Matthew Storia Sworn In as North Canton’s 25th Mayor
On July 25, 2025, Matthew Stroia officially became the 25th mayor of North Canton, a city that has seen leadership shift since its incorporation as the village of New Berlin in 1905. The swearing-in ceremony, held at City Hall, marked a significant milestone not only for Stroia but for the community he has deep roots in.
Stroia’s journey to the mayoralty has been shaped by his commitment to the city he loves. Reflecting on the day, he expressed his emotional connection to North Canton, stating, “I’m really excited to get started. It’s very emotional because I love this place. This is my hometown, and when I gave my first stump speech six years ago, I said I bleed orange and black. And I do.”
The event was a culmination of years of local involvement for Stroia, who served as council president since December 2021 and as an at-large council member since December 2019. He succeeds Stephan Wilder, who announced on July 22 his decision to step down, leaving a considerable legacy after more than 40 years of public service. According to the city charter, the council president assumes the mayoral role if the sitting mayor resigns, a transition that Stroia welcomed with heartfelt gratitude towards Wilder.
As the ceremony commenced, it was attended by a supportive crowd of city employees, council members, and well-wishers, all gathered to celebrate the new administration. Stroia took the oath of office by a wall adorned with portraits of the 24 mayors who have come before him, symbolizing the storied history of leadership in North Canton. His wife, Jessica Stroia, president of the North Canton City School Board, and their 14-year-old son, Aiden, proudly observed the event from the front row.
In his first remarks as mayor, Stroia expressed a desire for teamwork and community collaboration, emphasizing, “We’re a team. I mean we’re all together. So let’s always have each other’s backs. Go forward and let’s always try to improve for all the people. For our community.” His mention of improved collaboration suggests a focus on unity among city officials and residents during his term.
Stephan Wilder, who remained present at the ceremony to lend his support, addressed the crowd with appreciation for the journey he undertook during his time in office. “We have come across so many things in these last few years. We’ve made major decisions. We’ve had obstacles. We’ve had challenges,” Wilder noted, while also affirming his continued commitment to the area by planning to remain active through local nonprofit boards.
The transition of leadership comes with political ambitions, as Stroia intends to file for petition signatures by the August 6 deadline to run for a full two-year term beginning December 1, a move that Wilder has publicly endorsed. “I think he’s going to give all his best. … He’s rounded. He’s a hometown young man. He comes from a great family. I think he has a good working knowledge of city government,” said Wilder, showcasing confidence in Stroia’s capabilities.
In terms of the mayoral position, it is partly part-time according to the city charter. The mayor has significant responsibilities, including the power to hire the director of administration with council approval and the ability to veto any legislation passed by the council. Following the transition, Stroia will earn an annual salary of $19,418, a notable increase from his previous earnings of $8,809 as council president.
Stroia also brings a diverse professional background to the mayor’s office. He is the owner and operator of Buckeye Tax, the investment advisory firm Investment Network, and two businesses located in Plain Township: a cigar bar named OSI and a brewery known as Spider Monkey. His previous experience signals an understanding of both community needs and business dynamics, setting a promising foundation for his governance.
Historically, North Canton has seen previous mayors step down before completing their terms, with Wilder being the eighth to do so. The most recent comparable situation dates back to 1998 when Mayor William Hines resigned to take up the role of the city’s law director. Stroia’s ascent into the mayoral office signifies not just a change in leadership, but also an opportunity for evolution within the city’s governmental structure.
As North Canton welcomes Matthew Stroia as its new mayor, many eyes will be on his initial actions and decisions in office. With a focus on teamwork and a deep connection to the community, many residents are hopeful for a prosperous and positive direction under his leadership.
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