Early voting for the May 6 primary election is ongoing, with Kent residents seeing the names of five Democratic candidates for City Council at-large seats.
The Portager reached out multiple times to each candidate, and received replies from Benjamin Tipton, Tracy Wallach, Sarah Elizabeth Wesley and Derek Salustro. Democratic candidate Michael L. Thrasher could not be reached.
Kent voters will be asked to choose between all five in May, and the top three vote-getters will advance to the November general election. On that ballot, their names, and that of Republican candidate Cecil Anderson, will appear, and the top three will take their city council seats Jan. 1, 2026.
Here are the responses from Tipton, Wallach, Wesley and Salustro:
Benjamin Tipton
The Portager: What prompts you to run for City Council?
BT: I am running for Kent City Council because I am deeply invested in our community—I live, work and raise my family here. I walk to work at Kent State University, my children attend Kent City Schools, and I am committed to ensuring that Kent remains a vibrant, welcoming and forward-thinking city.
My goal is to support thoughtful development that maintains affordability, attracts good jobs and enhances the cultural vibrancy of our city, ensuring that all residents feel valued and supported.
The Portager: Do you have any other public service experience? Please specify, including boards and commissions.
BT: Yes, I have extensive public service experience in Kent. I have volunteered on the Kent City Board of Zoning Appeals (2014–2021), the Fair Housing Board (2014–2017), and the Salary Review Committee (2021). These roles have provided me with firsthand insight into the challenges our city faces and the importance of making strategic decisions that benefit all residents. You can read more about my public service experience in Kent and elsewhere at www.linkedin.com/in/bentipton.
The Portager: What experience do you have that would make you the best candidate for City Council?
BT: My background in public policy, including work with Senator Sherrod Brown’s office, has equipped me with the skills to advocate effectively for community investment and economic development. My experience on local boards and commissions has given me a deep understanding of zoning and housing policy, which is crucial as we navigate growth and development in Kent. I am committed to ensuring that our city’s growth is sustainable and benefits the entire community.
The Portager: Is there anything you would specifically like to accomplish as a City Council member?
BT: Yes, I have several specific goals:
- Affordable Housing & Development: I will advocate for policies that encourage a mix of housing options for long-term residents, homeowners, renters, all while supporting responsible growth.
- Economic Development & Job Growth: I will support local business growth and ensure strong job opportunities for residents. I have experience securing funding and promoting initiatives that enhance local economies and support entrepreneurs. I know well the realities and struggles that small business owners face in our city.
My brother and sister-in-law started Bell Tower Brewery and many of my neighbors own and operate small businesses in Kent. As a Kent State employee, I also understand the opportunities our community has with having a large university in our town — and the interest students have in staying here after graduation.
- Sustainability & Cost Efficiencies: I will continue to bolster sustainability efforts, by supporting and building on the Climate Action Plan developed by Kent citizens. I aim to develop more definitive plans with citizen and Sustainability Commission input to achieve both cost savings and environmental benefits. I have already spoken to Power Up Local, a new NE OH nonprofit that is helping communities fulfill the potential of a locally led clean energy future to help Kent realize the goals of the Climate Action Plan.
Tracy Wallach
The Portager: What prompts you to run for City Council?
TW: There needs to be more women on council.
The Portager: Do you have any other public service experience? Please specify, including boards and commissions.
Here, Wallach directed readers to her website.
The Portager: What experience do you have that would make you the best candidate for City Council?
TW: I’ve already been on City Council and so I know how it works. The next 4 years are going to be challenging for the city and the country. I will be able to hit the ground running and so be able to focus on issues and getting things done and not on learning the system.
The Portager: Is there anything you would specifically like to accomplish as a City Council member?
TW: Pushing to make the city more sustainable. Affordable housing for seniors and young families.
Sarah Elizabeth Wesley
The Portager: What prompts you to run for City Council?
SW: I had decided to run this election cycle after debating doing it for the last few years. The opportunity presented itself this year when the three vacancies opened up and it seemed like a sign telling me now is the time to give it a try.
The Portager: Do you have any other public service experience? Please specify, including boards and commissions.
SW: I currently sit on the Civil Service Commission for the city of Kent. I have loved learning about the inner workings of the fire and police departments. It is very interesting to see the city from this point of view and it has only strengthened my desire to win this council at-large seat.
The Portager: What experience do you have that would make you the best candidate for City Council?
SW: I have successfully run a small business for the past 15 years in our community, which has provided me the experience of working with others, managing a budget, growing my business and being comfortable speaking with people. It is a big responsibility and one that I take seriously, just as I will if I am elected to City Council. I have also served on our school PTA and as vice president for our dance board, as well, which has helped me gain experience to serve on council.
The Portager: Is there anything you would specifically like to accomplish as a City Council member?
SW: One of the main things that I want to do as a council member is to address the issue of the poor conditions that our city roads are in. I do not think that there is currently one road in Kent that doesn’t need some type of service. Particularly the roads around our schools are in very bad shape. With the rising cost of literally everything, the wear and tear that these poor road conditions do to our vehicles is unacceptable. We are a very viable city and we can do better for our community than what we currently drive on everyday.
I would also like to address bringing more shopping to our area to help us grow economically. Cities around us are growing with both small and large businesses and I think we are missing an opportunity as Brimfield and Stow continue to develop businesses and bring them to their cities; we need to try to bring that growth to Kent, as well.
Kent is an amazing city. My husband and I are fortunate to be able to raise our three wonderful children in this city and I look forward to having the opportunity to serve our community, not only as a small business owner, but as a council woman as well!
Derek Salustro
The Portager: What prompts you to run for City Council?
DS: I’ve lived in Kent for over 20 years. I love it here. I love the sense of community that you don’t seem to find in other places. I think there could be tough times ahead with everything that is currently going on in our country. I don’t want that to diminish what has been built here. I feel like I can help make sure that we don’t lose our way, while also helping guide the community to a prosperous future.
The Portager: Do you have any other public service experience? Please specify, including boards and commissions.
DS: I have been volunteering on the Kent Planning Commission for over 2 years. We approve or deny land use requests based on the guidance of the city’s ordinances. Since being on the commision, I have a much better understanding of the process and what it takes to accomplish projects in this town.
What experience do you have that would make you the best candidate for City Council?
DS: I moved to Kent to go to school 20 years ago. So I’ve lived here as a student. I’ve worked in the service industry here, as well as at the university. I’ve rented and now own a home. I currently volunteer for the city. I’ve started a business. In all these facets that make up my life in Kent, I’ve gotten to know and understand the different groups that make this town what it is. I can empathize with a student, or someone dealing with high rent, just as well as understand the resilience it takes to be a local business owner. I would use this experience on City Council and use that to guide my judgement.
The Portager: Is there anything you would specifically like to accomplish as a city council member?
DS: The past few years have been rough and I think they are going to get worse. I think it’s important to make sure we are taking care of our own, and I know food insecurity is a big issue. I’d love to find ways to permanently bolster Kent Social Services. Start a victory garden and seed bank program. Give those that want to help the ability to personally provide fresh produce to KSS and those in need. Food equity is just a part of the larger goal of an equitable Kent that is prosperous for all.
With the exception of Portage County residents who poll in the city of Tallmadge, no other county residents will choose elected officials in the May primaries.
Wendy DiAlesandro is a former Record Publishing Co. reporter and contributing writer for The Portager.