MASSILLON – City voters will have some candidate choices in the May 6 primary election — just not too many.
The primary features candidates for city treasurer and the Ward 4 City Council seat.
In the open Ward 4 Democratic race, former City Council President Tony Townsend is running against Doremus “Corey” Redvine. No Republicans have filed to run.
Incumbent Councilwoman Jill Creamer, a Democrat, is not seeking re-election. Council terms are for two years.
Redvine, 37, operates a landscaping company, TV Landscaping, and has hosted community events, such as the annual Redd, White and Blue celebration at Shriver Park.
Doremus ‘Corey’ Redvine
The name of the event is a play on Redvine’s nickname, “Redd,” and is in its 15th year. He also hosts back-to-school book readings and operates a youth basketball program.
“I think I’m the best fit and will bring energy to our community,” said Redvine, a 2006 Washington High School graduate. “I want to get right to work.”
If elected, Redvine said he would be accessible and share information about city issues with constituents. He cited neighborhood and youth safety, as well as improving roads through repaving efforts, as main issues.
“I want to empower our youth with fresh ideas, and help bring out a younger crowd,” said Redvine, who pledged to be an active community representative. “I have a passion to listen and get things done.”
Redvine declined to comment on past criminal charges, including a misdemeanor assault conviction, that were outlined in an October 2024 Canton Repository article about Ohio House candidates. He ran last fall as a Democrat for the state’s 50th District seat.
“I know what I’m into now with my lifestyle,” he said. “I’m confident in myself.”
Townsend, 60, wants to make a return to City Council after 10 years. He served as the Ward 4 representative for eight years prior to filling the council president post from 2013 to 2015.
Tony Townsend
“I shied away for a while, but some in the community approached me,” said Townsend, a 1983 graduate of Finney High School in Detroit. “So I got to do it (run for office).”
Townsend has a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Akron and works as a trauma social worker for University Hospitals. He’s also an intern for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, working with homeless people.
If elected, Townsend said he would work to improve streets and infrastructure in Ward 4.
“We’ve seen an entire ward start to decline,” he said. “Blight is on the rise, and (deteriorating) homes need to be fixed or torn down.”
May 6 election: Stark County BOE certifies Massillon, Canton council hopefuls for primary
Attracting more companies that offer high-tech jobs is also a priority, Townsend said.
“We do OK with restaurants and retail, but need to get better with high-paying jobs in Massillon,” he said.
No other Massillon ward races are contested May 6, as well as the three at-large seats and council president’s post.
Massillon’s GOP treasurer primary pits Pedro vs. Snee
Two Republican candidates are vying for the part-time treasurer’s post. They are Vince Pedro and John Snee.
Incumbent Treasurer Linda Litman, a Democrat, is not seeking re-election. The treasurer term runs for four years.
Snee, 45, was a GOP candidate for Massillon auditor in November 2023, losing out to Democrat John Fererro.
John Snee
Snee, an operations coordinator for a company that works with people who have developmental disabilities, is a 1998 graduate of Jackson High School. He has a business management degree from Stark State College.
Snee said he has the proper business and banking background to serve as treasurer.
“I know the numbers, and think I have the right skills for the job,” Snee said. “I’m for full transparency and can help run an efficient office.”
The Stark County Republican Party reached out about a run for treasurer, Snee said, adding that he’s talked to Massillon Mayor Jamie Slutz about the post.
“I think I can work well with the mayor and provide an upswing to city government,” he said.
Pedro is the former director of the Boys & Girls Club of Massillon who spent 35 years in the position.
He could not be reached for comment regarding his bid for city treasurer.
Reach Steven Grazier at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On X (formerly Twitter): @sgrazierINDE
This article originally appeared on The Independent: Massillon treasurer, Ward 4 council seats contested in May primary