Annie Hanson Running for Ward 3 Council Seat

Annie Hanson will be part of the as she continues her first campaign for the Ward 3 City Council position this November.

Current Ward 3 Councilman John Pribonic announced in June that he will be seeking an at-large seat in November.

A alum, Hanson said her background in Political Science from Kent State and masters in Applied Politics from the University of Akron gives her the knowledge to be on council.

The life-long resident decided to run for her first elected job because, "now, more than ever, Stow needs citizens who are committed to serving the community in a way that represents the best interests of families, businesses and homeowners. We are certain to face challenging times ahead and I am hopeful that my leadership experience and commitment to this community will help guide us through the difficult choices that will need to be made."

While it will be difficult because "the biggest problem facing Stow may be the uncertain nature of the budget cuts coming from the state," Hanson said services to residents should be maintained. 

"Our next council will need to be able to identify creative ways to reorganize income and expenditures in order to maintain the city services and quality of life our citizens have come to expect, and deserve."

If elected, Hanson, 30, says she has some goals to get the city more tech-friendly.

"I hope to encourage the mayor's office, city council, and city service departments to better utilize the Internet, text messaging, and social media in order to maintain better communication with citizens," she said. "This low cost investment will help better engage citizens in the daily operations of the city and will allow the public to stay connected to city-related news, make Parks and Recreations reservations online, and potentially manage utilities via the Web."

Although Hanson is a political newcomer, she said she has the attitude and skills for the job.

"I have an extensive policy research and development background with managerial skills, grant-writing experience, and am a creative, resourceful problem-solver," she said.

Annie Hanson is an academic advisor II for career counseling and instructor for the Political Science Department at the University of Akron. She is a life-long resident of Stow and graduated from Stow-Munroe Falls High School in 1999.  She has a B.A in Political Science from Kent State University and a Master of Applied Politics from The University of Akron.

For more information, email Hanson at achanson129@gmail.com.

Editor's note: Follow our Stow Elections Facebook page for up-to-date information on the upcoming primary and general elections.