Incumbent Richard H. Miller ran unopposed in the May 19 primary election for Greenville mayor, but the Democrat is now facing a challenger in November because of write-in votes.

Republican Peter A. Candela, 60, of 33 Taylor St., received 12 write-in votes, which were approved Tuesday by Mercer County officials.

Election results will remain unofficial until after the second signing of the books on June 10, officials said. The first signing was Wednesday.

Candela said Friday he hadn’t considered running for public office, but several people asked him before the primary if they could write him in for mayor.

He gave his blessing and was surprised to learn he’ll be on the ballot in the fall for the four-year term.

’It’s most certainly a challenge,’ Candela said of running against Miller.

Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, he and his wife and son moved to Greenville four years ago to be closer to his family in Stoneboro and Grove City.

Candela is retired and has worked in human resources at Ohio State University, been a purchasing agent for a mechanics company in Florida and managed a Family Dollar and Rite Aid, to name a few jobs he’s held.

He’s president of Greenville Area School District’s track and cross country booster club and treasurer of Greenville Railroad Park. He’s also active in his church, Shenango Church of Christ, Greenville.

Candela said Greenville is in need of some changes and wants to see run-down and abandoned properties demolished because they’re health and safety hazards.

The downtown revitalization project, streetscape, is beautiful but there are some poorly maintained homes that will bring property values down, he said.

’I’ve always had the feeling something needs to change,’ Candela said.

He also believes tax dollars aren’t always spent properly on services that affect residents and businesses and as mayor would make sure taxpayers are getting their money’s worth.

’Something needs to be corrected,’ he said.

Miller, who owns Keystone Research Inc., Greenville, became mayor in 2006 after beating out Clifford Harriger, who had held that post for 12 years.