Acacia Reynolds (Akron City Council Ward 1, Ohio, candidate 2025)

Acacia Reynolds

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Independent

Candidate, Akron City Council Ward 1

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 4, 2025

Education

Bachelor's

Arcadia University, 2005

Personal

Birthplace

Boyertown, Pa.

Religion

Non-denominational Christian

Profession

Pharmacy

Contact

Campaign Facebook

Acacia Reynolds (independent) ran in a special election to the Akron City Council Ward 1 in Ohio. She was on the ballot in the special general election on November 4, 2025.^[source]

Reynolds completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Acacia Reynolds provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 24, 2025:

• Birth date: December 20, 1982
• Birth place: Boyertown, Pennsylvania
• High school: Home-schooled
• Bachelor's: Arcadia University, 2005
• Gender: Female
• Religion: Non-denominational Christian
• Profession: Pharmacy
• Incumbent officeholder: No
• Campaign Facebook

Elections

General election

Special general election for Akron City Council Ward 1

Fran Wilson and Acacia Reynolds ran in the special general election for Akron City Council Ward 1 on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Fran Wilson (D)
	Submit photo	Acacia Reynolds (Independent)

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Democratic primary election

Special Democratic primary for Akron City Council Ward 1

Sam DeShazior, Emily Durway, and Fran Wilson ran in the special Democratic primary for Akron City Council Ward 1 on May 6, 2025.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Sam DeShazior
	Submit photo	Emily Durway
	Submit photo	Fran Wilson

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Reynolds in this election.

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Acacia Reynolds completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Reynolds' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a daughter of a previous Pennsylvania central committee member along with a lifelong commitment to civic engagement. I have had multiple college and job leadership roles. I regularly attend Akron city council. I am a fierce advocate for my fellow citizens by addressing city council. I have leadership training with the Freedom Bloc, & the Akron NAACP. I bring deep community roots, proven leadership, and a record of standing up for justice in Akron. I believe in building an Akron where everyone can live in peace regardless of race, age, gender, orientation, religion, or income. I will be accessible, listen with respect, and follow up to ensure residents’ voices are heard. I am committed to advocating with Akron’s rental population for fair housing policies, increasing positive outlets for youth, and finding real alternatives to address crime. I will hold my fellow councilors accountable, end the disrespect seen in meetings, and demand transparency by opposing off-record dealings. Above all, I will work with others, whenever possible, for the betterment of our city. I will work tirelessly so every voice in Ward 1 is heard and respected.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Neighborhood safety in requires more than policing, it requires trust, accountability, & investing in people. I believe in people-centered solutions: expand youth programs, mentorship, & violence interruption efforts led by trusted neighbors. To rebuild trust, policing must be transparent & accountable, body cameras on at all times, independent investigations of use-of-force, & real civilian oversight with decision-making power. We must fix our justice system to stop criminalizing addiction. Rehabilitation, & mental health crisis response teams can keep families together while reducing crime. It comes from stable housing, good jobs, & clean, well-lit neighborhoods; investing in these basics prevents crime.
• Akron must address housing insecurity with urgent action and long-term planning. We should expand affordable housing by partnering with nonprofits, developers, and land banks, while also preserving and reusing historic structures throughout the city as affordable housing, community spaces, or mixed-use developments. Stronger tenant protections, including legal aid and fair eviction rules, will help prevent displacement. A “Housing First” approach, paired with wraparound services like job training and mental health care, will reduce homelessness. Finally, investing in neighborhoods, supporting community land trusts, and promoting mixed-income housing will ensure every Akron resident has access to a safe, affordable home.
• In addition to housing, safety, and youth opportunities, I will prioritize economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. I plan to attract and support small businesses through accessible resources and fair policies, preserve and reuse historic structures to strengthen neighborhoods, and improve green spaces for public health. I will regularly be attainable to the residents I serve, ensuring direct input through town halls, digital forums, and neighborhood advisory boards. My approach is hands-on: listening first, acting transparently, and building partnerships to turn ideas into tangible results for all Akron residents.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about policies that put people before politics. My focus is on justice, accountability, and fairness — especially in how our criminal justice and child welfare systems treat everyday people. I’ve seen firsthand how families can be torn apart and communities ignored when those in power stop listening. I care deeply about police reform, family preservation, affordable housing, and education equity, because every person deserves to be treated with dignity and given a fair chance to succeed. My goal is to make sure no one in our city feels unheard, unseen, or powerless in the face of the very systems meant to serve them.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

