Pledging to work toward a greater future for Bellevue, City Attorney David Fessler has announced that he is a candidate for mayor.
The mayor’s are will take place in 2026. The incumbent, Charlie Cleves, is not seeking re-election.
Mr. Fessler has practiced law for 39 years, including the last six and a half as city attorney. He and his wife Jill, parents of four adult sons, are long-time Bellevue residents.
“I want to be a mayor who will capitalize on the great strengths of our residents and businesses,” he said.
“One of our strengths is how our residents and businesspeople are so welcoming, and how we’re not divided by social or economic class. I want to parlay that advantage to help us compete in the modern marketplace of small cities,” Mr. Fessler said.
Mr. Fessler was born just across the city line in Dayton. He is a graduate of Sacred Heart School, Bellevue High School, and Eastern Kentucky University, where he graduated with honors. He also graduated with honors from NKU’s Chase Law School in 1986.
Mr. Fessler was a member of Bellevue High School’s state championship football team in 1977, and of the Bellevue mile relay team that was runner-up in the Kentucky state track meet the same year.
“I’m looking forward to the campaign . It’s a chance to renew old friendships and make new ones,” he said. “The campaign is also a process of self-education. I want to hear all the good ideas our people have for moving our city forward.”
