Name

Kathy Catazaro-Perry

 

Title and Employer/Organization

Mayor, City of Massillon

 

How would you describe your day job to a child?

I am the mayor of the City of Massillon. The mayor is elected by the people and is responsible to keep the city moving forward. That includes; the police officers who keep our city safe, the firefighters who help people when they are sick or if they have a fire, the street department who keep our roads nice and plow snow in the winter, the health department who keep our community healthy, the sewer department who keep sewers flowing, and the economic development department who brings new families and businesses to our city. We are busy!

 

What led you to your current employer or job field?

I am a nurse and for many years I cared for patients in the hospital. I continue to care about people which brought me to where I am today. I served on Massillon City Council for eight years, and then I ran for Mayor in 2011 and won. I am a people person and I truly care about the people of Massillon. I am honored to serve as their Mayor and represent our great city.

 

How did you first get involved with the Strengthening Stark movement?

I was invited to serve on the Strengthening Stark Governing Board and was happy to help. Stark County is a unique county full of wonderful people who care about our community. However, recent economic indicators have pointed to a negative trend and Strengthened Stark was formed to reverse that trend. Our county needs to grow and prosper and the Strengthened Stark team is working to help solve a variety of issues that will improve the quality of life for all residents of Stark County. I am proud to be part of the Strengthening Stark team and to live in Stark County.

 

What are you most proud of in Stark County?

I am most proud of City of Massillon. Over the past decade, Massillon has worked hard to make our city better by improving our roads and infrastructure, reinventing our downtown with “the Imagine Downtown Massillon” project, and by focusing on improving our neighborhoods. Moreover, Massillon is also blessed with beautiful historic buildings, which include churches, the Massillon Lincoln Lions theatre, the beautiful Massillon Woman’s Club, and other hidden gems throughout the city. Massillon is a city on the rise and we thank all our partners who worked hard with us to make Massillon what it is today.

 

What advice would you give to new Stark County residents?

Stark County is a big county with lots to see and lots to do. I would explore what Stark County has to offer by attending events (especially in the summer months) and visiting businesses/organizations throughout the county. This will give you an opportunity to learn and discover the many things that make Stark County such a great place to live, work, and raise a family. I would then take what you a passionate about and find an organization(s) that you can get involved with and transfer that passion for the betterment of the community.

 

If you won the lottery and could purchase one thing for our community, what would it be and why?

Winning the lottery would be amazing. Once I won a trip to a dairy farm for the weekend, but winning the lottery could definitely impact our community. One thing I would focus on is poverty. We have exceptional educational facilities in Stark County and I would use the money to help adults return to college and earn a degree. This would provide an avenue to allow adults who have always wanted to attend college to pursue a career that would allow them to better themselves and provide for their loved ones. 

 

What Stark County restaurant should we check out this weekend?

Dining out is always a good time in Massillon. The city has many great restaurants to choose from and they are conveniently located throughout the city. One of the newest restaurants opening soon in downtown is Chloe’s Diner and will feature burgers, shakes. and have historic cars/memorabilia in the diner. I can’t wait for it to open! I invite everyone to come to Massillon and enjoy a good meal and discover what Massillon has to offer. I think you may be surprised!