Most council candidates don’t think merging the borough with a neighboring community is needed — for now. A merger, though, is something that might be considered in the future. After all, the fire department merged with the West Leechburg department, Mary Ann Fondryk said. She thinks the borough could potentially merge some services, such as public safety, while still maintaining the community. “We would want to be totally independent,” she said. “It probably will someday come to merger,” Marc Corna said. “A merger• Not at this time,” Richard Carter exclaimed. “Merge• Definitely not. We have a bright, vibrant community,” Teresa Carder said. William J. Berry was available to give biographical information but not answer questions. Most of the candidates said they will consider raising the borough’s tax rate — although they are not happy about it — because of anticipated heating costs and other expenses. Hyde Park Council Teresa M. Carder Age: 48. Party: Democrat. Residence: Murphy Street. Education: Associates in Arts in accounting, Duffs Business Institute, 1977. Occupation: Financial analyst, IBM Corp., Pittsburgh. Political experience: Filling uncompleted term of another council member since June. Marc A. Corna Age: 39. Party: Democrat. Residence: Main Street. Education: Kiski High School. Political Experience: Incumbent council member. Mary Ann Fondryk Age: 55. Party: Democrat. Residence: First Avenue. Education: Kiski High School; beauty academy and cosmetology school. Occupation: Beautician and teacher. Political experience: Incumbent council member. William J. Berry Age: 45. Party: Democrat. Residence: Center Street. Education: Kiski High School. Occupation: Unemployed. Political experience: Incumbent councilman. Richard A. Carter Age: 77. Party: Republican. Residence: Chestnut Street. Education: High school GED. Occupation: Retired Air Force sergeant. Political experience: None

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