Meet the candidates for Mon-Yough area county and municipal races
From county to municipal races, primary election candidates tell The Daily News why voters should choose them at the polls Tuesday:
ALLEGHENY COUNTY
• P.J. Murray, 53, Penn Hills, cross-filed candidate for judge of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.
“I have an intimate knowledge of the Family Court system. When I was young my parents divorced, and it left our family in a very difficult situation. I worked my way up from a family that struggled financially to attend the University of Pittsburgh. I attended the Duquesne University School of Law and made Law Review, graduating near the top of my class. I spent two years clerking for a federal judge, and have worked for the past 25 in some of the largest law firms in the country.”
WESTMORELAND COUNTY
• Harry F. Smail Jr., 49, Greensburg, Republican candidate for judge, Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas. Incumbent.
“In July 2014, I was appointed judge (by) the governor and (was) unanimously confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate. (Over) the past 10 months in Family Court (I've attained) experience to add to my 15 years of private practice experience in which I litigated over 3,360 cases, with more than 1,500 cases in … Family Court. I filed, briefed and argued dozens of appeals to the Pennsylvania Superior Court and pleaded to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court (as well as federal district, bankruptcy and appeals courts). I was admitted into the Bar of U.S. Supreme Court and (appointed) as a mediator, arbitrator and early neutral evaluator for the federal court. I have a command of applied common sense, legal aptitude and disciplined work ethic to serve the citizens of Westmoreland County with strong moral character, assertive conviction and unwavering courage.”
CLAIRTON
• Tina Bubonovich, 55, Clairton, write-in candidate for city council in Ward 1.
“It is time to get rid of the city of Clairton ‘old school' government and to put a ‘new school' leader in place. When every vote counts, you want Tina Bubonovich as your city council member.”
• John A. Lattanzi, 77, Clairton, Democratic candidate for city council in Ward 1. Incumbent.
“I was able to put together a volunteer fire department in 1988 and today we are at the top of the class in providing safety. We started up the ambulance service in Clairton and (have) six ambulances and (service) Clairton and Glassport. The voters should choose (me) because of all the years of service (and) the experience, honesty and availability, but most of all because I care enough to make tough decisions for the betterment of Clairton.”
• Kathy Tachoir, 65, Clairton, Democratic candidate for city council in Ward 4. Incumbent.
“I have been a very successful business owner of Tachoir Auto Body for 42 years (and) very active (as) a member and then president of the Clairton Chamber of Commerce, Clairton's Community Day chairperson for many years, coordinator for the citywide Clean-up Day (and) running the city's Family Fun Night. I come with business knowledge, gained knowledge of the city, have valuable experience, and network connections that can benefit the Clairton government and its residents.”
DUQUESNE
• Eugene Capristo, 87, Duquesne. Democratic candidate for city council. Incumbent.
“As director of the street department for over 20 years, I take great pride in making sure things are running properly within the department. I am a lifelong resident of Duquesne, a property owner and in business in the city for over 30 years as the owner and operator of Capristo's Barber Shop. I firmly believe that my dedication as a public official, lifelong resident and business owner offer high standards of integrity, efficiency and availability to the office of city council of the City of Duquesne. There have been many successes during my time on council and I am proud to be a part of all of them, but there is still more to do.”
• John Gyure, age not given, Duquesne. Democratic candidate for city council.
“As a resident for over 65 years, a graduate of Duquesne High School and owner of eight homes in the community, I have seen the city change (and) moving in a positive direction. I worked for the city for 26 years in the public works department. I learned so much about the city and how things take time and patience and that even though we only had a handful of public works employees to do the job, we worked tirelessly to get it done. Good things are happening and I feel that with my hands-on experience (I can) help things continue the way they are, positively.”
• David J. Bires, age not given, Duquesne. Democratic candidate for city treasurer. Incumbent.
“I have over 30 years with U.S. Steel, eight of those being supervisor of business planning, and 23 years with Camp Hill Corp. (where) I also held a variety of leadership roles. I have a vested interest in the community as well as making sure the funds that flow through the treasurer's office are safe and secure. (In addition) I have served three years on the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Duquesne. I hope that on election day the voters take the time to realize that things are moving forward in the city and that together we can keep moving in that positive direction.”
McKEESPORT
• Keith Soles, 53, McKeesport, Democratic candidate for city council. Incumbent.
“I believe that being a member of McKeesport council is about being the eyes and ears of the community. We represent the public and are the liaisons between the citizens and the administration. The voters should choose me because of my participation in city events and my commitment to community organizations. I am a seven-year board member of the McKeesport Housing Corp. I serve on the McKeesport Recreation Board and was appointed chairman in the fall of 2014.”
GLASSPORT
• Thomas W. Bradley Jr., 49, Glassport, Democratic candidate for borough council. Incumbent.
