OPINION: POPCORN AND POLITICS: MAY 28TH 2017:


Will Catazaro-Perry walk into her third term untouched? That's up to you!

(Massillon): It seems that within the past few weeks Mayor Catazaro-Perry held a fundraiser for her next mayoral run which is set for next year. Some spoke out saying the event was successful and the mayor reportedly already has thousands in her campaign war chest to use against any possible challengers. Catazaro-Perry will be running for her third term.

Is this a story? Not really. Any officeholder would be doing exactly what KCP is doing. So where's the real story here? 

The real story is that KCP may be flexing her muscles and her campaign pocketbook for no reason. In other words; at this point; there are no viable candidates out there showing any interest in running against her. Regardless of how you feel about KCP; she is well on her way to walking into her third term untouched.

That's a problem.

It's not a problem for KCP; it's much bigger than that. Actually; if this scenario plays out, it really has nothing to do with KCP at all.


Stark County's Democratic Party has been riddled with infighting and manipulation. In the past few years there has been no solid voice unifying the party. Its weakness is reflected not just locally; but across the political fabric of our nation. The national Democratic Party has lost its soul and one reason for its demise is because of what's happening right here in Stark County.

We have no idea how the Trump Administration will affect us as a people until long after he is gone. Whether you like Trump or not, the turbulence around him has divided us as a nation.

Enough about Washington. Let's get back to Democrats in Stark County; more specifically Massillon. There seems to be an apathy when it comes to local government. People complain but never get involved. Well; NOW'S YOUR CHANCE!

The Democratic Party in Massillon and Stark County needs to find itself. This can be done with good local moms and dads that care enough to roll up their sleeves and get involved. Run for office. Go to meetings. Be a BIG MOUTH on behalf of our town. If you don't like KCP; RUN AGAINST HER! If you don't like what council is doing; RUN FOR CITY COUNCIL. Just get off your butts and DO IT!

A perfect example of this is; well; me! I am a true Massillonian and I love my community. Because of this; I ran for mayor against KCP a few years back. I had barely a nickel in my campaign account. Folks; I knew I was going to lose; but at least I could make a statement. Well; to my surprise I came within 79 votes of beating her.

The bigger point here is that we desperately need good people to step up and have the courage to be a voice in our community. We hope that YOU will be that next voice at city hall.

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