Richfield council elects Richard Hudak president, names Philippbar vice president and appoints Gorman clerk

The Richfield Village Council elected Richard Hudak president at its Jan. 2, 2026, organizational meeting, choosing him by a 4-3 vote. The council also elected Philippbar as vice president and as the council’s representative on the Planning & Zoning Commission, and appointed Gorman as Clerk of Council.

Hudak received four votes (Campbell, Hudak, Philippbar and Smith) to Jeff Stoppenhagen’s three (Beshara, Kruszynski and Stoppenhagen), according to the roll call recorded during the meeting. The council held the oath of office earlier in the session for new members Carol Campbell and Jim Smith and returning members Hudak and Stoppenhagen.

The nominations began with Kruszynski putting forward Stoppenhagen and Smith nominating Hudak. During discussion, Jeff Stoppenhagen, a returning council member, said he believed he had the time and ability for the post, noting that he works about 20 minutes away in Brookpark and does not work on Fridays; he added that he had “checked out” for six months a couple of years ago but said this term represented a renewed commitment. “If I needed to take over as mayor, I could work from home,” he said.

Supporters of Hudak emphasized his prior experience serving as council president in 2019 and his availability in town. Richard Hudak, a returning council member, said he retired a year ago and remains available; he told colleagues this would be his last term on council. Carol Campbell, who was sworn in at the meeting, said leadership is “about character more than anything,” and praised choices that keep council accessible to residents.

On the vice president ballot, Hudak nominated Philippbar and Stoppenhagen nominated Beshara. Philippbar was elected vice president by a 4-3 vote (Campbell, Hudak, Philippbar, Smith in favor; Beshara, Kruszynski, Stoppenhagen opposed). Council members said availability and the ability to cooperate with the mayor were key considerations in their votes.

Council then chose a representative to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Hudak again nominated Philippbar while Stoppenhagen nominated Beshara; the council approved Philippbar for the PZC seat by a 4-3 vote. Supporters cited Philippbar’s experience “dissecting code” on the commission and regular attendance; those favoring Beshara noted her long attendance at PZC meetings and interest in serving during the remainder of her term.

Beshara nominated Gorman for Clerk of Council; the nomination was approved unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

The Council did not take other formal actions during this organizational session; next steps will follow in regularly scheduled meetings and committee appointments.