Tony M. Townsend
Candidate for Stark County Commissioner, Full term commencing 1/1/2027
Background
- Occupation
- Mental health therapist; Massillon City Council member
- Lives in
- Massillon
A mental health therapist and Massillon City Council member, first elected to council in 2006 and council president in 2014–2015. He was a K-8 school administrator and served on the Stark State College Board of Trustees from 2007 to 2011.
Documented positions
Housing
Supports infrastructure investment to expand affordable housing.
ReportStark County Commissioner — VOTE411 Voter GuideCandidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“strategically investing in roads, water, sewer, and other infrastructure that makes housing development more feasible and cost-effective”
Supports redeveloping vacant or underused properties for housing.
He also said the county should partner with municipalities, townships, nonprofits and developers and pursue state and federal funding.
ReportStark County Commissioner — VOTE411 Voter GuideCandidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“encourage redevelopment of vacant or underused properties”
Economy & jobs
Supports requiring data centers to show measurable local benefit.
He said impacts on water, the electric grid, infrastructure, the environment and the tax base should be evaluated before incentives are approved.
ReportStark County Commissioner — VOTE411 Voter GuideCandidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“data centers must demonstrate a clear and measurable benefit to Stark County residents”
Government & transparency
Pledges transparency on data center tax incentives and costs.
ReportStark County Commissioner — VOTE411 Voter GuideCandidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“full transparency regarding tax incentives and long-term costs”
All sources (3)
- Candidates List, November 3, 2026 General Election (8/31/2026)
Election filing · Stark County Board of Elections · starkcountyohio.gov
- Election Notice for Use with the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (updated notification, 46 days before the election): contests, questions and precincts
Election filing · Stark County Board of Elections · starkcountyohio.gov
- Stark County Commissioner — VOTE411 Voter Guide
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.