The office of a City Councilperson holds a unique and important place within the structure of government because it serves as the closest link between the people and their government. While city councils operate at the local level, their powers and responsibilities are rooted in state law, which gives them a direct role in shaping how laws and policies affect everyday life.

Here are the key qualities that make this office unique and important:

1. Local Representation:
City councilmembers are the government officials most directly accountable to residents. They represent neighborhoods and ensure that local voices are heard in decisions about budgets, safety, housing, and development.

2. Legislative Authority:
The city council acts as the legislative branch of local government. It passes ordinances, approves budgets, sets local policies, and provides checks and balances on the mayor or city administration.

3. Connection to State Law:
Although councils focus on city issues, their authority is derived from the state’s constitution and municipal code. This gives them a legal foundation within the broader state system while allowing flexibility to tailor laws to local needs.

4. Public Accountability and
Transparency:
Council meetings, votes, and hearings are typically open to the public, making the council one of the most transparent and participatory parts of government.

5. Community Problem-Solving:
City councilmembers often mediate between residents, businesses, and other government entities. They help resolve disputes, address public safety concerns, and develop policies that reflect community values.

6. Policy Innovation:
Local councils are often where new ideas in governance are first tested—such as police reform measures, environmental initiatives, or affordable housing programs—which can influence state and national policy.

In short, the city council is where government meets the people—balancing state authority with local needs, ensuring laws serve

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to leaders who act with courage, integrity, and a true commitment to serving others. One person I deeply admire is my husband, William Reynolds. His dedication to justice, his resilience in the face of challenges, and his unwavering support for our community inspire me every day.

I strive to follow his example by being principled, compassionate, and persistent. In public service, I want to lead in a way that amplifies voices that are often ignored, addresses real community needs, and ensures that government works for everyone, not just the few. True leadership, in my view, is about service first and personal recognition second — and that is the model I aim to embody.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important characteristics and principles for an elected official often include:

1. Integrity:
Doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Trust is the foundation of leadership, and the public must know their official won’t sell out their values for power or money.

2. Accountability:
Being answerable for decisions, actions, and outcomes — and being willing to admit mistakes, take responsibility, and make things right.

3. Transparency:
Open communication and honesty with the public about how decisions are made, where money goes, and why certain policies are pursued.

4. Empathy and Compassion:
Listening to people — especially those who are struggling or unheard — and truly caring about how policies affect real lives.

5. Fairness and Justice:
Standing against discrimination and misuse of power, ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and equity.

6. Courage:
Having the moral backbone to make tough or unpopular decisions when they are the right ones — especially when confronting injustice or entrenched interests.

7. Service before self:
Remembering that public office is not about status or privilege, but about serving the community and improving people’s lives.

8. Humility:
Recognizing that leadership is a trust, not an entitlement — and that listening and learning from others is part of the job.

9. Vision and Competence:
Having a clear plan for positive change, understanding the issues deeply, and being capable of turning ideas into action.

10. Consistency:

Standing firm in values over time, not shifting positions for convenience or popularity.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities of someone elected to the Akron City Council are to represent the voices and needs of their constituents, to legislate policies that promote equity, safety, and opportunity for all residents, and to provide oversight of city operations and spending to ensure transparency and accountability. A councilmember should serve as both a bridge and an advocate, listening to the community, elevating their concerns, and working collaboratively with other officials to find real solutions. Above all, their duty is to serve the public interest with integrity, accessibility, and a commitment to justice for every neighborhood in Akron.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy I hope to leave is one of meaningful change and unwavering service to the community. I want to be remembered as someone who listened to residents, stood up for justice, and used my position to create opportunities for those who were often overlooked.

