Canton elects first female council president, Democratic council candidates
CANTON − Voters have chosen a new City Council president and the Democratic nominees for three at-large council seats and three ward seats, according to unofficial primary election results.
Former Law Director Kristen Bates Aylward defeated Vince Watts, the former president of the Greater Stark County Urban League. The Democrats face no Republican or independent candidates for the open seat, so Bates Aylward will be the next council president.
"I just want to say I'm so grateful to the voters for having confidence in me," she said.
Bates, who was Canton's first female law director also will be the city's first female council president. She said she's excited to meet with a new mayor and council members and is "ready to get to work."
Bates Aylward received 61.54% of the vote and Watts received 38.46%, according to the Stark County Board of Elections.
Canton Council at-large seats
Incumbent Louis Giavasis, incumbent James Babcock and political newcomer Crystal Smith led the seven-person Democratic race for the at-large seats. They will appear on the November ballot with Republican Kerry Jane Dougherty.
The unofficial vote percentages were:
19.60% for Giavasis
17.01% for Smith
16.53% for Babcock
14.20% for Joe Cole
11.64% for Doug Prestier
10.99% for Nicholas J. Rinaldi
10.03% for Nathaniel Chester
Smith said she didn't expect to win because it was her first time seeking election and other candidates had more political experience. She was told her sincerity came across in her campaign.
"I'm excited and I'm still trying to take it all in," she said.
If she prevails in the general election, Smith said, she's eager to work with a new mayor and council members to serve the city.
"I'm going to do my best."
Contested council wards
Incumbents also held on to their seats in two of the three wards with contested Democratic primary races.
Councilwoman Chris Smith bested George Lancaster in Ward 4. She earned 54.20% while he received 45.80% of the vote.
Smith has served on City Council since 2008. Lancaster, the founder and lead pastor of Zion's Temple Church of God, made a prior attempt to represent the fourth ward about 20 years ago.
Richard Sacco narrowly defeated Councilman Peter D. Ferguson in Ward 8. Sacco, a retired Canton Fire captain credited his door-to-door strategy for the votes.
"I went to every house, every Democratic house in Ward 8," he said.
Sacco received 504 votes or 50.25% and Ferguson received 499 votes or 49.75%, according to the unofficial results. Ferguson works as a chiropractor and has served on City Council since 2018.
Sacco said he plans to tour his ward and take note of the worst streets and areas for drainage so that he can start crafting a plan to address them.
"Now it's time to get to work," he said.
Councilman Frank Morris III received 64.88% of the vote to retain his seat against challenger Brian Horner in Ward 9. Horner, who served one term as the Ward 9 councilman over a decade ago, received 35.12% of the vote.
There are no Republican or independent candidates in Ward 4, Ward 8 and Ward 9.
In Ward 2, Democratic incumbent Brenda Kimbrough will face Republican Patrick G. Wyatt in the general election.
Uncontested city races
Democratic incumbents who were unopposed in the primary election and will face no opposition in the general election are:
Ward 1 Councilman Greg Hawk
Ward 3 Councilman Jason Scaglione
Ward 5 Councilman Robert Fisher Jr.
Ward 6 Councilman Kevin D. Hall
Ward 7 Councilman John Mariol
Auditor Richard A. Mallonn
Law Director Jason P. Reese
Reach Kelly at 330-580-8323 or kelly.byer@cantonrep.com.On Twitter: @kbyerREP
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Voters select council incumbents and newcomers in Canton primary
