May primary candidates for elected offices across Stark County detail their experience

CANTON −The candidate event Monday night at the Kingdom Center offered those running for elected office on the May primary ballot in Stark County a limited opportunity to tout their credentials.

Candidates got the chance to briefly introduce themselves, not debate others.

The Stark County Black Caucus' Meet the Candidates Night at the former Jewish Center on Harvard Road NW featured about 32 candidates running for mayor, city council, law director and municipal judge. Each candidate only got a few minutes to address the crowd of more than 80.

Related:Stark County Black Caucus to host candidate night gathering

Here are some selected highlights:

Canton's and Massillon's mayoral races for 2023

Five candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for Canton mayor were on hand.

Former State Rep. Thomas West, said throughout his 13 years as Ward 2 councilman and six years as state representative he's developed relationships and connections he would use to help the city. "I have the governor (Mike DeWine) on speed dial."

Bill Smuckler, At-Large, touted his 30 years of experience on council as someone "who continues to make things happen." He said he envisioned the Pro Football Hall of Fame becoming an amusement park long before the development of Hall of Fame Village.

William Sherer II, the current Canton council president, said as the head of the local Ironworkers union he had worked for years seeking higher wages for his members. Sherer said he did not have as much elected experience as others, "but I'll put my work ethic against anybody."

Kimberly Bell said she was a paralegal. She said about other candidates with political experience, "You can go retire (and play golf). You've been there long enough. ... Let me run it."

Willis Gordon said he was a Navy veteran who wants to "put policies together that will help us be proud of the community we live in. ... We can be safer in a community by getting shooters off the streets." The Stark County Board of Elections declined to certify Gordon for the May ballot because of questionable petition signatures. The board is reconsidering after reviewing affidavits submitted by Gordon that the signatures were genuine.

Massillon Mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perry, a Democrat seeking re-election, said she restored her city to fiscal health. She said when council refused to provide funding, she convinced a local business owner to contribute $107,000 to establish a city ice rink. Her Republican opponent, Jamie Slutz, did not appear at the event.

Candidates for Canton City Council seats

When asked how he would succeed as a Republican candidate in a predominantly Democratic city, Patrick Wyatt, a Ward 2 council candidate, pledged to be responsive and accessible. "I would like to see people vote not for a party but for an individual who can do something for their community."

Canton Councilwoman Brenda Kimbrough, D-2, said she had been involved with approving plans and funding for Centennial Plaza and is working on getting a walking path and 3 x 3 basketball for Nimisilla Park.

Canton Councilwoman Chris Smith, D-4, cited her work getting Sherrick Road SE, once infested with deep potholes, repaired with the help of federal stimulus funds in 2009, her work to get a pool at the Southeast Community Center and her efforts to bring in a health clinic. Her Democratic primary opponent, George Lancaster, did not speak at the event.

Canton Councilman Frank Morris, D-9, said, "I never shut the hell up, and I'm extremely combative. ... I'm not an elected official. I'm elected to represent you." His Democratic primary challenger, Brian Horner, did not speak at the event.

Retired Canton Fire Capt. Richard Sacco, running for Canton Council Ward 8 as a Democrat, said he and others built his house in the ward in 1989. "I will find out what the problem is. I will take care of it," he said. His primary opponent, incumbent Councilman Peter Ferguson, D-8, did not attend the event.

Crystal Smith, a Democratic candidate for Canton council at-large, said she wants to establish a construction program for children to help them develop their cognitive and social skills. "Together with your help, we can modernize our city," she said.

Doug Prestier, a Democratic candidate for Canton council at-large, introduced himself as a general contractor for 25 years. "You shouldn't be afraid to vote 'no.' You shouldn't be afraid to ask questions. I think I can make some changes working for the citizens."

Former Canton Ward 2 councilman, Nate Chester III, is a Democrat running for a Canton council at-large seat. He talked about how 80% of homicide victims in the city were under the age of 25.

Incumbent Democratic Canton At-Large Councilman Louis Giavasis cited his 24 years as Plain Township trustee before he became Stark County clerk of courts. "That's the experience I'm trying to bring back to the city of Canton."

Former Canton Councilman Joe Cole, a Democratic candidate for council at large, touted his record as the coach for the undefeated Canton McKinley academic team.

Vince Watts, a Democratic candidate for Canton council president and former president of the Canton Urban League, pledged to improve city council and drive change. He said about half of Canton households earn less than $35,000 a year. "What I know is this city can be great," but, "you can't invest in your churches with $35,000. You can't invest in your community with $35,000."

Kristen Bates Aylward, the other Democratic candidate for Canton council president, said when she was the city's law director, she learned what being a council president entails. She said it's the role of a council president, who only votes when there's a tie, to help influence what council does. "I always answer my phone. I always answer my email," she said.

Massillon City Council and law director candidates

Eric Ray, one of two Democratic candidates for the Massillon Ward 2 council seat, introduced himself as the owner of Ray's Reconditioning. "We're not going to sit around and wait for a change. We're going to make it happen."

Lynda Blankenship, the Democratic candidate for Massillon Ward 3 council, said, "If you want more change, you need more Democrats to overrule the Republicans who may not want that change." The Republican incumbent for the seat, Mike Gregg, did not speak at the event.

William Walker filed to run as a Democrat in the Massillon Ward 1 council race against Republican incumbent Mark Lombardi. Walker introduced himself as a former teacher at the Indian River Juvenile Correction Facility. "We have to invest in our young people and help they can be all they can be." The Stark County Board of Elections agreed Tuesday to put Walker back on the ballot after issues with his petition signatures.

Holly Bryan-Huth, a Democratic candidate for Massillon council at-large, said, "I want to make fair, informed decisions. I want (young people and their skills) to stay."

Jason Hout, a Republican candidate for Massillon council at-large, introduced himself as a worker in the metal working industry ready to assume the "stewardship of community."

Robert Williams, a Democratic candidate for Massillon council at-large, talked about his 26 years at the Massillon police department, including his time as the police chief along with his job providing security for 18 years at Stark State College. "If character, experience, courage are characteristics of leadership, vote Williams council at-large," he said.

J. David Ress, a host for WHBC, introduced himself as the only Democratic candidate for Massillon council president. The only Republican candidate, Mike Slater, did not intend the event.

Antonia Carbone, a Democrat, is mounting a primary challenge to Democratic incumbent Justin Richard for Massillon law director, cited her civil litigation experience. Richard said, "I'm not a politician. I'm a public servant."

Canton Municipal Court races

Canton Municipal Court Judge Curt Werren, is a Republican incumbent seeking re-election. Werren said, "I think I've earned another shot at it. I think I've done an excellent job. ... I've tried to be fair and respectful."

Werren's Democratic challenger Earle Wise Jr., who did not win re-election to a second term on the 5th District Court of Appeals, cited his experience as an assistant prosecutor, assistant public defender and appeals court judge along with working on about 100 jury trials. "This is about you," Wise said. "Democracy is not a spectator sport. You have to take part."

Dennis Barr, Stark County's longtime chief criminal prosecutor and a Republican, is running for Canton Municipal judge. "I have 37 years of courtroom trial experience. I've learned that good judges are firm, fair and impartial and respectful to all parties. That's how intend to be as a judge." Barr's Democratic opponent, Kristen Guardado, did not speak at the event.

Reach Robert at robert.wang@cantonrep.com. Twitter: @rwangREP.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Voters hear Stark office candidates at Kingdom Center in Canton