Bethel Park Council reorganizes, Oakes new president

The first new president of Bethel Park Council since the 20th century is John Oakes.

During council’s Jan. 2 reorganization, the Ward 3 representative on council was elected unanimously to succeed longtime leader Tim Moury, who did not seek reelection in 2023. Council elected Joseph A. Consolmagno, Ward 1, as vice president.

Oakes won his council seat in 2021. He and his wife, Amanda, have two children, Madeline and Benjamin.

“Today’s a new beginning on Bethel Park Council, with three new members and new leadership,” he said, welcoming election winners Kimberly Kamenicky, Ward 2; Jim Jenkins, Ward 6; and Viola Garis, Ward 8.

“We may not always agree, and there will be tough decisions to make. But once a decision is made, we should move on to the next item with a clear mind,” Oakes continued. “Most importantly, keep in mind: The work we do here is for all the citizens of Bethel Park, and we must strive to make Bethel Park its best.”

He assigned council members to chair committees and serve as liaisons: Kamenicky, general policy and finance; Jenkins, planning and zoning; Todd Cenci, Ward 4, health, safety and welfare; and Lindsay Flinn, Ward 9, public works.

Cenci, who won reelection, joined Kamenicky, Jenkins and Garis in taking their oaths of office prior to the reorganization.