In a speech that ran over an hour the 23-year mayor of the Summit County seat largely stayed positive.
But Plusquellic acknowledged what he called a tough year both professionally and personally, and did not shy away from taking shots at opponents, beginning with the unions representing fire and police officers who refused to acquiesce to the mayor's plea for concessions -- even as other employees, union and non union, were accepting buyouts, pay cuts, and staff reductions.
MAYOR DON PLUSQUELLIC:
"Most everyone in Akron actually gets it --- except some of the leaders of our bargaining units, who apparently are waiting for the Income Tax Fairy to appear... and drop magic dust on the city's budget."
A prime reason for that reduced budget, is reduced income tax collection; due to high unemployment.
Plusquellic says the city is fighting to keep viable companies from leaving, or failing, but that the economy and many banks which refuse credit to potential employers - are frustrating him - and devastating the city.
The mayor also suffered a recall election in 2009, with opponents charging he does too much `outside' Akron - a reference to his trips overseas to court companies that might move here.
The measure was overwhelmingly defeated.
Plusquellic pointed to the Akron Global Business Accelerator as evidence of the success of such trips. It now has 50 tenants, some of which are overseas companies. many moving to Akron from around the world, creating hundreds of jobs for locals.
But despite some successes, Plusquellic says city spending still needs to be reduced. He says he can't promise "No New Taxes".
PLUSQUELLIC:
"If it comes to that point and I have to take that position - I will do it. At this point we have no plans to do it - I don't think that right now would be a good time to ask our residents; 12% of whom are out of work; to put more money in the pot."
He also sees savings in merging operations with Summit County where feasible, including a Health District that's still in the talking stage, but showing promise.
PLUSQUELLIC:
"We will have better health coverage in this community from the public sector than we ever had before, I'm convinced, by working together."
Which is what he's asking all of Akron, to do with him.
Rick Jackson, 90.3.
