Canton mayoral candidates share stances at LWV event

CANTON − The mayoral campaign trail continued Thursday evening at Timken Commons, where nearly all of the candidates were quizzed about their plans for the city.

Democratic candidates ― Willis Gordon, William V. Sherer II, Bill Smuckler and Thomas West ― and Republican candidate Roy Scott DePew spent 90 minutes answering questions from people who attended. The nonpartisan League of Women Voters of the Canton Area hosted the candidate forum to educate and engage voters before the May 2 primary election.

"We give you the information so that you can decide what to do," said Carol Canavan, co-president of the league.

Previously: Mayoral candidates make their case at The Future of Canton political forum

Democratic candidate Kimberly Bell introduced herself as "Canton's future mayor" before saying that she has felt slighted during the election season and has had campaign signs taken. She said she would operate the city as she sees fit and then left the forum before answering questions.

Amy Shriver Dreussi, professor emeritus at the University of Akron, moderated the forum. Candidates had a minute to answer each question, and links to a recording of the program will be posted at CantonLWV.org.

The topics ranged from plans to attract young families to the needs of the city's aging population. Candidate responses emphasized the need to address violent crime and poverty while increasing neighborhood investment and economic development opportunities.

Dealing with gun violence

Answers varied to a question about automatic weapons and laws to prevent gun violence.

West said he's introduced "common-sense gun laws" as a state representative but the root issue of lacking opportunities for youth needs to be addressed.

Smuckler said he will enforce gun laws after stating, "There's no excuse for shooting an AR-15 over a fence" ― a seeming reference to the fatal Canton police shooting of James Williams, who was firing an AR-556 on New Year's Day last year.

Sherer said he is "pro-gun" but questioned the ease of access by people with mental health issues and finds it unacceptable that people in the city feel unsafe.

Gordon said he trained with an M4 in the U.S. Navy but didn't think weapons of war should be on the streets, adding that he would do everything possible to make Canton safe while maintaining rights.

DePew said he's "pro-Second Amendment" and restrictions on gun ownership leave people helpless, adding, "I'll stand up for gun rights."

How to ensure protection for LGBTQ+ community

In response to a question about how they would ensure protection for the LGBTQ+ community, all the candidates said they support equality.

Smuckler said he believes current laws provide adequate protection. Sherer said everyone has a "right to be treated equally" regardless of their sexual and gender preferences. Gordon said the city needs to do more to codify LGBTQ+ rights and protections. DePew said, "Equality is for everybody." West said he has a political history of fighting for LGBTQ+ rights and wants everyone in the community to be protected.

Supporting the Hall of Fame Village with tax money

Candidates had differing opinions about supporting the Hall of Fame Village with tax dollars.

Sherer said the terms of past incentives granted by the city could have been more beneficial to Canton and he wants the Village to be successful, "but they're going to have to be successful on their own."

Gordon said the city's already given quite a bit to the Village and tax revenue primarily should be used to invest in economic programs and people.

DePew said the Village is beneficial to the city but safety forces should receive the taxpayer money promised with Issue 13.

West said city money has helped secure state and federal funding and he will continue to support the growth of the Village.

Smuckler said he would consider additional requests on a "case by case basis" but the city needs jobs and revenue from such developments to fund street paving and neighborhood improvements.

Attendee takeaways

Pat Williams, a league member and Canton resident, said she found the forum informative and would research more about the candidates' economic plans before making a decision.

"I like the fact that they're all very passionate about doing well for the city," she said.

Kimberly Brunner, a Massillon resident, said she came to support Gordon, who has a "fresh take" on policies that could benefit her family members in Canton, and to support the League of Women Voters.

"I know how important it is for voting," she said.

Celebrity Brown, an 18-year-old McKinley Senior High School student, said she was lacking information as a new voter and felt it was important to be present to learn more about the process and candidates.

Reach Kelly at 330-580-8323 or kelly.byer@cantonrep.comOn Twitter: @kbyerREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton mayoral candidates share stances at LWV event