Politics & Government

Fairlawn Representative Cazzell Smith Resigns from Summit County Council

Will take job as County Assistant Director of Administrative Services.

District 5 Summit County Councilman Cazzell Smith announced his resignation on Monday during the regular council meeting.

Smith has covered West Akron, Fairlawn and Copley since 1991. His new position with the county would be a conflict as an elected official.

In a news release, the 62-year-old Democrat said: During my time on Council, we have excelled in bringing good government to people."

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During his tenure, Smith has been especially interested in the number of abandoned properties in Akron. He served as chairman of the Abandoned and Vacant Property Task Force and the AVP planning committee.  He was president of council in 1996 and served this year as chairman of Council's personnel committee and is vice chairman of the health and human services committee.

Smith was elected to his last term in 2008. He is the only African American on county council.

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According to the county charter, county Democrats have 30 days will nominate a replacement to serve the remainder of Smith's term.

Smith will work under county executive Russell Pry, who is in Germany. He could not be reached for comment.

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