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Rich takes over as Campbell council president
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Juanita Rich
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Campbell Mayor George Krinos
By Jeanne Starmack
CAMPBELL
The city’s new council president says she is looking forward to working with its new mayor in a better atmosphere.
“I’m excited to get to work and get things done,” said Juanita Rich, who moved into the seat at council’s Wednesday meeting after a unanimous vote from the remaining council members.
“It feels good down there,” she continued. “It’s a different atmosphere.”
She is replacing William VanSuch, who became mayor last week after the resignation of George Krinos.
Krinos, whose relationship with council was often acrimonious, resigned Jan. 4.
As council president, VanSuch became mayor in accordance with the city’s home-rule charter to fill Krinos’ term, which ends Dec. 1.
As council’s appointed president pro-tem, Rich was expected to take over his post. His unexpired term also ends Dec. 1.
Rich was sworn in by Sherman Miles, the city’s finance director.
Miles, also an attorney, said he has been Rich’s longtime friend. He was her campaign manager during three unsuccessful runs for mayor in 1995, 1999 and 2005.
She was a 4th Ward councilwoman from 1989 until she gave up that seat to run for mayor in 1995. In 2007, she was elected to council again. She is finishing her 10th year on council.
Rich said her priority as council president is working with the new mayor and “getting the city going in a positive direction.”
She said she also is proud to be Campbell’s first female council president.
“That’s very exciting,” she said. “I’m hoping it encourages more women to run for office.”
She said that when she was elected in 1989, she was the first woman on council since the 1950s.
Council now will appoint someone to fill Rich’s council seat.
People who are interested in the post should submit a letter of interest and a r sum to the clerk of council by noon Jan. 26.