Canton Mayor Candidates

The three Canton candidates for mayor were asked to submit a few words about the mayor election.

TERRY FRETWELL

I have been a Canton resident for 52 years. I believe in a statement once made by John F. Kennedy; but have modified it just a little, “Ask not what your community can do for you, but what can you do for your community.” With that philosophy in mind, I have served my community in various roles and capacities including Mayor. Some of the goals I have as Mayor are as follows. Maintain a balanced budget and curb unnecessary spending. Keep improving our Police Department to play a viable role in a safe and friendly community. Upgrade living conditions for our seniors. Keep using a 5-year plan for our Public Works Department to repair and upgrade our infrastructure. Continue to take a serious look at our water supply and determine what is best for the future. Bring the Parks Board, Tourism Commission and Canton Main Street together to work as a coordinated group to attrac tourism. Improve transparency and better communication to its Citizens. Create a better environment to attract new businesses. As your Mayor, I promise I will serve to the best of my ability and would appreciate your vote. Thank you.

RAYMOND MERIDA

What’s up Canton, Mo., let me talk to ya : I’m Ray Merida I’ve been here most of my life. I graduated from Canton high in 2003. I went on to become a Marine with a tour in Iraq. Nowadays I hang with the homies and the fam, and work on the podcasts with the fellas go check them out. Now lets get down to brass tax, and the big question in the room just why am I running? When I heard about all that cop corruption it angered me, and I figured that this might be a great opportunity for me to give it a shot and give Canton a different option instead of the same old options we always have. Am I your typical guy and that would be a heck no. I’m not suit and tie I’m more flip flops and board shorts. I’m just a laid back kinda guy looking to change some stuff up, and see if we can get some stuff done, and if you are down for possibly a wacky adventure for the next year vote for me on April 2nd.

DON CIBERT

As a transplant Cantonian, I can say that I have seen a lot of good, that has come from previous administrations. Things are going smoothly, but there are still issues that need to be addressed. With over 18 years in Law Enforcement in Lewis County area, most of it as a supervisor, I have seen what works and doesn’t work in our communities. It isn’t always easy but is worth it in the end.

With this in mind, I hope to bring my administrative experience from various boards of directors and law enforcement to work together with city council and the citizens to watch Canton continue to grow with a sense of community. While I am sure others can do this, my sense of commitment and fresh eyes, make me stand above the rest.