Jamie Slutz is first GOP mayor of Massillon since Delbert 'Skip' Demmer

Steven M. Grazier, Massillon Independent
Updated ·1 min read
Jamie Slutz addresses family and friends while being sworn in Saturday night as mayor of Massillon at the Massillon Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 190. Slutz's choice for safety-service director, Renee Baker (right), is also pictured.
Jamie Slutz addresses family and friends while being sworn in Saturday night as mayor of Massillon at the Massillon Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 190. Slutz's choice for safety-service director, Renee Baker (right), is also pictured.

MASSILLON – New Mayor Jamie Slutz said his initial plans in office are to start working on re-energizing the city's animal control efforts and capitalize on potential business opportunities.

Slutz was sworn into office Saturday evening during a ceremony at Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 190 on Weirich Boulevard NW.

New team: Massillon Mayor-elect Jamie Slutz bringing fresh faces to his staff

"I feel like this is the next step of my life," said Slutz about assuming his new role. "It's an exciting time."

Jamie Slutz is hugged by his wife, Christie Slutz, after being sworn in Saturday night as Massillon's new mayor.
Jamie Slutz is hugged by his wife, Christie Slutz, after being sworn in Saturday night as Massillon's new mayor.

The city's animal control has more recently been run through the code enforcement office, and the incoming mayor said he wants to look at unspecified ways to beef-up the animal authority.

"I think there are things we can do more," said Slutz, adding that he also plans to dive into business opportunities to benefit the city down the road.

Keith Warstler administered the mayoral oath of office to Slutz at Saturday's event, which included members of City Council also being sworn-in.

Slutz, a former at-large city councilman, becomes the first Republican mayor in nearly 35 years. Delbert "Skip" Demmer was a GOP mayor prior to the election of former Democrat Mayor Frank Cicchinelli.

Jamie Slutz (left) is sworn in as Massillon mayor by friend, Keith Warstler (right), and announced by Municipal Judge Edward Elum, as Slutz's wife Christie Slutz holds the Bible. Also pictured is Master of Ceremonies Steve Yablonski (center).
Jamie Slutz (left) is sworn in as Massillon mayor by friend, Keith Warstler (right), and announced by Municipal Judge Edward Elum, as Slutz's wife Christie Slutz holds the Bible. Also pictured is Master of Ceremonies Steve Yablonski (center).

On Nov. 7, Slutz was the victor in the contest for Massillon mayor, defeating Kathy Catazaro-Perry, a Democrat, by an approximately 52% to 48% margin, according to results from the Stark County Board of Elections.

Slutz won 13 of Massillon's 24 voter precincts. Catazaro-Perry won 10 precincts, while one – Precinct 2A – was tied with 191 votes.

Slutz's first official day on the job is Monday.

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: New Massillon Mayor Jamie Slutz sworn into office Saturday evening