Humans are social animals. We tend to group together for mutual benefit, but without leadership chaos would ensue, with some people making deck plans that infringe on other people's properties. People in leadership roles set the rules that form an orderly society. At the national level we have the federal government. At the municipal level, we have the city council. If you're going to be moving to Akron, Ohio, you should become familiar with its city council and its responsibilities, even if you don't plan to get involved yourself.

Akron's City Council is made up of ten representatives from each of the ten wards the city is divided into geographically as well as three members "at large" (not tied to a ward) and one clerk. The president of the council is drawn from its membership. Currently (as of the end of May, 2010) it is Marco Summerville from Ward 3. Members are elected from among the public who reside in the city and usually have day jobs, such as a purveyor of horse fencing supplies, since serving on the Akron city council (or any city council) is more akin to volunteer work than it is a fast track to riches.

The council meets regularly to discuss issues relevant to the city and to make plans on what to do going forward. City councilors have control over the city's budget (which is generated mostly through property taxes). They also set the bylaws (local laws which apply only to the city). For instance, they might decide that a pet vet in London, Ontario can't open up a practice in the city without a certain type of qualification, or that all lawns must be mown once a week. The most common types of bylaws involve who can build what where in the city.

Council members also form committees to discuss specific issues and make plans to deal with them. There are currently nine committees under the Akron City Council purview: the committee on committees, budget and finance, health and social service, housing, parks and recreation, planning, public service, utilities, and rules. They decide upon things like which company to buy the new temperature calibrators for the public works department from. Citizens are encouraged to attend committee meetings if they have anything they would like to add.

So how can the city council help you directly? Well, the councilor from your ward represents all the residents - including you. If you have a suggestion, a complaint, an issue, or you just want to know more about what's going on, contact your councilor. They're even happy to speak with Durham Region Caterers on house hunting trips who aren't even sure if they're moving to Akron yet. If you're not sure what which ward you belong to, visit www.akroncitycouncil.org and click on "find your ward."