COVINGTON - It's not your father's campaign.

The eight candidates running at large for four Covington City Commission seats Nov. 2 are relying on strategies often seen in bigger races.

While Covington candidates still knock on doors and make appearances at festivals, they're spending more on everything from larger political signs to political consultants. Four candidates - 13-year Commissioner Jerry Bamberger, two-term Commissioner Alex Edmondson and civic activists turned political newcomers Neil Blunt and Rob Sanders - have paid political consultants. Those four and Jerry Stricker, who was appointed to city commission for nine months in 2000, also have campaign Web sites.

Others seeking a two-year term paying $19,846 a year are incumbent Bernie Moorman, who has 27 years of government experience; long-time barber Tom Schadler; and Jeff Sewell, a neighborhood activist and technical assistance manager for the Kroger Co. who's worked on political campaigns for other candidates. At least one new person will be elected to fill a vacancy created when Commissioner Craig Bohman resigned.

The candidates for city commission hope to leave their marks on Northern Kentucky's largest city by pledging everything from better planning and blight reduction to safer neighborhoods and increased home ownership. Several challengers also have called for payroll and property tax breaks and other incentives to increase home ownership, attract new businesses and encourage expansion of existing companies.

Butch Callery, who's been Covington's mayor since 2000 and a city commissioner for 21 years, faces challenger Jeffrey Fletcher, who's been a no show on the campaign trail.

E-mail cschroeder@enquirer.com