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Stark County, Ohio, Meet the Commissioners

Bill is from East Canton, Ohio, and attended East Canton High School. He is married to his wife Diana, and with whom he has 2 children and 12 grandchildren. He currently lives in Canton. 

CantonRep, Bill Smith sworn in as Stark County commissioner

Bill is a hot air balloon pilot and owns Smith's Waco Market and Smith properties. He is a former chairman of the East Central Ohio Food Dealers Association Board. 

Bill Smith currently serves as a Stark County Commissioner. He was elected to this position in 2016 and is serving his second term. He previously served as a  Canton Township Trustee. He was elected to that position in 2002 and served for 3 full terms. 

CantonRep, Meet the candidates in two races for Stark County commissioners

Supports the county's investment into jail renovations.

Believes in conservative public spending, investing in necessary projects.

- Believes in conservative public spending, investing in necessary projects.

Economy

As of June 23, 2025, Bill Smith did not have a website or any information online.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Supports the renovation of the Stark County Jail.

Supports the renovation of the Stark County Jail, including more mental health services for inmates.

- Supports the renovation of the Stark County Jail, including more mental health services for inmates.

Public Safety

Housing & Urban Development

Supports transparency by allowing public phone access to all commissioner meetings.

Supports transparent existing policy of allowing public phone access to all commissioner meetings. Travels to township and other meetings around the county to hear from community members.

- Supports transparent existing policy of allowing public phone access to all commissioner meetings. Travels to township and other meetings around the county to hear from community members.

Public Services

Healthcare

Bill Smith

LinkedIn

Joe grew up in Green, Ohio. He earned a bachelor's degree in history and political science and a master's degree in educational administration and supervision from the University of Akron. He lives in Canton.

CantonRep, 7 candidates want to serve at large on Canton City Council

Joe works as a history teacher at Early College Middle School. 

Joe Cole previously served as a member of the Canton City Council. He was named to that position in 2010 and served for 3 years. 

Supports the Gas Workers Union and advocates for stricter laws to protect workers from harassment.

- Supports the Gas Workers Union and advocates for stricter laws to protect workers from harassment.

Ballotpedia, Joe Cole (Stark County Commission, Ohio, candidate 2024)

Wants to address street and sidewalk conditions in "forgotten" neighborhoods. 

Advocates for more assistance for transportation issues.

- Wants to address street and sidewalk conditions in "forgotten" neighborhoods. 
- Advocates for more assistance for transportation issues.

- Wants more neighborhood police patrols. 

As of June 23, 2025, Joe Cole did not have a website or any information online.

Believes Canton is not  "doing enough" to help serve local elderly populations and wants to partner with local organizations. 

Supports evening meetings in various locations to increase public attendance and oversight.

Supports evening meetings in locations around the county to increase public attendance and transparency.

- Believes Canton is not  "doing enough" to help serve local elderly populations and wants to partner with local organizations. 
- Supports evening meetings in locations around the county to increase public attendance and transparency.

Joe Cole

- County commissioners are in charge of county renewal projects and maintaining the streets, roads, and public utilities. These projects try to improve the quality of life in the county, like increasing access to food or award grants to bring jobs. 
- County commissioners control budgeting and appropriations in the county. This means that county commissioners control what organizations and individuals receive the money from the county budget. 
- County commissioners have authority over government taxing and purchasing, and they hold the titles to all of the county property. 
- County commissioners in Ohio are typically elected to 4-year terms in staggered years. Depending on your county, you may vote for the seat in your County Commission District, or all of them at-large. 

Member of the governing body for the county, has authority over taxing, budgeting, county property, and public services like utilities. 

Stark County Commission Member

Election results

Candidates (2)