Roy L. Ray spent much of his career serving the City of Akron. He began his career as a research analyst at the City of Akron Service Department in 1969. He became Deputy Service Director in 1971 and was appointed Public Utilities Commissioner in 1973. Ray became Budget Director in 1975 and then Finance Director in 1977. In 1980 he launched a successful campaign to become Mayor of Akron, where he served until 1984. During his administration Ray oversaw economic development in downtown Akron, including projects such as the Lock II park and condominiums, the Y-Bridge and plans for refurbishing the O'Neals building. Ray's administration saw the reformation of county government from a board of county commissioners to an elected county executive. After losing his bid for a second term as mayor in 1983, Ray went on in 1986 to campaign for and win a seat in the Ohio Senate.
From the guide to the City of Akron, Office of the Mayor, Roy L. Ray Records, 1980-1983, 1979-1984, 1980-1983, (Archival Services, University Libraries, The University of Akron)
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). In 1972 Sawyer worked as a professional staff member for the McGovern for President Campaign and in 1974 and 1975 he worked as a professional field organizer and fundraiser for the Gilligan for Governor Campaign. Before winning a seat in the Ohio State Legislature in 1976 Sawyer worked as a Legislative Analyst for the Ohio Public Utilities Commission. As a State Representative Sawyer served as the Chairman of the Ohio House Education Committee; a Vice Chairman of both the Public Utilities Committee and the Energy and Environment Committee; and a member of the Ohio House Finance Committee. 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.
From the guide to the City of Akron, Office of the Mayor, Thomas C. Sawyer Records, 1984-1986, 1984-1986, (Archival Services, University Libraries, The University of Akron)
