Mayor Dan Horrigan, Akron’s first newly elected mayor in 28 years, was sworn into office Friday morning before an overflowing crowd of more than 400 people.
The ballroom of Greystone Hall in downtown Akron was packed with 200 people sitting and about 200 more standing on the sides of the room, in the back of the room and out into the hallway to watch Horrigan become the 62nd mayor of Akron.
Horrigan becomes the fourth mayor in seven months, after the city’s longest-serving Mayor Don Plusquellic’s surprise resignation in May resulted in political shuffling that culminated in Horrigan’s election.
The room was filled with fellow politicians, city workers, friends, family and community members for the event, which was open to the public.
“This is one New Year’s Day I’ve been looking forward to for a long time,” interim Mayor Jeff Fusco said in his remarks, to some laughter. Fusco took over in June after Mayor Garry Moneypenney, the city’s shortest-serving mayor, resigned after admitting inappropriate contact with a female city employee.
In his remarks during the oath of office ceremony, Fusco told Horrigan that he had a toolbox at his disposal, the most treasured being his solid family. Fusco also told the new mayor that he had dedicated city employees to work beside him.
“Here’s the key to the office,” Fusco said to laughter, after digging in his pocket and holding up a key. Fusco said he has tried to keep the door open as much as possible and he knew Horrigan would do the same.
“However, every once in a while, you’re going to want to shut the door... and maybe get a little angry. Just make sure you shut the door,” he said.
Longtime friend, fellow North Hill native and former Akron Councilman Pat D’Andrea said Horrigan had quiet determination and was a servant leader. Horrigan also has the skill of “intentional listening,” D’Andrea said, a skill honed from having three daughters.
Horrigan’s eldest, 18-year-old Cassidy Horrigan, told the crowd that she was proud to see her dad and “hero” accomplish his goal.
Behind the business of a quick campaign season, “he still had to mow the lawn or take me on college visits. It was just in the midst of a mayoral campaign,” she said.
New family Bible
Summit County Common Pleas Judge Thomas Teodosio administered the oath of office using a new Bible the Horrigan family acquired for the ceremony.
In his speech, Horrigan thanked City Council and city employees, fellow candidates in the mayoral race, who “were able to make the 2015 election season a campaign of ideas, and not personal politics,” and his large, extended family.
“This is the first day of a new year, and a new day for Akron,” Horrigan said. “I stand before you with the strong belief that our city is on the verge of a renaissance — a time when we can create stronger and more stable neighborhoods, vibrant places and spaces, and an economy that is sufficiently inclusive, one that lifts everyone up.”
Horrigan said Akron must “seek unprecedented partnerships with surrounding communities to build networks that will support new jobs and growing families in Akron and the region.”
He also stressed that he wanted the city to be “a destination where young people can join longtime residents to live, eat, work, play and raise a family.”
But Horrigan also said that while the city must innovate and grow, it’s important to “acknowledge reality: There are neighborhoods within Akron that are not — and have not — seen growth and prosperity in recent times. The inequality gap in our country has grown to troubling levels, and cities are bearing the brunt of its impact.”
‘First family’
After the ceremony, Akron Knight Foundation Program Director Kyle Kutuchief said he was impressed with the crowd and the emphasis on a “first family of Akron” with Horrigan, his wife and three teenage daughters.
“Seeing him as a father is an exciting thing,” Kutuchief said.
Kutuchief said having such a large crowd come out on the morning of New Year’s Day shows there’s “a lot of good will” and people are excited about the new administration.
One person not at the ceremony was former Mayor Plusquellic, who has kept a relatively low profile since leaving office.
Kutuchief and others said it was noticeable Plusquellic wasn’t there.
“We had a very interesting year. Time has passed and it’s a new day with a new mayor,” Kutuchief said.
Horrigan’s chief of staff, James Hardy, said the event was open to the public and he did not know if Plusquellic was invited.
After the ceremony, when asked if he had heard from Plusquellic, Horrigan said “I have not spoken to him.”
Falls mayor
Cuyahoga Falls Mayor Don Walters said he wanted to attend the ceremony because it was “a great day for Akron and certainly for the region.” Walters acknowledged that in the past the mayors of the Falls and Akron didn’t always see eye to eye, but looking forward, that will change.
Two years ago, Walters beat former Mayor Don Robart, who also served 28 years.
When asked for advice for Horrigan in starting a new administration after a longtime mayor, Walters said, “just always be listening, and listen to what’s going on in the city.”
The citizens elect the mayor, Walters said, but the city belongs to the people.
Betty Lin-Fisher can be reached at 330-996-3724 or blinfisher@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her @blinfisherABJ on Twitter or www.facebook.com/BettyLinFisherABJ and see all her stories at www.ohio.com/betty