By MARK TODD - Staff Writer - mtodd@starbeacon.com
JEFFERSON — Ward 1 Councilman Dave Campbell filed petitions Monday with the Ashtabula County Board of Elections to run for council president in November’s general election.
Campbell is setting his sights on the leadership position after serving nearly 17 months as representative to the city’s southeast residents. He quickly built a reputation as an outspoken councilman who often clashed with administrators on budget and policy.
“As I have always proclaimed, we need to change the way we do business or change the people doing our business,” Campbell said in a statement.
He is second person to declare for the council president position. Earlier this year, Thomas Udell filed petition with election board. Incumbent James Jones has not formally declared his intention, but it’s believed he will not seek election
In other local election news, local contractor Michael Bambarger filed petitions to run for council-at-large. He joins a handful of people — Neil LaRusch, Robert Naylor and Tammy Ledford — who have also filed for at-large.
Voters will elect two at-large council members this fall. The status of incumbents Chris Castrilla and Jacob Chicatelli is not known, but it’s believed Chicatelli will seek another term while Castrilla will not.
Several petitions are still circulating in town, according to reports. Filing deadline for candidates is 4 p.m. Aug. 20.
