:12 AM, 06/24/2009

What a shame. Who paid for the party? Don't complain when he screws up again.


blkswn
Akron, OH

Posted 11:13 AM, 06/24/2009

You can lead a horse to water....


New Akronite
Akron, OH

Posted 11:13 AM, 06/24/2009

I’m new to Akron. I've lived in Kenmore for a little over a year now. I'm from California (Westminster, Orange County) and I know all too well about recalls! :) This one was different in that the man has been mayor for 23 years. If Akronites didn't care for him, they'd’ve voted his @$$ out of office in '07. Get a grip, Mendenhall. You can't kick someone out of office that's been a fixture in the city for 23 yr!! I could understand if there was some crazy scandal surrounding the mayor, but I heard or read nothing to the effect. I tried to inform myself the best I could and what I found was a whinny little punk that had a temper tantrum at the tax payers’ expense. I understand that Mendenhall has concerns, but there are better ways to go about it. Mendenhall's credibility is shot in my opinion. THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN! :)

Congrats Mr. Mayor!! :)


portagelakesguy
Green, Ohio

Posted 11:20 AM, 06/24/2009

The recall was a waste of money. I support no one in this. However, I will say this.

Akron has failed to see the importance of having limits on terms for their Mayor. No one and I mean no one should be in charge of a city for 20 years.

Wake up Akron and vote someone else in. You might be surprised what they can do.

Also, If Akron thinks building a Ball Park and bars is good revitalization, they are sadly mistaken. Industry has not grown back in any way. There are no good paying jobs and the city has really not improved at all.

Wake up and smell the smell of no more more rubber. Akron is a failure and America in general is falling. But people, keep buying you foreign cars everything will be all right. You losers!


RUNUTS
Akron, OH

Posted 11:23 AM, 06/24/2009

Keep informed about how Mayor Plusquellic is financally destroying the city of Akron.

www.akronwatch.org


PacMan
My Heart Is In K-Town, .

Posted 11:25 AM, 06/24/2009

@ whatah – we’re glad you moved too and all the others who no longer live in Akron but continue to bash…


@ William – maybe a bad day for you, certainly not Akron or me


@ Cav2009 – you need a new name to coincide with your avatar 


@ Jon – you need a new yardstick for job measuring

@ all the losers – maybe you can all eat a meal at the East Market restaurant (home of the re callers) and help support their defeat

@ The Pope – yus right on this morning…cuz I dun’t see The Betaneck either…

@ The Fat Painter – if you always do what you always did, you’ll always get what you always got.

@ RUNUTS – it’s over – and I agree with ntu1 - URNUTS


yankeescot
Akron, OH

Posted 11:25 AM, 06/24/2009

I love hearing all the recall supporters whining today, especially you, Overtaxed!

Time to move on folks!! Put your efforts into finding a decent candidate to run against the mayor & quit crying already! You lost, deal with it!


Mathematicaster
akorn, oh

Posted 11:30 AM, 06/24/2009

Fat Painter Boy- you might want to do a little better reading. The attribution you make to Lincoln was actually a 20th century conservative rant by William J. H. Boetcker. In the days when conservatives WERE. Look it up. Oh, and even with that your "quote" was inaccurate. But thanks for playing.

Hey Warner!


ScottyBoy
akron, oh

Posted 11:32 AM, 06/24/2009

@chick: "Did you read the papers, your self? After Cindy went to jail and was released, Tangiers was put back into Ed Tangier's control..."

Boy, that Cindy Tangier sure got away with murder, didn't she?

Jeesh, chick, your moniker should be preceded with "blonde."



KenmoreKid
Akron, OH

Posted 11:33 AM, 06/24/2009

Congratulations to the Mayor and to the overwhelming majority who support him. As for all the naysayers on this board who find it so easy to peevishly post anti-Akron diatribes day in and out -- it really is nice to know you folks are the minuscule minority. Those who work for change generally don't have time for constant anonymous whining on public message boards.


Slovensko
Canton, OH

Posted 11:41 AM, 06/24/2009

Props to the Mayor. . .


Minna Wade
akron, OH

Posted 11:43 AM, 06/24/2009

@ portagelakesguy,

"...smell the smell..."

LOL


Minna Wade
akron, OH

Posted 11:44 AM, 06/24/2009

@ Karen,

Thank you for your post from three months ago. Your modem is REALLY slow!


Dickie M
Scottsdale, AZ

Posted 11:50 AM, 06/24/2009

Woe to the police and fire personnel who have DARED go against Mayor Minusquellic on the residency, retirement benefits, and promotions issues now that the recall attempt has been defeated. Don't anyone ever forget or misjudge how vindictive this man is.


Marie

Posted 12:09 PM, 06/24/2009

The mayor's girlfriend who stood beside him...Is this the same girlfriend who is nearly the same age as his daughter?


ScottyBoy
akron, oh

Posted 12:09 PM, 06/24/2009

@overtaxedvoter: Sorry, I did not have the time nor the luxury to drive over to Tallmadge Ave. I have too much work to do.

I was only going by the text of the ABJ story the started this comment board ...

"Winning every one of the city's 153 precincts and receiving nearly 75 percent of the vote overall ..."

I'll even spot you 5 precincts, 148-5 is still huge!

Look, I'm not a big Don supporter, just against the recall. If you recall guys had put this kind of political and organizational effort behind Joe Finley when you had the chance there would have never been a recall.

@warnermendenhall: By putting the recall to the vote you've made the voters of Akron play their hand. As of this morning the mayor's political strength has been significantly enhanced.


Jon

Posted 12:13 PM, 06/24/2009

@PacMan

A mayor who is constantly butting heads with local law enforcement while the crime rate rises is not doing his job. The mayor and his sidekick Summerville are more likely to speak out against the APD than they are to speak for them.


Overtaxed Voter
Akron,