The question was not whether there would be new members of the Bridgeport City Council when July 2021 rolled around. The question was who would make up Council for the next two years.

 

With incumbents Robert “Bob” Greer and Dustin Vincent opting not to run for re-election, at least two new seats would be filled. And with all five precincts in the city in, the new Council is now in place.

 

The three seats that were up on Council will be filled by incumbent John S. Wilson and newcomers Jonathan Griffith and Jason Campbell. Mayor Andy Lang, who ran unopposed, won, and will serve a second four-year term.

 

“It’s always good to have new people on (Council) who seem like they’re very well qualified and I’m looking forward to working with them,” said Lang, who led all candidates with 580 votes. “The good news is the new candidates have different backgrounds and that’s been a strength in that everyone brings something different to the table. That has worked well for the city.”

 

Griffith, a long-time educator, and coach at Bridgeport High School, led the four Council candidates with 482 votes. Recently retired, Griffith thanked those who supported him.

 

“I’m humbled and honored this community believes I can do a good job for them,” said Griffith. “Bridgeport is my adopted hometown, and I’ve been here since 1987 and never plan to leave.

 

“Early on, it’s going to be a lot of learning and I’m prepared for that,” he continued. “City Council has done a tremendous job keeping the city going in the right direction financially and in terms of growth. There are some big shoes to fill to live up to the trust the voters have put in me.”

 

Wilson appears to have earned the trust of the voters. He was elected to his fourth four-year term on the city’s governing body. He finished with 399 votes.

 

The retired insurance industry professional has lived 51 years in Bridgeport. Wilson was unable to be reached for comment.

 

The other newcomer is Campbell. Campbell is known in the community as the president of JCFilms Presents, which has shot multiple Christian Films starring Dean Cain in the city limits.

 

“I’m very grateful to the city. I love this city and the community,” said Campbell. “They’ve been so helpful in growing my film business.”

 

Campbell, who finished with 305 votes, echoed much of Griffith’s comments on his plans in the early going.

 

“My first few months will focus on learning the system and then work on some of the ideas I believe in” said Campbell, who has lived in the city for three years. “I’m looking at things such as more arts-related programs for our young people and giving more support to our police, fire, and EMS.”

 

Balon made the race interesting and was within distance of getting in as the final precinct arrived. He finished with 275 votes.

Position of Mayor

 

Andy Lang: 69

 

City Council

 

Jonathan Griffith: 57

Jason Campbell: 29

John S. Wilson: 53

Barry Balon: 39

 

PRECINCT 129B Bridgeport High School Cafeteria