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Donald L. Plusquellic, Mayor
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To The Citizens of Akron:

It has been an honor to serve the people of Akron for over forty?one years. The vast majority of people
have been good?hearted, honest and caring. I have enjoyed working directly with them through both the
good days and the dif?cult ones as we took on the tough job of transitioning an entire community.

I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve with some of the most dedicated, and I will emphasize
honest, people in my Cabinet and in City government.

I believe Akron may have the longest stretch of years in the US. without any cabinet member being
convicted or even charged with a violation of any law and that didn?t happen by accident. It was
partly a result of an environment or culture we created by requiring people to do what is right, not what
is politically expedient, to be transparent, to deal with people and issues honestly, and to encourage
people to speak their mind especially if they think there is something wrong. I am extremely proud
of our record of achievement.

It is why more than anything, it is so disturbing to me that the words and reputations of seven cabinet
members and the President of City Council, Garry Moneypenny (a retired police chief), are being
discounted in favor of one enraged councilperson. To believe this one person, it is necessary to believe
that all 8 dedicated, honest people would lie for the Mayor of Akron and that just is not possible. Nor
by the way, have I ever asked anyone to lie or make?up a story after the fact as, unfortunately, the
Beacon has accused Stephanie York of doing.

If the Beacon really wanted to know the truth, the Publisher would have accepted our offer to have those
8 people in his of?ce to let reporters interview them in front of him so he, himself, hears the truth. But
he declined.

The good people of Akron deserve better they deserve the truth. I do not now believe that my
hometown newspaper is interested in the truth. And, after 41 years of honest service to the City I love,
to be called a word? in an editorial is more than I?m willing to endure.

I am done fighting this madness so I hereby submit my resignation and retirement effective at midnight,
May 31, 2015, just a few days after we open the new Mustard Seed grocery store in Highland Square 
another promise we have helped to keep, to make up for the lies told by a private sector business person.

I wish only the best for the citizens of Akron and I thank them for the opportunity to serve. I hope they
know that I did my best and truly cared for our City. And they will know why I will never apologize for
?ghting for Akron residents to get the jobs and the education they need, or for simply telling the truth.

Sincerely,

 
 
 

Donald L. Plusquellic

200 Municipal Building - 166 South High Street - Akron, Ohio 44308-1653
Phone: (330-375-2345 - Fax: (330-375-2468 - E-mail: mayor@akronohio.gov