Eric Williams is new legal counsel for Canton Township
CANTON TWP. – Attorney Eric Williams has been picked from three finalists to be legal counsel for this township.
In selecting Williams Tuesday, township trustees declined to retain Charles Hall as counsel. Hall, who has been with Canton Township for several years, was among the three finalists. The third candidate was Stephan Babik.
More: Canton Township seeks to take away bar's liquor license
Williams also is law director of Plain Township.
"We look forward to working with Eric Williams because he brings a wealth of experience," township Trustee Mark Shaffer said.
Township trustees approved a three-year contract for Williams. His monthly salary will be $2,500 for the first year. Williams will be paid $2,750 a month during the second year and $3,000 a month in the third year of the contract.
Along with his work for Plain Township, "I work some for Canal Futon and Minerva," Williams said. "I just work for them on an as-needed basis. I am very much looking forward to working with them in Canton Township."
Williams has a law degree from the University of Akron. He also holds a bachelor's degree from Kent State University.
During the process to select legal counsel, "I in no way shape or form had any preconceived notions," township Trustee Christopher Nichols said. "I didn't go into this process not thinking Charlie would at least be considered. It is just good business to consider all your vendors over time. Charlie helped out a lot over the years."
Hall also recently resigned as law director for Perry Township. The new law director in Perry Township is James Mathews. Hall remains as retained legal counsel for Pike Township and East Canton.
Hall will remain with Canton Township until the end of January to help with the transition. Williams' new contract with Canton Township takes effect this week.
"As of February, Eric will be our (sole) additional legal counsel," Shaffer said. "The Stark County Prosecutor's Office is considered the (prime) legal counsel."
Babik is solicitor for Meyers Lake, a village which partially sits in Canton Township. Possible legal matters, such as road maintenance questions, involving Meyers Lake played into Shaffer's decision to favor Williams.
"I recognize there was that question," Babik said. "I never had any question of resigning from Meyers Lake."
However, Canton Township does share a mile-long border with Plain Township in the Meyers Lake area. And Williams now handles legal matters for both townships.
Reach Malcolm at 330-580-8305 or malcolm.hall@cantonrep.com
On Twitter: mhallREP
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton Township trustees change legal counsel to Eric Williams