“I am loyal, hard-working, trustworthy and dependable. I am seeking re-election because creating a better place to live and the overall well-being for the citizens of Glassport has always been my main objective. I am the best choice for this office because I have, for the last four years, dedicated myself to the improvement and betterment of the borough. I was instrumental in implementing the sidewalk and paving program that the borough is undergoing. I am also extremely involved in (keeping) the sewage department (in) compliance with the county and the (Department of Environmental Protection). I am excited and motivated by the progress we have made and look forward to continuing to work hard for the citizens of Glassport. I would greatly appreciate your vote so that we may continue to make the necessary changes to ensure that our borough of Glassport continues to be a great place to live.
• David F. Kowalski, 63, Glassport, Democratic candidate for borough council. Incumbent.
“I have done my best to help and serve all residents of Glassport with honesty, integrity and compassion, and without favoritism. I have served as chairman of parks and recreation (and) am president of council. This current council and mayor have come together as a team, not to put a Band-Aid on our aging borough but to replace what needs replaced, repair what needs repaired and to make sure that our law-abiding citizens have a safe neighborhood and peace of mind.”
• Anna Kudla, 27, Glassport, Democratic candidate for borough council. Incumbent.
“I have served as chairman of the fire (committee) where I have kept up our good relations with the fire department and have installed some procedures to hold the fire department visibly accountable. Between working at the high school (as a substitute teacher) and serving as councilwoman, I am highly involved in this community (and able) to bring insight to what people my age are looking for when they look for a town to call home.”
• Angelo Norelli, 66, Glassport, Democratic candidate for borough council. Incumbent.
“I believe in the borough and believe change is the key to the future of Glassport. We need to think of the future of our town, not the past. I can promise to work as hard as I can to improve our borough. I was appointed to council in 2014. I am trying very hard to work with our delinquent tax collector to ensure all property owners pay their taxes. (We) have collected over $100,000 in delinquent taxes. This council has made a great number of improvements already. We have more improvements planned for the future.”
MUNHALL
• Joseph M. Varhola, 51, Munhall, Democratic candidate for borough council.
“My experience as a licensed banker will help with the financial troubles that came before me. Munhall needs new, honest people they can count on in tough times and remove the ones that want to continue blaming others.”
• Andrew “A.J.” Votedian, 47, Munhall, Democratic candidate for constable. Incumbent.
“I am a state certified constable with over 600 hours of training. I have rendered service of over 3,500 court-generated documents, with 15 years of experience. I have a clear understanding of the position of state constable and the experience and knowledge to make sure the job is done with dignity and respect of the citizens of our community.”
PORT VUE
• Harry “Ed” Hart, 43, Port Vue, Democratic candidate for borough council.
“I have been involved with the Port Vue Citizenship Committee in the past and was the leader of Port Vue Boy Scout Troop 57. I am an active member of the Port Vue Vigilant Fire Co. I feel I am a new voice for the residents of Port Vue. I will address residents' concerns and ensure their opinions and suggestions are heard and acted upon. I am committed to the borough and will do my very best to keep Port Vue moving in a forward direction.”
WEST MIFFLIN
• Robert Kostelnik, 52, West Mifflin. Democratic candidate for borough council. Incumbent.
“My background consists of 35 years (in) the Allegheny County Department of Court Records, serving as a supervisor in the Juvenile Court Division/Tax Lien Department (and) assistant division manager to the Department of Court Records in the Civil/Family Division. (It) also includes (two years) on West Mifflin Area school board and 14 (on) West Mifflin borough council. Polly Jo and I have been married for 30 years and our two children are graduates of West Mifflin (Area High School). I am not afraid to make the tough decisions (and) would like to continue to serve West Mifflin to further assist with the growth and new development of businesses, recreation and new ideas.”
• Steve Marone, 44, West Mifflin, Democratic candidate for borough council. Incumbent.
“(As) councilman, I have made tough decisions in the best interest of residents, (and) I have been volunteering my time to the kids and residents of West Mifflin for the past 28 years. In my three years serving the residents on council we have made great strides. We are now in a new borough facility. We are opening a brand new soccer complex this fall. When I took office the borough was on the brink of the state taking over. This council cut costs, changed investments, funded the pension funds 100 percent, which produced almost a $500,000 savings the first year.”
• Michael Moses, 58, West Mifflin. Democratic candidate for borough council. Incumbent.
“My education, experience and expertise in the area of public finance, along with my proven ability to make significant and impactful improvements in our community, are the strengths that I bring to the office. Having served as council president in the Borough of West Mifflin for the past three years I have an established record of achievement and have championed cooperation and coordination among all of our elected officials at the borough, county and state levels. My experiences have given me an understanding as to what it takes to get large projects funded, completed, and how to move our community and region forward.”
• Jeremy Stillwagon, 35, West Mifflin. Democratic candidate for constable. Incumbent.
