Elected officials across Summit County are introducing legislation to their respective municipalities to move the 2019 primary election from September to May to coincide with the statewide primary.

Once the measure is passed through the local legislative branches, it will be placed on the November ballot this fall for voters to decide.

If passed, the change in primary date will save taxpayer money and increase voter turnout.

Ohio state Rep. Greta Johnson announced her resignation this morning, effective at the end of the month.

She is stepping down to take a position as deputy law director for Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro.

Johnson was elected in 2014 to represent District 35. Prior to serving in the Legislature, she served as a prosecutor in Mahoning County and Summit County, as well as with the city of Akron.

The House Democratic Caucus will soon announce the process for selecting her replacement.

Summit County Executive Russ Pry passed away Sunday, July 31, after a brief battle with cancer.

The county’s statement described Pry, who served as county executive for nearly nine years, as a leader who helped restore stability in county government, led the county through an economic downturn, and created and kept jobs for thousands of people.

Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan said Pry had “an uncanny knack for empathizing and identifying with all people, regardless of age, race, gender, orientation, or creed, making him well-loved by all.”

County Council President Ilene Shapiro will be sworn in as interim county executive until the Summit County Democratic Party’s central committee appoints someone to serve for the remainder of Pry’s term. The term expires December 31.

On Friday, October 30 State and Federal Communications is hosting its sixth annual Halloween Donut and Apple Cider sale. All proceeds will benefit the United Way of Summit County.

Drop in and say hello from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and enjoy a delicious treat. We’ll be in the lobby of 80 South Summit St. in Downtown Akron, across from Quaker Square.

The Krispy Kreme donuts are $1.00 per donut or $7.00 per dozen. The apple cider will be $1.00 per cup or $8.00 per gallon.

To reserve your donuts, you can email Nicolette Koozer at nkoozer@stateandfed.com, or call us at 330-761-9960.

The group Fair Districts for Summit County has proposed a charter amendment to create an independent commission responsible for the approval of redistricting plans. Should the amendment gain enough signatures to get on the November ballot and be passed by voters, the redistricting would take effect in 2016.

Ten Democratic council members have sponsored legislation opposing the amendment, claiming the changes are attempts to gerrymander districts to benefit Republicans and weaken the importance of Akron in county council districts.

The council is introducing its own charter amendment to create a redistricting commission, but any redistricting changes would take place after the 2020 U.S. Census.