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City of Canton – Member of Council-at-Large {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

Council-at-Large Members represent the interests of all citizens of the City of Canton.

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    James O. Babcock
    (Dem)

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    Kimberly D. Bell (write-in)
    (Dem)

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    Carl Bliss
    (Rep)

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    Joe Cole
    (Dem)

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    Crystal C. Smith
    (Dem)

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    Bill Smuckler
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

If elected, what goal would you like to accomplish during this term?

Occupation Realtor / Councilman
Age 75
Education Central Catholic / Attended Kent State / Hondros College
Qualifications for this office Been elected 7 terms and served on many committees
My goal is to continue to improve the quality of life for the people of Canton. Prioritizing safety above everything else to ensure our police and fire have the staff and resources they need to keep us safe. Dedicated to paving as many miles of roads as possible each year. Continue to grow our local economy while protecting our small businesses and continue to focus on cleaning up our neighborhoods and keeping them safe.
Occupation Laundry attendant / self-employed
Age 60
Education High school / Associate Degree
Qualifications for this office Canton Mayoral candidate 2022 / current Canton City Council-At-Large
I Kimberly D. Bell am a Canton South graduate of the Class of 1982. I am also a Stark State grad of Paralegal Studies and Legal Assistant, Class of 2019-2020. I am currently a laundry attendant for a laundry service and I also offer self-employment laundry service and cleaning service. Qualification for a seat to represent the people is only to care for community, to improve the issues and lives, to strengthen our government, to serve the people and the economy.
Candidate is uncontested for this primary race so no questions were posed.
Occupation Public School Educator: 7th Grade Social Studies teacher at Early College at Lehman Middle School
Age 51
Education I have a BA in History and Political Science and a Master's in Educational Administration from the University of Akron. I also have multiple certifications and continuing education credits.
Qualifications for this office With 25 years as an award-winning teacher, principal, and coach and two terms as a councilman, I bring proven leadership, deep community understanding, and a commitment to effective, impactful public service as a candidate for Canton City Council At-Large.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/joseph.cole.100046/
I am committed to strengthening our community by increasing support for our safety forces, ensuring they have the resources needed to protect and serve. I will prioritize repaving our streets for a safer, smoother ride, improving infrastructure for all residents. Additionally, I will combat blight and restore our neighborhoods, revitalizing our city and enhancing property values. With strong leadership and a clear vision, we can build a safer, cleaner, and more prosperous future for everyone.
Occupation I aim to promote fair wages, workforce development and policies that ensure every worker has the opportunity to succeed in a thriving community.
Age 43
Qualifications for this office During my first term, I gained a deep understanding of our city’s challenges through hands-on constituent service, providing informed fresh solutions for Canton’s diverse community.
My main policy goals in the next year are around boosting support for mental health in the community, and securing affordable housing for working families.
Occupation Co-owner Canton Hotel & Restaurant Supply
Age 70
Education BA in Journalism from Bowling Green State University 1977; Oakwood High (GlenOak) 1973
Qualifications for this office 32 years of Public Service as a Ward, At Large Councilman and Canton City Council President
Facebook Bill Smuckler
I want to continue my interest of community policing in the neighborhoods, by hiring more police and working to put visible officers in the neighborhoods. Continue my efforts to pave millions of dollars of neighborhood streets. I want to make housing a top priority for our neighborhoods. Job creation pays for this. My years of being a successful business owner can help the Canton Community.