CANTON, Ohio — With one year remaining in his second term, Canton Mayor Thomas Bernabei announced that he won't be seeking a third term.
In a letter released on Wednesday, Bernabei outlined his decision to not seek re-election in 2023.
"Running city government is a big business (2022 budget, $350 million) which requires full time commitment, work ethic and devotion to the job," Bernabei said. "I have done my best to provide that. I am proud of the organization which we have created."
Bernabei, who was first elected as Mayor in 2015, also highlighted some of the accomplishments that have been achieved during his time in office.
"We have overcome financial hardship through disciplined financial budgeting; we have made public safety our priority through staffing, funding, training and technology; we have invested hundreds of millions of dollars to modernize equipment and operations and in multiple public infrastructure projects in roads, water and sewer. City government has operated without service interruptions through financial hardship, the COVID pandemic and national social strife, with employees AT WORK and ON THE JOB. Our Parks passed a levy with 76% voter approval.
"We have provided incentives for new housing starts, cleaned up neighborhoods through the demolition of 650 blighted houses and commercial buildings, enhanced Building Code and Zoning enforcement and services, reconstructed Thurman Munson Stadium and fields, and funded recreation facilities improvements in all quadrants."
Bernabei also noted the attraction and construction of an Amazon facility, the construction of the Timken Family Aultman Cancer Center, land for a new Akron Children’s Hospital Behavioral Health facility and the addition of the Cleveland Clinic Hospital to Canton.
Bernabei also thanked those who have assisted him during his journey and acknowledged that his job isn't done yet.
"There is still much to do," he said. "I will complete my current term as Mayor that ends December 31, 2023 with the same work ethic and enthusiasm that I started with 7 years ago. I believe that we have built a foundation on which future leadership may rely on and grow. I am hopeful that Canton will continue to move forward and prosper."
