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VanSuch sworn in Thursday for second term as Campbell's mayor
By EMMALEE C. TORISK
CAMPBELL
Minutes after being sworn in for a second term, Mayor William J. VanSuch expressed his willingness to do whatever has to be done for the betterment of Campbell.
“I’m going to go more full-force, trying to entice businesses to come to our community,” said VanSuch, who has been mayor since January 2011. It will be the same, he added, “with every other duty that pertains to the city.”
Among those in attendance Thursday afternoon in Campbell City Hall were his fiancee, Pam Planey; his two daughters, Kathy Klimis and Chrissy Bonamase; a son-in-law, Scott Bonamase; a granddaughter, 9-year-old Brooke Bonamase; and his great-granddaughter, 6-year-old Gianna Bednarik.
VanSuch was sworn in by Lowellville Mayor James Iudiciani Sr.
After the ceremony, both of VanSuch’s daughters emphasized how proud they are of their father, and also of the work he’s done for the city in the past two years — particularly facilitating its release from fiscal emergency in October, after nine years under the state’s oversight.
Klimis added that her father still wants to accomplish a great deal more, and said she is sure he can turn those goals into reality.
“He loves the city of Campbell,” Klimis said. “I thank the people for voting for him, and for giving him another two years. I think he’ll do a great job for the city.”
Planey agreed, noting that she’d like to see VanSuch continue to move the city in a positive direction. She said, too, that she’s glad he gets the opportunity to follow through on the numerous projects he’s worked to develop, including the city’s street resurfacing program.
“He was born in the city. He was raised here. He’s lived here all his life,” Planey said. “His love for this city, there’s no comparison.”
VanSuch took the mayor’s oath of office for his first term Jan. 5, 2011, after the resignation of former Mayor George Krinos. He’d served as president of council from 2004 until becoming mayor, and also from 1990 to 2000.
Since 1974, VanSuch, 72, who lives on Camvet Drive, has been with the city as either a legislator or an administrator. From 1974 to 1982, he served as 2nd Ward councilman and also has been the city’s litter-control director and its director of administration.
VanSuch was elected to another two-year term in Nov. 5 after a rematch with Lewis F. Jackson Jr., who lost the mayoral race to VanSuch in 2011.
Judith Clement, the city’s director of administration, said VanSuch’s record simply speaks for itself. His accomplishments are commendable, especially since he’s been mayor for only a short time, she added.
“The list goes on,” Clement said. “He’s a full-time mayor in a part-time position.”