CAMPBELL — Mayor George Levendis intends to follow in his late predecessor’s political footsteps, but also was anything but shy about offering a character assessment.

“I’ve known him for 20 years and worked with him hand in hand for 15 years,” Levendis said, referring to Bryan K. Tedesco, who died unexpectedly at his home April 2. “He was just a good person. He cared and he was a true civil servant, and he was never afraid to get his hands dirty.”

Wednesday evening’s first regular council meeting since Tedesco’s death was a sobering occasion for Levendis and other city leaders, who began the session with a moment of silence to honor their late friend and boss. Tedesco was 67.

Since being elected mayor in November 2021 after having defeated incumbent Nick Phillips, Tedesco’s dedication to the city of nearly 8,000 extended beyond city hall. His extra work included shoveling snow from people’s driveways, mowing lawns, placing banners around the city, changing light bulbs at city hall and cleaning restrooms at Roosevelt Park, said Levendis, who called Tedesco “a team player.”

He also plans to continue working for the city’s well-being via largely picking up where Tedesco left off. Specifically, Levendis has his sights set on using an estimated $1.5 million in grants to build an access road off state Route 616 that could lead to a full-service grocery store, something Tedesco had pursued for several years. He also is planning to remediate and develop about 30 acres of brownfield property near the former Youngstown Sheet & Tube Campbell Works property, Levendis said.

Efforts are ongoing to run gas lines on the parcel and continue efforts to draw businesses, two of which are interested in setting up shop, he explained. Levendis added that the city is interested in acquiring an additional 70 acres of brownfield land.

Also, another $4.6 million in grants is pending for the city, he continued.

Levendis’ short-term priorities are to work closely with department heads and the city’s finance director, as well as to ensure grant and matching funds are used for projects that are in Campbell’s best interest, he noted.

In addition, the mayor intends to soon continue monthly Wednesday town hall meetings in the Roosevelt Park community center that Tedesco had begun, Levendis said.

Also at Wednesday’s meeting, city Councilman Joseph Mazzocca Jr., D-3rd Ward, was sworn in as council president, replacing Levendis. Mazzocca also announced his intention to run for mayor in the Nov. 4 general election, a position Levendis has turned down, saying he wishes to run again for council president.

Those interested in applying for the 3rd Ward seat have 30 days to submit a letter of intent. After that time, the mayor will select someone to fill the seat, Levendis said.

In other business, an annual Easter egg hunt is set for noon Saturday in the park.