I hope my work inspires trust in local government, showing that elected leaders can be accountable, compassionate, and proactive. Beyond policy, I want my legacy to be one of empowerment — leaving neighborhoods stronger, families supported, and future leaders encouraged to serve with integrity and courage.

Most importantly, I want to be remembered not just for what I accomplished in office, but for the people I lifted, the voices I amplified, and the hope I helped restore.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event I clearly remember was the Gulf War in 1990–1991. I was about 7 or 8 years old at the time. I remember watching the news with my family and feeling both concern and curiosity about what was happening far from home.

That experience left an impression on me about the importance of understanding the world around us and the impact that leadership decisions have on everyday people. It also sparked my early awareness of the value of community, service, and standing up for what is right — lessons that continue to guide me today.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I admire it not just as a story, but for the lessons it teaches about justice, empathy, and moral courage. Atticus Finch’s commitment to standing up for what is right — even when it’s unpopular — has deeply influenced how I approach challenges in my own life and in serving my community.

The book reminds me that real leadership isn’t about power or recognition; it’s about protecting the vulnerable, seeking truth, and treating every person with dignity. Its message continues to inspire me to fight for fairness and to listen to voices that are often ignored.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

If I could be any fictional character, I would choose Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. He embodies integrity, courage, and a commitment to justice — standing up for what’s right even when it’s difficult or unpopular. Atticus listens carefully, treats everyone with respect, and works tirelessly to protect the vulnerable.

I admire how he uses his position not for personal gain, but to serve others and uphold the principles of fairness and morality. If I could emulate one fictional character, it would be someone whose actions inspire others to do the same.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Something that has been a struggle in my life has been facing and overcoming systems that misuse power against those without it. I’ve experienced firsthand what it’s like to be dismissed, misrepresented, and treated unfairly — not because of wrongdoing, but because of who I am and where I come from. Those struggles have shaped my determination to stand up for others who are silenced or overlooked.

Rather than letting those hardships break me, they built in me a stronger sense of purpose — to make sure government works for everyone, not just the well-connected. It’s through those challenges that I’ve learned resilience, compassion, and the importance of speaking truth even when it’s uncomfortable.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Here are a few of the most important, but often overlooked:

1. Budget Oversight and Line-Item Influence – While the mayor typically proposes the city budget, council has the power to amend, approve, or reject it. This means councilors can influence how funds are distributed to departments, including police, housing, and neighborhood services.

2. Zoning and Land Use Authority – Council decisions shape how neighborhoods develop. Through zoning changes and conditional use permits, councilors can determine whether an area becomes residential, commercial, or industrial — decisions that affect property values, gentrification, and environmental health.

3. Investigatory and Subpoena Power – City councils often have the authority to hold hearings, request records, and even subpoena witnesses to investigate issues like corruption, police misconduct, or misuse of funds.

4. Approval of Contracts and Appointments – Many city contracts, leases, and key appointments (such as members of boards and commissions) require council approval. This gives councilors leverage to demand accountability and transparency from the administration.

5. Constituent Advocacy and Casework – Councilors can intervene directly with city departments to resolve resident complaints — from code violations and road repairs to disputes with utilities or public safety. This “behind-the-scenes” advocacy is one of the most direct ways they serve their communities.

6. Policy Initiation – While many think legislation only comes from the mayor, city councilors can draft ordinances themselves — proposing new laws on policing, housing rights, environmental policy, or local hiring.

7. Voice in Regional and State Issues – Councils can pass resolutions that influence state or federal policy, or join regional coalitions to advocate for local needs like infrastructure funding or public transit.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Having previous experience in government or politics can certainly be helpful — but it’s not the only path to being an effective city council member.

Experience can bring familiarity with procedure, budgeting, and policy-making, which helps a councilor navigate bureaucracy efficiently. Those with prior government backgrounds often understand how to move an idea from a community concern to an enacted ordinance.

However, local government is most effective when it reflects the people it serves. Lived experience — whether from community organizing, volunteering, small business ownership, education, or public service — can be just as valuable, if not more so. Councilors who’ve worked directly with residents often bring a stronger sense of empathy, accountability, and creativity to the job.

