DISCUSSION: WHAT MASSILLION POLITICAL LEADER WILL STEP FORWARD TO SAVE MASSILLON FROM ITSELF?

It's one issue, after another. It's one political fight, after another. There's an ethics investigation going on. What's up in Massillon?

Who, from among the Massillon political class, will step up to wave the magic wand and solve Massillon's may problems.

What are the problems?

First (August 30, 2008) and foremost, Massillon lost its first football game of the season (already? - has Coach Jason Hall started looking for his next job?) this past Saturday (to a Utah team?).

Second, (August 27, 2008) newly appointed interim superintendent of schools John McGrath has called Massillon teachers dishonorable because they refused to ratify a tentative contract agreement reached on June 11th.

Third, (August 25, 2008) Massillon City Auditor Jane Ferrero tells Massillon Council that Massillon general budget will be insolvent to the tune of $550, 000 by year's end and that job cuts and other costs savings measures are needed.

Fourth, (August 25, 2008) Stark County Democratic Party chair Johnnie A. Maier, Jr. (also Massillon Municipal Clerk of Courts) embarrasses Stark County public education by having Governor Strickland appoint charter school employee - Tony Townsend - (principal/assistant principal) of Republican David Brennan via White Hat Management, Inc. (Hope Academy) who also is a Massillon City Councilman as a trustee of Stark State College's Board of Trustees.

Fifth, (August 20, 2008) Massillon shares in increased unemployment in July, 2008. From The Rep:

The Canton-Massillon metropolitan statistical area, which includes all of Stark and Carroll counties, saw local governments cut back a total of 800 jobs, with 900 jobs coming out of the education sector. The next largest cutback was in retail jobs, with 200 less in July than June.

Sixth, (August 11, 2008) Massillon fails again to auction off part of its Legends golf course in order to generate revenue for city coffers.

Seventh, (July 30, 2008). Cicchinelli/Catazaro-Perry political fight surfaces in fight over rezone of Massillon property.

Eighth, (July 29, 2008). Phase 2 of The Paul L. David Athletic Training Facility is put on hold because:

In interviews with The (Massillon) Independent, David, who is president of the Paul and Carol David Family Foundation, has talked of micro-management, infighting, personal and political agendas, a lack of concern for children.

Ninth, (May, 2008). Massillon Board of Education member initiates Ohio Ethics Commission complaint on the hiring practices of the Massillon City Schools.

We all know know that "a cat has nine lives." But a tenth, eleventh, twelveth, ... .? Because, there are other problems. North Canton raiding Massillon of its business/industry base, annexation fights, labor being unhappy with Mayor Cicchinelli, et cetera.

In the view of the STARK COUNTY POLITICAL REPORT (The Report), these are indeed tough times in Massillon.

Tough times demand forthright political action.

Who has what it takes to restore Massillon to her former relatively "untroubled" past? Mayor Cicchinelli? Councilperson Kathy Catazaro-Perry? Or, is there a new face on the horizon that can take charge and right the great ship of Massillon headed "true north?"