Robert B. Campbell Jr., left, has filed his intention to seek the county Republican Committee’s endorsement for controller, a row office that has been vacant since Dennis Stuckey became county commissioner a year ago. He is the second Republican in what is now a contest for party backing at the GOP’s Feb. 17 convention. Accountant and longtime party worker Keith Greiner previously told the New Era he was seeking the post.

Here is the text of Campbell’s letter to committee people:

January 22, 2009

Dear Fellow Republican Committee Member:

I am respectfully seeking your support during the upcoming endorsement process for the office of Lancaster County Controller.

I graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and worked in public accounting for a number of years specializing in financial statement auditing.  Although I have a CPA license in Pennsylvania, it is currently on inactive status and can be reactivated at any time upon completing the required continuing education courses.

Currently, I am self employed as a business broker / real estate agent and manage my own real estate investments.  In brokering the sale of businesses, I typically get involved with all aspects of business including,  accounting, finance, operations, management, sales & marketing, legal, real estate, and business valuation.

From 1998 through 2005, I served as Controller for the City of Lancaster.  This was an elected position requiring the oversight of all financial aspects of the city government including approving contracts, making pension board decisions, approving purchase requisitions, and officiating bid openings for purchases.  I was a proponent of the competitive bidding process with regard to contracting professional services whenever practical.  This insures that all companies have a fair chance of doing business with the city and such services are at the lowest possible price.  As an example, in my first year, I recommended to the administration and city council that annual financial statement audit services be competitively bid.  As a result, the city saved approximately $150,000 over the next three years and substantial savings thereafter.  I made other cost saving recommendations over the years.  I voiced concerns regarding the way the proposed convention center project had been managed as well as the proposed Marriott Hotel being allowed to pay only a fraction of the normal property taxes for their facility.

In April 2007, I was appointed to serve on the board of the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority (LCCCA) to actively represent the taxpayer’s interests in improving the accountability, efficiency, and transparency of its operations.  Since my appointment, I have been very proactive in reducing wasteful spending on overpriced consultants and attorneys, allowing the public to ask pertinent questions at board meetings, and promoting better management through active committee involvement.

Art Morris, former Mayor of Lancaster and Chairman of the LCCCA, is quoted as saying, “Since joining the LCCCA Board almost two years ago, R.B. has worked diligently to contain costs.  He pushed for competitive proposals for the selection of an auditor, saving the authority tens of thousands of dollars.  He has consistently encouraged and supported substantial reductions in expenditures for professional consultants.  R.B. continues to work in the best interest of the taxpayers of Lancaster City and County”.

Sharron Nelson, former Lancaster County Commissioner and board member of the LCCCA, is quoted as saying, “I would like to share my experience with working with R.B. on the LCCCA Board.  I have found him to be detailed in preparation for meetings.  He guides the financial committee using his considerable expertise.  He continues as the LCCCA treasurer and exhibits honesty and directness in his comments.  I have also found that he has a droll sense of humor which helps everyone keep their focus on the business with differences of opinions but with good will”.

As Lancaster County Controller, I will continually look for ways for the county to cut unnecessary spending and operate more efficiently.  My significant financial experience will enable me to guide the development of a long-range financial plan as well as institute a monthly budget vs. actual department expenditures analysis.  I understand neither of these are currently being done.

Thank you for your consideration.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

With Kind Regards,

R.B. Campbell