About Mayor Sherer
Mayor William V. Sherer II was born on December 25, 1969, right here in Canton, Ohio.
A proud graduate of McKinley Senior High School and the Ironworkers Local 550 Apprenticeship Training Program, he began his career in 1989 as a member of Ironworkers Local 550, where he built a strong foundation as both a skilled tradesman and a leader.
CAREER FOUNDATIONS
Built From the Ground Up: A Career Forged in Steel and Service
Throughout his career, Mayor Sherer held nearly every leadership position within Ironworkers Local 550, including Trustee, President, Business Manager, and Financial Secretary-Treasurer. He also served as Apprenticeship Coordinator, helping train and mentor the next generation of ironworkers while strengthening the program through accreditation and instruction.
In the field, he worked as a superintendent and general foreman, leading large-scale projects and managing crews of up to 100 workers. His leadership extended beyond the job site through regional roles and oversight of pension, health, and welfare programs supporting working families.
Community Leadership
A Hand in Every Corner of the Community
His commitment to service carried into public office. He served as Canton City Council President from 2018 to 2023 before being elected Mayor of the City of Canton, beginning his first term on January 1, 2024. He has also served in leadership roles with the Ohio Ironworkers Association, the Stark County Board of Elections, the Stark County Democratic Party, the J. Babe Stearn Community Center, and the United Way of Stark County.
First Term Accomplishments
Invested in the People Who Keep Us Safe
Renovated three fire stations and actively transforming the former AEP building into a multijurisdictional Safety Center that brings local, state, and federal partners under one roof to keep Canton's neighborhoods secure.
Put Neighborhoods First
Created the Mayor's Neighborhood Commission and revamped Canton's Comprehensive Plan in 2025 to direct City investment to neighborhoods in all four quadrants. The work started in Vassar Park and Sherrick Road, and at least two new neighborhoods are chosen for investment every year.
Fixed More Roads and Water Lines Without Raising Taxes
Brought more than $39 million in state and federal funding back to Canton for paving, water main replacement, and safer streets. The City is on pace to pave every alley within six years, and the budget has been balanced every year he has been in office.
Launching Canton's Biggest Housing Push in 50 Years
Partnering with Canton City Schools on two land swaps that will turn closed schools and vacant lots into sites for new single-family homes. He is also working with developers and organizations like Habitat for Humanity to grow the City's housing supply.
Built a Career Pipeline for Canton Students
Partnered with Canton City Schools through the Canton City Civil Service Department to create the McKinley CTE Collaboration, turning classroom tours into real, paid pre-apprenticeship jobs for local students inside City departments.
Grew Canton Alongside Its Neighbors
Reached annexation agreements with Plain and Canton Townships that provide certainty for the future while strengthening the relationships between neighboring communities.
Read About Key Issues & Progress
Personal Life
Rooted in Canton, Devoted to Family
Mayor Sherer is a lifelong resident of Canton and a dedicated family man. He and his wife, Carrie, are proud parents of three daughters, Nicolette, Julian, and Adrian, and loving grandparents to Henry and Ella.
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Keep William V. Sherer II as Mayor of Canton
Keep the momentum going. Keep Canton moving forward. Keep William V. Sherer II as Mayor.