Citizen Initiative Requires Voter Approval Before Sale of Akron Sewer, Utilities
A coalition of citizens, labor, faith, and community organizers have formed Citizens' SOS (Save Our Sewer and Water) to prevent the sale of any Akron utility without voter approval.
A petition initiative to change the Akron Charter would require any sale, lease, etc. of any Akron utility be decided by the citizens of Akron. The group will gather the required signatures of Akron
registered voters to place the charter amendment on the November ballot, beginning May 3rd and will continue throughout the summer.
Several community meetings and showings of the movie Thirst (a documentary about privatization of utilities) have attracted hundreds of people expressing interest in keeping the control of
Akron utilities in the hands of it's citizens.Citizens' SOS was formed as a result.
Those interested in signing or circulating petitions,
endorsing the initiative, or to learn more are encouraged to contact: CitizensSOS@gmail.com or gcoleridge@afsc.org for more information.
SALE, LEASE, OR TRANSFER OF CITY UTILITIES
Any action by the Council or Mayor of the City of Akron to sell, transfer, or lease any part of any interest in any City owned utility shall be without force and effect unless and until it is approved by a majority of votes cast by the electors of the City of Akron at the next general election occurring at least 90 days after such action. This citizen initiative is endorsed by (as of August 11):
AFSCME Ohio Council 8; Progressive Democrats of America – Ohio; Portage-Summit UAW-CAP Council; Summit County Progressive Democrats; Northeast Ohio American Friends Service Committee; Food and Water Watch; Sierra Club – Portage Trail Group; Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom Water Team; Wayne Kartler, Candidate, Ward 6, Akron City Council; Communication Workers of America, Local 4302 | | |