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The Campbell mayor is being challenged by a retired city police officer
CAMPBELL
The city’s mayoral race pits the incumbent, whose political career began in 1974, against a retired police detective sergeant running for office for the first time.
William VanSuch, mayor since January 2011, said he wants another two-year term “to continue the progress my administration is making.”
Projects for next spring include a waterline replacement and paving Sixth Street, and Safe Route to Schools improvements on Struthers Liberty Road.
VanSuch said he’s prioritized attracting businesses to the city – such as the Dollar Tree that opened in December – as well as street paving, and working with the police and fire departments to continue to keep the city safe.
VanSuch started his political career in 1974 as a 2nd Ward councilman. He spent 20 years in city government as council president, city administrator and litter-control coordinator.
His opponent, Nicholas Phillips, spent 19 years with the city’s police department, leaving in 2005 as a detective sergeant. He’s owned a few businesses as well.
Phillips said, “Campbell is poised for greatness,” and it “has the potential to be a thriving city once again.”
For that to happen, Phillips said the city needs to make infrastructure improvements, offer tax incentives to companies, and create and then enforce facade ordinances to hold businesses accountable if they don’t maintain their property.
The city “lacks a clear vision, a plan for advancement, and tactical responses to the many battles” it faces, he said.
Phillips also wants to increase community involvement by having community events such as block parties, festivals and parades, and beautify areas of the city including Roosevelt Park.
Incumbents for council president and in the 1st, 3rd and 4th wards are running unopposed in this election.
In the 2nd Ward, Councilman Bryan Tedesco is being challenged by Steven J. Cappitte.
The only other competitive race in Campbell is for law director between incumbent Brian J. Macala and challenger Mark J. Kolmacic. This will be the third time since 2007 the two have faced each other for law director.
In 2007, Kolmacic beat Macala, who was the incumbent. Two years later, Kolmacic ran unopposed. In 2011, Macala beat Kolmacic, and Macala ran unopposed in 2013.