“(I) was born and raised in West Mifflin where I reside with my wife, Stacey, and our son, Hunter. I have a bachelor's degree from West Virginia University and a master's degree from Gannon University. I have been involved (for) 16 years as a volunteer firefighter and (am an) assistant chief. I have served as a deputy constable (and as elected) constable for the past 5½ years. My team and I (have recovered) between $3,000-$6,000 or more a month (in back) fines. We also have arrested individuals with felony arrest warrants ranging from attempted homicide to sexual deviant acts (and) fugitives wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service. I started our very own “West Mifflin's Most Wanted Page” (and) have an outstanding work relationship with all of the local police departments, sheriff's department, state police, district attorney's Drug Task Force and the U.S. Marshals Office.”
WHITE OAK
• Charles “Chuck” D. Davis, 57, White Oak, Republican candidate for borough council. Incumbent.
“As a second generation lifelong resident of White Oak, I became a volunteer firefighter 39 years ago and held the title of chief for 22 years (for) Rainbow Volunteer Fire Co. In the early 2000s, I was a part of the borough planning commission before being elected to the borough council in 2003. I believe the residents of White Oak deserve to have a candidate on council who has lived and given back to the community for their whole life.”
• Rich Keller, 61, White Oak. Democratic candidate for borough council.
“I (am) married, father of three, have one grandson, and have lived in White Oak for 27 years. I believe that my experience as a retired facilities manager for the federal government would be extremely valuable to White Oak. If you consider voting for me I will be bringing a new face to White Oak borough with fresh ideas.”
• Ronald R. Massung, 67, White Oak, Republican candidate for borough council. Incumbent.
“(I am) owner of Massung Kitchen & Bath, established 1971, a White Oak resident for 43 years, a graduate of McKeesport High School (and) Penn State University, a councilman (for) 26 years (and) chairman of the finance committee, past chairman of the health and sanitation and police committees (and) past president of Pittsburgh chapter, National Kitchen and Bath Association. (I am) eager to lead White Oak in a positive direction. (My) personal and business credo (is) ‘You've got to believe.'”
ELIZABETH ToWnshiP
• Patrick D. Provins, 42, Buena Vista (Elizabeth Township). Republican candidate for commissioner in township Ward 3.
“Having been raised in Elizabeth Township and volunteering for multiple organizations within Elizabeth Township, as well as having a vested interest in the community where my family and friends live and grow, I have personal incentive to see Elizabeth Township thrive. With 20-plus years of employment and previous active duty and reserve military service, I have the knowledge of governmental responsibilities and obligations and I have hands-on involvement and experience on a personal level. That in conjunction with a structured and experienced work ethic (gives me the) background to represent the residents of my ward and to work with and assist the other commissioners in governing Elizabeth Township into the future.”
• Andrew Kuzma, 18, Buena Vista (Elizabeth Township), Republican candidate for commissioner in township Ward 3.
“As our commissioner of Ward 3, I will work to limit spending in order to lower the township debt and keep taxes as low as possible. I will also work to create a small business association and fight to bring a free public library to residents. I will use my honesty, integrity, energy and ambition to make the place that I have lived for my entire life a better place for all residents.”
• Jane F. Blake, age not given, Elizabeth Township, Democratic candidate for commissioner in township Ward 5.
“As a member of the Elizabeth Township Planning Commission, I have experienced the process of reviewing business and development applications. As a 40-plus year resident and businesswoman within Ward 5, I have participated in the Boston-Greenock part of the Youghiogheny River Trail's development and growth. My experience as a Realtor for 10-plus years has provided me with insight (from) people who are moving into or out of the township. Recreation opportunities as well as a strong fire, police and EMS base are major township needs.”
NORTH VERSAILLES
• George Thompson, 53, North Versailles. Democratic candidate for commissioner in township Ward 1.
“I lead the team that made many improvements (including) a parks renovation program with the help of a $100,000 state grant (as well as) improvements to our municipal building (and) a new salt storage shed. We replaced township trucks and police cars (and) added (K-9) officer Lacky. We started a $3 million road paving program (and are addressing) property blight. I have persistently strived to keep the business we have and pursue new business to expand our tax base. (And) working for Allegheny County as assistant deputy director of public works and (having the township) Democratic Party chairmanship gives me daily access to many national, state and county leaders.”
• Allen R. Wagner, age not given, North Versailles. Democratic candidate for commissioner in township Ward 3.
“As the code enforcement officer ... the first item on my fix list was (an) intensive program to address property blight and hold absentee landlords accountable for the maintenance of their rental property. I have been a member of the team that has been successful in bringing new business to North Versailles (such as) Mosites Motor Sports and the New Ultimate Air Indoor Trampoline Park. With good management we have taken North Versailles in four years from considering Act 47 (to building) a large fund balance ... without raising your township taxes. I have a great working relationship with the current commissioners and would like to join them to keep North Versailles moving forward.”
