By Cindy Schroeder
The Cincinnati Enquirer

COVINGTON - Mayor Butch Callery, who is starting his 25th year in city office, has announced that he'll seek a second term as mayor.

"I'm proud of my record and am ready to defend it against all comers," said Callery, who lives in Latonia with his wife, Joyce.

The 63-year-old part-time office manager at Connors & Co. in Cincinnati said that he has worked hard to fulfill pledges of his 2000 campaign for mayor, including increasing home ownership, working with police to fight crime and improving recreational opportunities for residents.

The question around City Hall is whether anyone will challenge Callery.

"I would be surprised if Butch had a credible challenger," said Covington Commissioner Craig Bohman. "Since last year, the only talk I've heard is that Butch gets a free pass because he's done such a good job in the minds of a lot of people."

Bohman is still deciding whether to run for city commissioner or to challenge State Rep. Arnold Simpson, a Covington Democrat, for his seat.

Commissioner Bernie Moorman, who was Covington mayor from 1980-83, said that he hasn't yet decided whether to run for mayor or city commissioner.

Commissioners Jerry Bamberger and Alex Edmondson said they both plan to run for city commission again.

City candidates face a Jan. 27 deadline to file for office.

E-mail cschroeder@enquirer.com