Two Ross Republicans vying for the District 1 seat on Allegheny County Council said on Friday that they want to keep taxes in check but took aim at each other.
Incumbent Matt Drozd, 68, touted his record of opposing tax increases and “voting the will” of his constituents during two terms on council.
Challenger Tom Baker, 33, said he would be a stronger voice for the Republican minority on council and would seek to find savings in the budget.
“I put people before party. I vote the will of the majority of my constituents,” Drozd said. “That's what I did for the Marcellus shale vote at the airport.”
Drozd voted to approve a $500 million deal with Cecil-based Consol Energy Inc. to allow natural-gas drilling on airport land. He said he polled 250 constituents before voting on the issue, and 80 percent told him that they supported it.
District 1 one covers parts of the North Hills and western suburbs, including Findlay, home to Pittsburgh International Airport.
Council members make $9,000 annually.
“I think I can work better with fellow Republicans on council. I'm a reliable conservative and passionate about the party,” Baker said. “Allegheny County taxes should allow people and businesses to stay here.”
Baker pointed to a $170 million line item in the budget for general government costs, which he said could be reduced.
The winner in the May 21 primary will face Daniel A. McClain Jr., 34, of Ross, a Democrat running unopposed, in the Nov. 5 election.
If a Republican wins in the fall, he would face an uphill battle on council as the GOP has an 11-4 deficit.
Drozd criticized Baker for running for council while serving on the North Hills School Board.
Baker said the school board's solicitor told him that he legally can run for council. Baker said he wants to finish his term.
He said he believes he could do a better job of building a consensus for votes on council.
“A lot of it is temperament and bringing people together. I would bring enthusiasm to the job,” Baker said. “I want to cut taxes or, at a minimum, keep them the same.”
Drozd said he never has voted for a tax increase.
He said he would like the Port Authority to become bankrupt so the county could reorganize the agency. He said he would seek to privatize more county services.
“I'm the most independent-minded person on council,” Drozd said.
Bobby Kerlik is a Trib Total Media staff writer. Reach him at 412-320-7886 or bkerlik@tribweb.com.