Ultimately, the most important qualifications are integrity, dedication to the public good, and a willingness to learn and listen. A person with genuine concern for their community and a strong moral compass can grow into the technical aspects of governance, but no amount of experience can replace heart and honesty.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

For someone serving on Akron City Council, the most helpful skills and expertise blend practical governance abilities with strong community insight. Here are key areas that matter most:

1. Budget and Financial Literacy – Understanding city budgets, tax structures, and funding streams allows councilors to make informed decisions about spending priorities and fiscal responsibility.


2. Policy Analysis and Critical Thinking – The ability to read ordinances, contracts, and data critically helps councilors spot hidden implications and craft better legislation.

3. Communication and Public Engagement – Strong listening, speaking, and writing skills are vital for explaining policies, resolving resident concerns, and building trust between government and the community.

4. Conflict Resolution and Mediation – Councilors often navigate competing interests — between residents, developers, and departments. Diplomacy and fairness go a long way in creating consensus.

5. Ethical Leadership and Integrity – Upholding transparency, accountability, and honesty builds credibility and protects the public interest.

6. Knowledge of Local Issues and Law – Understanding Akron’s charter, zoning code, and the specific challenges facing its neighborhoods allows for practical, place-based solutions.

7. Community Organizing and Coalition Building – Successful councilors connect with grassroots groups, faith leaders, unions, and local businesses to build broad support for initiatives.

8. Problem-Solving and Creativity – Many urban challenges don’t have easy fixes. Innovative thinking — like finding new uses for vacant lots or funding community programs through partnerships — makes a big difference.

9. Technological and Data Skills – Familiarity with public data, transparency tools, and digital communication helps modernize governance and engage younger residents.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the local government?

The office of City Council is unique and vital because it serves as the direct voice of the people within local government. While the mayor and administration execute policies, the council represents residents in shaping them. Here are the key qualities that make the office so important:

1. Representation of the Community – Each council member speaks for a specific ward or district, ensuring that every neighborhood — from the most affluent to the most underserved — has a voice in city decisions.

2. Checks and Balances – City Council provides oversight of the mayor’s administration, holding it accountable through hearings, investigations, and budget approval. This balance prevents the concentration of power and protects transparency.

3. Policy-Making Authority – Councilors write and pass local laws (ordinances) that affect everyday life — from housing and policing to environmental issues and neighborhood development.

4. Control Over City Spending – Council determines how tax dollars are allocated, influencing which services and projects get funded, such as public safety, parks, or infrastructure improvements.

5. Bridge Between Citizens and Government – Councilors serve as problem-solvers and advocates for residents, connecting individuals and neighborhoods to city services and ensuring their concerns are heard.

6. Local Innovation and Leadership – Because council operates closest to the people, it’s often where new ideas start — initiatives on community safety, environmental sustainability, and economic justice frequently begin at the council level before spreading to higher governments.

In short, City Council is the people’s seat at the table — where residents’ needs, hopes, and challenges are transformed into action and policy.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

One story that has stayed with me comes from a parent in my community who was struggling to access basic services for their children. They felt ignored and powerless, navigating a system that seemed too complex to understand. Hearing their story reminded me that behind every policy, every ordinance, and every city decision, there are real people whose lives are affected — often in ways that aren’t immediately visible.

It was deeply moving because it highlighted the importance of listening, advocating, and taking action. It reinforced why I want to serve on City Council: to make government more responsive, accessible, and compassionate for everyone, especially those whose voices are too often overlooked.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

One accomplishment I am particularly proud of is my work advocating for families and children in our community. Through volunteering, organizing, and speaking up for those who often feel unheard, I have helped connect residents with resources, support systems, and opportunities they might not have otherwise accessed.

I’m proud not just of the tangible outcomes, but of the trust and relationships built along the way. It reinforced for me that real change comes from showing up consistently, listening deeply, and taking action to lift others. This commitment to service is something I carry with me into every aspect of my work and leadership.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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