Working for the Man

Two years ago, the Massillon political scene was a lot more quiet than it is today.

There were only two contested races for Massillon City Council. Only in Ward 2 did a sitting member of council have a serious opponent.

Sue Saracina decided to run as a Republican against sitting councilman, Democrat Chuck Maier.

Maier ended up moving out of the city, and was replaced on council by Gary Anderson.

And who is Sue Saracina? Wife of Massillon Building Code Enforcement officer Mike Saracina, an employee of... wait for it...

Massillon's Mayor for Life, Frank Cicchinelli.

If a member of council doesn't rubber stamp for the mayor, and attempts to exert some independence, the mayor quickly looks for a replacement.

This year King Francis the Eternal has recruited Kevin Phillips to run against Gary Anderson in the 2nd Ward.

And who has Phillips' spouse worked for?

Frank and Joy Cicchinelli.

It looks like the quickest path into Massillon politics is to have your spouse work for a Cicchinelli.

As for Gary Anderson, the mayor has a lot of employees, many of whom are married. This should provide Anderson with a steady supply of opponents for years to come.