Robert Keith
Clerk of Akron City Council
Akron, OH 44308

Dear Mr. Keith:

I acknowledge receipt on Monday, May 11 of your certificate regarding petitions requiring Council to set an election for recall.

While the Charter of Akron does not require a formal response on my part, I want the record to be clear that I am not resigning the office of Mayor, and will fulfill my obligation to the people of Akron who elected me - just 16 months ago - to the four year term of office which began January 1, 2008, and which will end December 31, 2011.

Akron is a great city, and I am proud to lead it. The suggestion of a recall has prompted thousands of our residents, together with leaders of business, labor, faith groups, social service agencies and other community leaders to support me as Mayor. It is evidence of the wonderfully collaborative community that we have in Akron. It also demonstrates that Akron is going in the right direction. To suddenly make a change in mid-term would steer Akron onto the wrong course.

Among the reasons for Akron’s successes has been the support of the majority of City Council, its president and officers, who have shared my vision for the City. The results - measured by objective standards - are clear: Akron stands tall among Ohio’s largest cities in its record of retaining and attracting jobs, maintaining safe neighborhoods, and creating a quality of life that is second-to-none in Ohio.

I plan to continue to work with Council, community leaders and our residents in the years to come to keep Akron strong.

Sincerely,