Callery, a Latonia resident who's been Covington's mayor since 2000 and a city commissioner for 21 years, is running against political newcomer Jeffrey Fletcher.

Calls to Fletcher's Wallace Woods home get a recording that says his phone has been disconnected. E-mails sent to the 35-year-old candidate also come back undeliverable, and he is not actively campaigning.

"People keep asking me who's running against me,'' said Callery, 63, a part-time operations manager at an investment securities firm in Cincinnati.

Callery, who got his start in politics as a neighborhood activist, pledged to continue the city's economic development efforts, if re-elected. While Covington has had a number of successes along its Ohio Riverfront, Callery said he will continue to support developing an arts district and a wedding district to revitalize downtown. Public safety also will remain a high priority.

The mayor serves as the fifth member of the City Commission. The four-year term pays $24,840 a year.

E-mail cschroeder@enquirer.com