Councilman-at large William Judge is moving his campaign forward into the November elections after defeating Mayor Bob Genet in Tuesday's primary.

Judge explains why he thinks voters are ready for a change.

"Everyone understand that times are tough economically but people are more interested in the infrastructure , the streets, flooding was a big issue and jobs," says Judge.

Judge explains that he is already starting to look into how he can help the city of Barberton financially.

"I'm going to set up a meeting with our finance director to look at projections for the next few years, and with my strong finance and business background, we should be able to come together and make things work," says Judge.

Judge will face Republican Kevin Mitchell in the November general election.

With the primary election one week away, fundraisers for Akron's mayoral candidates are underway.

At those fundraisers, community leaders and officials supporting the candidates make up much of the audience.

Though there are Republican challengers on the September 13th ballot, most of the fundraising action has revolved around the two major Democrats - incumbent mayor Don Plusquellic and Akron councilman at large Mike Williams.

Ernie Passeos offered the use of his Liberty Harley Davidson dealership in North Akron to Mike Williams, who he says he's followed for 20 years.

"He's always had aspirations to be the mayor," Passeos says, "and I think it's a great opportunity for him to do it now, because he's interested in the city of Akron and the people of Akron."

Community leader Gary Wyatt at a Plusquellic event at the Urban League says the mayor's experience appeals to him...

"He took the office at a time when it was critical."

These gatherings are meant to bolster support - and cash. To get there, Gertrude Wilms of the Plusquellic campaign says they've fanned out in neighborhoods...

"And basically what we started with, was at the very beginning, we did our kickoffs downtown at Greystone," Wilms tells AkronNewsNow.com, "and then we've taken on a neighborhood strategy."

Challenger Williams' campaign has also focused on neighborhoods, including events such as concerts and cookouts.

The campaigns use tools like union support to fuel campaigns - on behalf of Mike Williams, union member Diana says how she does it.

"Word of mouth, and talking to family members, and wearing the shirts wherever we go."

And there's a definite theme, if you talk to people at fundraisers for Mayor Don Plusquellic and challenger Mike Williams.

Plusquellic supporters like Gary Wyatt cite the mayor's accomplishments.

"You know, they just had a report the other day about how are schools (are)," Wyatt says, "and that was all that effort of economic development and a wonderful team with a vision."

At Passeos' Harley Davidson dealership, like many supporters of the long-time councilman, he talks about Williams' ability to work with people.

"His genuine concern for the city of Akron...and the people of Akron."

The third candidate in the Democratic mayoral primary race, Janice Davis, has done limited fundraising.

A recent campaign finance report had no entry from her, as she hasn't raised or spent the minimum amount required to file.