At-Large Council Member· 2026-01-01 - 2027-12-31 (elected Nov 2025 seat vacated by Giavasis's move to President; listed on Council Rules 2026-2027; January 1, 2026 start; ORC §731.03 (council terms of two years commencing the first day of January next after election; term ends December 31); 2026-2027 term per Council Rules of Procedure passed 1/5/26; term expires December 31, 2027)
Joe Cole
Canton
No biography on file yet.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 1
- Total speaking time
- 0:52
- Avg per meeting
- 0:52
- Segments
- 7
Want every word Cole has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Cole said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Top issues during term (16)(General)
Integrated Harm Reduction Grant and Community Contracts
Spends opioid settlement funds per the Exhibit A contracts; amounts itemized there.
Residential Zoning Code Amendments
While this might eventually bring in tech tax dollars, it could also spike local energy costs or ding nearby property values if a massive data center pops up next door.
Municipal Annexation Areas (Broadway Ave & 36th St NE)
Generates municipal income tax revenue for the city.
JEDD Board Appointments
None directly specified.
building demolition
Demolition costs money upfront, but clearing the land might eventually pave the way for a more profitable development.
Police Cloud Hosting and Surveillance Data Contract
Acceptance of $85,536 in grant funds and associated software expenditures.
Downtown Canton Partnership Funding and Initiatives
Up to $250,000 per year for two years ($500,000 total).
Real Estate Exchange and School Property Redevelopment
Involves comprehensive plan funds and property acquisition costs for housing initiatives.
historic preservation
Leaving the property to rot drags down surrounding property values and wastes a cool spot that could bring in tourists or local business.
juvenile curfew
Zero direct financial impact on taxpayers, though curfew violations could lead to minor court fines for families.
Public Comment Rules and Civic Participation
Doesn't cost you any cash upfront, but losing your voice in local spending decisions could hit your wallet down the road.
state of the city
While no exact price tags were dropped, betting big on data centers means potential new tax revenue and economic growth for the city.
utility service policy
Property owners outside city limits face unexpected annexation costs and potential tax increases if they want to secure essential utility access.
municipal building closure
It shouldn't cost taxpayers much, but you might waste some gas driving down there if you don't check online first.
entertainment district expansion
Local bars, restaurants, and downtown shops should see a nice bump in sales as people wander and spend more freely.
mosquito control
Your tax dollars fund these seasonal sprays to keep local bug populations in check.
Decisions during term (1)
Recorded while Cole was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Voting record (1)(General)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.