Akron (Ohio). Mayor (1984-1986 : Sawyer)

Thomas Charles Sawyer served as Mayor of Akron from 1984 to 1986. He was born in Akron, Ohio in 1945. He graduated from Buchtel High School and went on to attend the University of Akron where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1968. Sawyer achieved his Master of Arts (1970) degree from the University of Akron while teaching in the Cleveland Public School System (1968-1971). Sawyer won a seat in the Ohio State Legislature in 1976. In 1983 Sawyer was the first Democrat to win the election to Mayor of Akron in 20 years. Sawyer's administration of the City of Akron oversaw the balancing of the city budget without raising taxes, a restructured and modernized fiscal reporting system, and improved delivery of municipal services. He redirected the course for the cities growth by supporting research and development in the global rubber and tire industries, and elevated the role of polymers and other synthetic materials in the economic future of Akron and Northeastern Ohio. In 1986 at the urging of Congressman John Seiberling, Sawyer ran and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio's 14th Congressional District. Then City Council President Donald Plusquellic completed Sawyer's term.