Public raises data‑center and gerrymandering concerns; AFSCME asks for support as commissioners reject fact‑finding report

During public comment at the May 20 meeting of the Stark County Board of Commissioners, residents raised distinct concerns about local political maps and a proposed data center, and a union representative asked the board to back a recent fact‑finding report. The board later approved a Human Resources resolution rejecting that fact‑finding report.

Nancy Bloom of Canton used public comment to express concerns about gerrymandering in local districting. Two residents, Lexi Welch and Skylark Bruce, spoke about questions and concerns surrounding a proposed data center; the record shows concerns were raised but the minutes do not record a direct response or action tied to those comments. Curt Moore, representative for JIW at IBEW Local 540, spoke in support of data centers throughout Stark County.

Shelby Woodhall, regional director of AFSCME Ohio Council 8, told the commissioners she supported the Fact‑Finding Hearing Report between the Stark County Engineer and AFSCME Local 2198 and asked the board to support the report. Later in the meeting, Human Resources presented a resolution rejecting that Fact‑Finding Report; the commissioners approved the resolution on a 3–0 vote.

Why it matters: public comment highlights community concerns about development and election administration, while the board’s action on the AFSCME‑engineer fact‑finding report affects ongoing labor relations and may prompt follow‑up from parties to the dispute.

Next step: the minutes record the resolution rejecting the fact‑finding report; the record does not show additional action or a scheduled hearing on the union’s request.