🗣️ Civic Voices: PA Candidate Conversations A Sit Down with Daniel Campo, Candidate for Northampton County Council

tiffanysondergaard
Nov 4
3 min read

| By: Tiffany Sondergaard, Voting Advocate and Publisher for Civic Voices

Honest conversations with the people shaping Pennsylvania’s future

*Former plane pilot, current animal lover, Daniel Campo*

When I sat down with Daniel Campo ... firefighter, airline pilot, and first-time candidate for Northampton County Council, I was struck by his energy, humility, and deep gratitude for the opportunities he’s found in the U.S.

Campo’s journey began in Venezuela, where political unrest shaped his early life.

“My grandparents fled Cuba because of Fidel Castro,” Campo said. “Then I left Venezuela in 2007 because of the socialist government.”

After time in Mexico City and New Jersey, Campo settled in Northampton County, where he’s served as a firefighter for the past decade. He also built a career flying cargo around the world as a licensed airline pilot.

“I’ve always felt passionate about giving back. This country has given me so much, the chance to fly, to buy my home, to live the American dream. Now I want to help keep that dream alive for others.”

Why County Council?

Campo describes the County Council as “like a city council, but for the county.” It oversees everything from youth programs and elderly care to county employees and budgets.

But he’s concerned about financial preparedness.

“The county doesn’t have a true rainy-day fund anymore,” he explained. “We had over $20 million set aside years ago. Now it’s around $9 million. If there’s a flood, a fire, or a delay in state funding, we need that cushion to keep operations running.”

He also raised concerns about transparency, pointing to misallocated funds at Gracedale Assisted Living. “We have to know where the money is going, how it’s being used, and make sure it’s benefiting the people it’s meant for.”

Accountability and Accessibility

Campo wants to make the county sheriff an elected position. “Right now, the sheriff answers to the county executive, not the people. In almost every other Pennsylvania county, voters choose their sheriff. Northampton should too.”

He also emphasized improving support for first responders. “We need to strengthen our 911 dispatch center and make the new radio systems more transparent and user-friendly,” he said.

As a firefighter himself, Campo knows firsthand the challenges emergency services face. He wants to streamline access to state grants and reduce red tape for local departments.

Growth vs. Green Space

On development, Campo calls for balance.

“We all love green spaces, but we also need new businesses and housing to grow our tax base,” he said. “If we stop all development, we stagnate, but if we overbuild, we lose the character of our communities.”

His goal? Responsible growth that boosts revenue and jobs without sacrificing the natural beauty of Northampton County.

Small Business Support

Campo describes himself as a “common-sense candidate” and wants to cut unnecessary bureaucracy.

“There’s so much regulation and red tape that discourages people from even starting,” he said. “Some rules are needed for safety, but we can make the process simpler and more welcoming for entrepreneurs.”

“As a Latino and an immigrant, I know how important it is to feel seen and heard,” he said. “For the Spanish-speaking community, being able to talk with someone who understands you, in your language, makes all the difference.”

He wants every resident to know they can reach him directly. “If you have an issue, call me. If I don’t answer, I’m probably flying or at the firehouse, but I’ll get back to you.”

⚡ Rapid Fire Questions

First job: “Cleaning cars for pocket money in Venezuela and Mexico. Officially, it was pizza delivery or cleaning tables!”
Coffee or tea? Tea
Favorite local restaurant: Kung Fu II -- "All-you-can-eat sushi near my house. So good!”
Biggest challenge facing Northampton County: Mismanagement.
Lowering property taxes — yes or no? "Once we rebuild the rainy-day fund — yes.”
Prioritize roads or parks? “Right now, roads need a little more work.”
Leadership style in one word: Collaborative