In the News

Russ Pry stepped into the office of Summit County executive 15 months ago as something of a question mark. He had served as the county Democratic Party chairman, as law director for Boston Heights, as a council member in Mogadore. How would he fare on a much larger and more visible stage? Pry has exceeded expectations, bringing energy, intelligence and steadiness to the job. He now is seeking a full, four-year term.

We recommend the election of Russ Pry on Nov. 4.

His most notable accomplishment involved steering the county role in the Goodyear headquarters project on the east side of Akron. The county proved indispensable, and not simply for its financial support. The moment pointed to the improved focus and commitment of the county in economic development. The change was evident, too, in the county contributing to the successful effort to keep Bridgestone-Firestone in the city. Pry has been moving forward on several fronts to achieve a coherent strategy, including plans to discourage poaching, communities competing in ways harmful to the regional economy.

Pry understands the need for local government to consolidate and streamline operations, no small task for county departments and agencies rich in patronage. He must place a high priority on the county living within its means, preserving an adequate rainy-day fund, even in a tough economy.

As it is, Pry has worked with the city of Akron to combine their operations into one building department. The city and the county have explored ways for the Akron Police Department and the county sheriff's office to merge their detective work.

The significance of the county executive taking such a lead shouldn't be underestimated. The approach meshes well with another aspect of Pry's first year. He has changed the tone, departing from his predecessor, the more irascible James McCarthy. Pry works more effectively with the County Council. He has helped to mend fences at Children Services.

Pry will face tough challenges ahead, especially with the county budget and in advancing the economic development effort. In his first year, he has made a good start, deserving of a full term.

Jim Laria is the Republican candidate in the race. He has performed well as the clerk of the Akron Municipal Court the past 11 years. He emphasizes the right priorities, county spending and the local economy. He pledges to be aggressive in streamlining county government, asking, for instance, why so many offices need their own legal counsel. He embraces the concept of the county speaking with one administrative voice, in other words, moving toward a simple, and more accountable, executive and legislative, or council, operation.

Actually, Russ Pry says similar things, even argues for an ambitious Charter Review Commission. Jim Laria has many fine qualities. He doesn't have a strong argument for removing Pry as executive.