Massillon councilman shows up at resident's house following social media exchange

MASSILLON – City Councilman Mike Snee has been accused of intimidation by a former political opponent after showing up at the man's home to question a social media exchange.

Snee, a Ward 6 Republican, went Saturday night to the residence of David McCune, a Democrat who ran against him last fall, to confront him about a series of Facebook posts. Snee apparently felt slighted by some of the messages.

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McCune spoke publicly to City Council on Monday about the encounter, which he called disturbing and out-of-line. Snee was out of town and absent from the council meeting.

McCune said Snee verbally harassed him and his wife during the encounter, lasting several minutes from his front porch. Police were not called.

“He just showed up around 9:30 (p.m.). He wanted to pick a bone over a Facebook post,” McCune said, adding that the post involved public safety at Massillon-McKinley football games.

Councilman Mike Snee calls issue 'a private disagreement'

In a text message Wednesday to The Independent , Snee called the issue "a private disagreement between himself and Mr. McCune."

"In no way did I, or would I, intimidate or coerce a citizen," Snee wrote.

As a result of McCune's allegation, at least one member of council is not ruling out disciplinary action against Snee.

Sarita Cunningham, R-at large, said council should address the accusation waged by McCune during the group's regular meeting.

“I’m sure we will look at it (at some point)," Cunningham said. “The Mike Snee I know doesn’t intimidate or threaten. I was pretty shocked to hear this.”

McCune has called on City Council to censure Snee, adding that he would consider going to police regarding the matter if officials fail to act.

Last November, Snee finished ahead of McCune in the Ward 6 race. Snee nabbed 1,075 votes, or 60%, to McCune's 708, or 40%.

What action can Massillon City Council take against a member?

City Law Director Justin Richard said council does not have its own specific rules related to censuring a member. However, the matter can be taken up via Roberts Rules of Order , which is a guide to parliamentary procedure.

"Roberts Rules allows (City Council) to look at any act," said Richard on Wednesday. "Any (punishment) would be less than dismissal, but they have the ability to censure (or express disapproval in a formal statement)."

Council would want to hear from Snee about the episode involving he and McCune prior to taking any action, Cunningham said.

“It’s too bad Mr. Snee wasn’t here Monday,” she said. "We have to get his side as well."

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com . On X: @sgrazierINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Massillon councilman shows up at resident's house following social media exchange