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Stark County Commissioner, term commencing 1-2-25

Term: 4 yearsSalary: $102,043Responsibilities: To exercise financial control of County expenditures; to authorize public works; to purchase land and buildings; to vet contracts; to plan and administer welfare. The Board of County Commissioners also appoints other officials to operate various departments.

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  • Candidate picture

    Joe Cole
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Bill Smith
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

How can Stark County best position itself to take advantage of advanced technology?

Occupation Public School Educator: 7th Grade Social Studies teacher at Early College at Lehman Middle School
Age 50
Education BA in History and Political Science and a Master's in Educational Administration from the University of Akron
Qualifications for this office With 25 years as a 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 Stark County Commissioner.
Facebook facebook.com/joseph_cole.100046/
Stark County can thrive by embracing advanced technologies like shigh-speed internet, smart infrastructure, and digital public services. Creating a clear plan, expanding internet access, and focusin on education and job training will foster innovation and build strong partnerships between government and businesses. By securing state and federal funding, these efforts will drive economic growth, improve public services, and position the county and region for a bright, tech-driven future full of new opportunities for all.
Occupation Owner Smith’s Waco Market, Smith’s Property Management, County Commissioner
Age 68
Education High School - East Canton
Qualifications for this office For the last 8 years I have brought a business like atmosphere in helping make decisions. Our economic development team is the best bringing countless job and multi-million dollars of capitol investments in the County. The County is in the best shape financially than it has ever been while maintaining the high quality of services taxpayers expect.
Facebook Bill Smith
Our IT department is constantly advancing ways to stay ahead of the curve. They are constantly exploring and staying ahead of items like cyber security and spamming from our computer systems. Our Sheriff and EMA work together to keep ahead of communications along with 911 and items like Carbonite and text to 911. Currently they are installing a new system in our court system that will make us a leader in that area.