4 incumbents being challenged in South Fayette primary

As South Fayette continues its residential and economic growth, plenty of people are looking to take on a leadership role.

Thirteen candidates are seeking nominations for four seats on the board of commissioners. The primary is May 19. The general election is in November.

All sitting board members, except Jessica Cardillo Wagenhoffer, are up for re-election. Incumbents include J. Deron Gabriel, Lisa Malosh, Joseph Horowitz and Raymond Pitetti.

Pitetti, Horowitz and Gabriel are registered as Democrats, while Malosh is registered as a Republican. Gabriel said he also is running a Republican write-in campaign.

Democrats on the ballot include Gwen Rodi, Aaron Mitcham, John Kosky, Marsha Ann McFalls, Natalie Kugler and Jennifer Francis.

Republicans include Terri Kuhn, Bill Sray and Frederick Cardillo.

Recent topics of discussion at board meetings have included what to do with the former Star City Cinemas site the township purchased for $5 million in 2009 from Shelby Corp. with the intention of turning the former theater into a civic center.

The board voted 4-1 at its April 15 meeting to advertise the sale of the site with the requirement of a July closing date and minimum bid of $5 million.

Gabriel dissented saying he wanted further examination of the lease option and more public comment before making a decision.

Other topics include improving the traffic flow along Washington Pike and Route 50 as the Newbury complex and Crossings at South Fayette continue to be developed. Newbury is building a $450 million residential, retail, office and hotel development.

The Crossings houses an Aldi but will be home to Jimmy John's, Starbucks, Chipotle Mexican Grill and Brentwood Bank by the end of the summer.

Alex Felser is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-388-5810 or afelser@tribweb.com.