NEWPORT — While most Campbell County officeholders will have a stress-free and uncontested Election Day in November, a number of mayors can't say the same.

        In Highland Heights, Dayton, Southgate, Wilder and Cold Spring, residents will have choices on the often uncontested mayoral ballots.

        Charles Roettger has served as Highland Heights' mayor for the past nine years. He ran unopposed in the last election, but he has company this time. Challenging are Councilwoman Betty Williams and lawyer Craig Farrish, who is a newcomer to the city's political scene.

        Mr. Farrish, who says he is concerned about the infighting and personal politics in the city, wants change.

        “Budgets aren't getting passed, streets aren't getting repaired — it's like things have come to a grinding halt,” said Mr. Farrish. “Re-electing the same cast of characters doesn't improve that. I think it's good to be an outsider.”

        Mr. Roettger takes the competition in stride and points out that he has won contested races in the past.

        “It just makes you work a little harder,” said Mr. Roettger. “If people are happy with me, I'll be glad to come back for four more years.”

        Mr. Roettger added that he is pleased to see several newcomers in the race for City Council as well. He says people are fed up with the direction of the existing council.

        “Contested races are good, even if the same people get in,” he said. “I think people need a choice.”

        Incumbent Dayton Councilman Kenneth Rankle has thrown his hat into his city's mayoral race. Mr. Rankle is concerned about the city's image and wants to replace incumbent Mayor Ron Gunning. Among the city's problems in the past year was the inability for a period to keep a police chief.

        “I want to change the city of Dayton. I want it to be a good place for people to live and to invest in,” said Mr. Rankle. “We just have a negative image, and that has to change.”

        In Southgate, former Police Chief Chuck Hazel is challenging incumbent Mayor Charles Melville. Mr. Melville wasn't opposed in the last election.

        Mr. Hazel said Mr. Melville is a good friend, but he is running on some issues he doesn't believe council has addressed well enough.

        “I've always wanted to get into the political end of things,” said Mr. Hazel. “I have some issues as far as public safety and police and fire are concerned. Another high priority is the kids of Southgate.”

        Cold Spring Councilman Mark Stoeber, after falling short in the primary to Lloyd Rogers in a bid for county commissioner, will now challenge incumbent Mayor Paul Weghorn. Cold Spring Planning and Zoning Commission Chairwoman Sam Ruth Smith will also try to unseat Mr. Weghorn.

        And Wilder Councilman Stanley Turner is challenging incumbent Mayor Harold “Bo” Knight.

        Barring late write-in entries, the races for judge-executive, county attorney and county clerk will be uncontested for incumbents Steve Pendery, Justin Verst and Jack Snodgrass, respectively. Other county races — for public valuation administrator, jailer, coroner and commissioner — are as they were after primaries.

        In Newport, there will be a new face on City Commission. With Commissioner Ken Rechtin taking on Terry Rasche for a county commissioner seat, one of five newcomers vying in the Newport race is guaranteed a spot.

        Dayton council is the most crowded race, with 10 candidates seeking six seats. Southgate and Highland Heights each have nine running for six spots, and Newport has eight running for four spots.

        Some cities will have to rely on write-in votes to fill their positions. California, Crestview, Melbourne, Mentor and Silver Grove did not receive enough candidates for the number of positions available.

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