Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan embarked Tuesday on a six-stop neighborhood listening tour, saying he wants to hear concerns from residents and answer their questions.
“Not one person is ever going to have all the answers but I think part of finding those solutions is listening to those in need,” said the Democratic mayor, who is less than five months into his first term.
The event, held in the auditorium at the Helen Arnold Community Learning Center, was attended by about 40 residents, along with plenty of city officials.
In a brief introduction, given from his seat on stage between banners promoting Akron Waterways Renewed and the Akron Zoo, Horrigan told the audience that his approach to the job is to improve education, income and health in the city.
He then let the audience ask questions and air complaints. Overall, he heard from about 20 people.
He was quizzed on topics ranging from the status of the Innerbelt project to why the city wasn’t more vocal in addressing the unrest in the neighborhood after a mother and son were shot to death in their home last week.
Horrigan said residents should start to see some work next month on the project to remove the Innerbelt. But it’s going to be a lengthy process, he said, and the city is still working on a plan for redeveloping the roadway.
“I don’t want to do anything without a plan,” the mayor said.
Resident Cynthia Blake, a Republican who has run for city and state office before, criticized the city for not better addressing the deadly shooting. The crime remains unsolved.
She also urged Akron to devote more money to parks and recreation to improve the quality of life in the community.
Horrigan agreed with her on both issues, saying the city should have communicated better with the neighborhood following the shooting, in which Sonia Freeman, 48, and Christopher Lane-Freeman, 28, were killed.
At one point, the mayor took off his charcoal suit jacket and stepped off the stage, opting to stand in front of the audience with a microphone.
Other questions and comments included irritation with construction on South Main Street, the status of local hiring for the ongoing massive sewer project, the need for more bike lanes and why landlords have to pay water bills.
Resident Keith Davis also complained about the condition of the Ed Davis Tennis Courts, which were named after his father.
City officials said the courts will be repaired this year.
Several speakers praised the mayor for coming out into the neighborhoods to hear their concerns.
In a light-hearted moment, a resident asked Horrigan what his favorite moment has been as mayor.
“I’ll tell you this right here,” he said to laughter.
The mayor said his favorite part of the job is going out to the neighborhoods and schools to talk with residents.
He also was asked about his biggest challenge.
“You can’t make everybody happy,” he responded.
Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter at @armonrickABJ.