Knoble faces GOP challenger
By Zachary Dzurick
Rocky River
Published July 27, 2005

Last Friday's filing deadline led to an election first for the city; a Sept. 20 primary for two races.

Ward 3 will have a primary for its open seat, but the biggest race pits a fellow Republican challenging Mayor William Knoble for a chance to run against Independent candidate Fred Sokol in the November election.

Knoble said he is running for reelection on his record.

"I have been mayor now for almost four years and I have an outstanding record," Knoble said. "I did not do it alone but with city council and the entire city. I feel like I have hired the right people to do the right job. I have never accepted full responsibility. It has been a team effort but I take pride in what we have accomplished."

Knoble's challenger Dick Anter, a 15-year resident of Rocky River, previously served as mayor of Fairview Park from 1980-84. Anter said there was a combination of issues that led him to run against a sitting fellow Republican.

"Bill is a legislator and I am an administrator," Anter said. "I can have a positive impact with my experience."

Anter has suggested that Knoble never wanted the job of mayor. Knoble took over when Don Umerley passed away in late 2001 and was re-elected in 2003.

"His actions have confirmed this and it is starting to show within the city," Anter said in a press release. "The recent slippage that we are noticing is due to many of the little things that are now getting away from Rocky River -- and that has never happened before."

Anter also described former mayors Earl Martin and Umerley as "friends" and "mentors" as "well as true caretakers of Rocky River."

Martin, however, is backing Knoble for mayor.

"Bill Knoble has done a very good job as Mayor," Martin said. "He has over 25 years experience in the city as a councilman and council president. As far as I know Dick Anter hasn't been involved in Rocky River, so I am backing Bill Knoble. Anter is a nice guy, but he doesn't have experience in Rocky River."

Knoble has also been endorsed by Rocky River Republicans and has the support of Ward 1 Councilman and Cuyahoga County Republican chairman Rob Frost.

"From my perspective on being on council, I am very pleased with the job Mayor Knoble has been doing," Frost said. "And when something happens that you don't like, how you handle it shows good leadership. For instance, in my ward with the Orchard Park road issues, the mayor held several meetings right in the neighborhood that were very valuable. He showed he is willing to address issues. Everyone I have dealt with has been very supportive of the mayor."

Knoble said he only remembers meeting Anter once after Umerley tragically passed away.

"I don't know Mr. Anter at all," Knoble said. "I am running on my own record and not on what he or Fred Sokol promise to do or not do. I only talked to him once four years ago when Don passed away. He has not served on any boards or committees and he doesn't come to council meetings."

Sokol will face the winner of the Sept. 20 primary in the November election. He said he looks forward to November and will run a campaign based on the catch phrase of "Tax Cuts. Citizen control. Clean up Tri-City Park."