Four weeks before the November 3 election, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik publicly urged voters to reject Issues 11 and 12 – charter amendments that would ban apartment application fees and prohibit landlords from denying rentals based on prior criminal convictions. The mayor’s office issued a 952‑word press release, posted it on the City of Akron website, and emailed it to a city‑curated list of reporters, all using city staff and resources.
Mayor’s rationale
In the release, Malik wrote, “I think both Issues 11 and 12 should be rejected.” He argued the proposals would create more problems than they would solve and promised to introduce new housing‑reform legislation if voters turned them down. Malik’s office framed the amendments as a potential burden on the city’s ability to enforce housing codes and fund police oversight.
Legal backdrop
Ohio law explicitly bans public entities from using tax dollars to influence elections, but it does not specifically mention ballot measures such as charter amendments. City spokesperson Stephanie Marsh said the administration believes the release complies with state law because the statements were “merely informational” about the city’s governing document.
Legal scholars disagree. Atiba Ellis, a professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Law, warned that the mayor’s direct call for a “no” vote could be interpreted as an in‑kind contribution to a political committee, which Ohio statutes prohibit. Ellis likened the practice to the federal Hatch Act’s ban on using government resources for campaign activity, noting that “using public money to influence public campaigns” is a clear ethical breach.
Opposition and support
Housing‑advocacy group Freedom BLOC, which helped gather signatures for the amendments, issued a statement criticizing the mayor’s stance, calling it an improper use of taxpayer‑funded channels. Conversely, the Akron Affordable Housing PAC, formed by local real‑estate investors, supports the mayor’s position and has filed a political‑action committee to oppose the measures.
The city cited precedent, noting 13 prior resolutions since 2013 in which Akron mayors have publicly taken positions on legislation, including two similar charter‑amendment votes in 2016 and one in 2020.
What’s at stake
Issue 11 would ban landlords from charging application fees, while Issue 12 would prohibit denying rentals based on an applicant’s criminal history. Proponents argue the measures would expand affordable‑housing options and reduce discrimination. Critics, including the mayor, contend they could strain property‑management operations and limit the city’s enforcement tools.
Next steps
The Ohio Auditor’s Office is reviewing the matter and has not yet issued a formal opinion. City officials maintain that the release serves a governmental purpose by informing residents about the potential impact of the charter changes.
Voters will see the full text of Issues 11 and 12 on the ballot on Nov. 3. Akron residents are encouraged to review the proposals and consider how the amendments could affect both housing availability and the city’s ability to manage its housing code and police oversight responsibilities.
Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.
