03/04/2014

Council speaks out against voter discrimination

Calling it "an attack on on democracy" and minority and disabled voters, Council President Garry Moneypenny called the question and Council voted unanimously for a resolution opposing Ohio Senate Bills 205, which restricts mailing absentee ballots, and 238, which shortens the early voting period. "We do not need to make it harder for citizens to vote," said Councilwoman At Large Linda Omobien, the resolution's sponsor. "These are restrictive, suppressive measures that are unnecessary and without merit." Council also took time to praise Akron police officer Lloyd Ford. While attending a breakfast meeting at a downtown restaurant last week, he leapt into action to save a choking patron. Ford also is credited with saving a choking woman in 2008.