By CRAIG FREILICH

CANTON -- Republican Deputy Mayor Michael Dalton is a shoo-in to be the next mayor, following caucuses by both major parties this week.

At the GOP caucus on Wednesday, Dalton was chosen as the candidate for the top spot.

The Democrats in their caucus on Tuesday failed to nominate a Democrat for mayor. Then, Mike Catanzaro nominated Republican and former Mayor David Curry, seconded by Democratic Town Council member Daniel Fay.

But Curry received four votes, and has since declined the nomination. He is running instead as the only Republican candidate for village trustee.

So, without a Democrat running against Dalton, it appears he has the mayor’s race sewn up already.

Dalton, “the next mayor of Canton,” said county Republican Committee Chair Tom Jenison, “has been serving our community for many years. He’s been serving on the board and working well with other members of the board, which I believe will continue. I look forward to his leading Canton in a positive direction, as they have been moving.”

Current Mayor Mary Ann Ashley, serving her first term as mayor, is not running again.

Two village trustee seats are to be filled in November. Dalton’s trustee term is expiring and he is about to become mayor.

Curry will face incumbent Democrat Trustee Carol Pynchon and Democrat Sean O'Brien.