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Canton City Council elects president
Sunday, September 24, 2006
CANTON TWP. - Local trial lawyer and staunch Democrat Allen Schulman Jr. was unanimously elected Canton City Council president Saturday.
Schulman replaces 33-year president Ray Denczak, who died of natural causes on Sept. 9.
"No one will ever take the place of President Denczak; he devoted his entire life to public service. I'm just humbled to be considered for his position," Schulman said.
Schluman was opposed by only one other candidate, the Rev. C. David Morgan, a 22-year Canton resident and pastor of Calvary Presbyterian Church.
"Canton was in a position today where (residents) couldn't possibly lose," said Stark County Democratic Party Chairman Johnnie Maier Jr., praising both candidates.
The vote took place Saturday morning at the Stark County Democratic Party headquarters at 4220 12th St. NW. It required a majority, and 32 of the 41 Canton Democratic Party precinct committee members were present.
Before the vote, Maier asked the members to stand for a moment of silence in memory of Denczak. Then each candidate spoke, Morgan before Schulman.
"Only a lawyer would follow a reverend," Schluman said.
Morgan replied, "It would be nice if more lawyers did."
The committee chuckled.
Morgan cited his skills at moderating groups with diverse opinions, and Schulman cited his skills as a trial lawyer.
"I believe I can give a voice to those people who do not have a voice," Schulman said. "I have fought for the little person, I have fought for the working person."
Committee members were asked to stand for the candidate they wished to vote for. Schulman was elected.
"We had two very good candidates," Maier said. Then, of Schulman, he added, "I think he'll be an outstanding member of council. He'll bring fresh perspective."
Schulman will be sworn in by council Majority Leader Don Casar before council meets on Monday.
"I'll do my level best to do the best job I know how," he told the committee members. He also asked them for input as he begins serving as president.
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