I got an unexpected visit from former Akron mayor, Garry Moneypenny, today.
Garry was one of the first people in the neighborhood to come visit us when we bought our building at 15 Broad Street.
He was our council person in the 10th Ward. He visited several times over the years and was very supportive of our business, our building and the community as a whole.
I was very excited when he became interim mayor. I thought he'd do a good job as mayor.
His mayorship lasted, I believe, 10 days.
I was quite surprised when he walked into my office today as I figured I'd never see him again.
He looked tired and maybe embarrassed, it can be hard to read politicians, but whatever..
We had a really good and long discussion. I learned that he was once a hostage negotiator with a strong police background. He told several amazing stories about that time in his life. Truly fascinating.
I am a big believer that if you make a mistake and you get the proper punishment then that's it. You don't deserve to be scorned by society ever more.
He knows he did wrong and because of that he resigned. His political career is over. No criminal reports have been filed.
For many reasons I've become a big believer in forgiveness.
I was really glad to see Garry, but I had one burning question.
My lack of "experience" will probably follow me to the day of the election.
As a council person and mayor, I figured Garry Moneypenny would know better than anyone if my lack of political experience was going to be a major hindrance to me being mayor.
So I asked him: "Will my lack of experience make me less of a mayor?"
This is what he said:
"As mayor you have one job: to be a good listener."
He said I should go to as many council meetings as possible, now and as mayor. (My wife had told me this too.)
As mayor you need to listen to the people. You need to be the mayor of the whole city. North. South. East. West.
I have some ideas to help with this. I believe we are all able to talk and listen more than ever before. This is something I'm really excited about and will write about in the near future.
I also am going to start going to council meetings around town. So look for me there. I'll let you know on Facebook and Twitter where I'll be.
Chief Listening Officer: I love that idea. I will be the voice of the people. As an independent my only obligation is to listen to you and be true to you, the citizens of Akron.
Paid For By The People for Sage Lewis