Summit County Council has another new member.
Democrats appointed Jeff Wilhite, 55, of Akron to the council Wednesday night to fill the vacancy in District 4, which encompasses portions of Akron, Bath Township and Cuyahoga Falls.
He was the only person who sought the appointment.
“Very excited to serve,” said Wilhite, director of Family Promise of Summit County.
He said he wants to focus on providing affordable housing for families and business retention initiatives to spur economic development.
The vacancy was created after Councilman Frank Comunale took a job with the county administration.
Wilhite is the second new member appointed by Democrats this month to the 11-member body.
Elizabeth Walters, 32, of Akron was chosen to replace at-large Councilwoman Sandra Kurt, who earlier had been appointed county clerk of courts.
Wilhite will complete the remainder of Comunale’s term, which ends this year. He also is running for the seat in the fall.
Republican Michael Kormushoff, 66, of Akron also is seeking the position.
Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter at @armonrickABJ.