Six people are vying for three seats on the Collier board of commissioners.

In the Spring primary election, incumbent commissioner Mary Ann Cupples-Wisniowski and Julie Murphy and Tim Downey Jr. won the Democratic party nominations, and incumbent commissioners Wayne Chiurazzi and Karianne Suter, and Mark Lewis won the Republican party nods.

Here are the candidates’ answers to questions asked by the Signal Item:

Wayne Chiruazzi

Age: 59

Political affiliation: Republican

Education: Penn State and Duquesne University Law School

Occupation: Attorney, owner and employer

If elected, what is a long-term goal?

I have been President of the Board for several years and tied to a vision of what the Collier Township community should look like in 10-20 years, and consistent in the township’s comprehensive plan, I want to ensure Collier Township evolves as a balanced, sustainable community: one that supports economic vitality, preserves open space, maintains infrastructure, is fiscally responsible and enhances quality of life for people of all ages.

How do you plan to address growth in the township?

Tie new development to infrastructure improvements (so growth pays for itself, not the taxpayer.) Focus density and commercial growth along corridors where utilities already exist, while preserving sensitive or rural areas. Expand parks, trail connectivity and green infrastructure so residents grow with access to nature. We have handled it well over the years, and I want to continue to guide this responsible plan for growth.

Mary Ann Cupples-Wisniowski

Age: 75

Education: Undergraduate degree and master’s degree from Duquesne University

Occupation: Retired after 38 years teaching in the Pittsburgh Public Schools

If elected, what is a long-term goal?

I am committed to growing Collier parks and infrastructure and insisting on government transparency, ensuring safety for all and efficient and effective service delivery for all. I intend to continue fair and transparent leadership because that is what our residents deserve. My experience as commissioner the last five years will ensure that I am ready to continue my work to promote responsible township growth, lead with exemplary leadership and continue to promote and support our fire departments, our EMS services and our police.

How do you plan to address growth in the township?

I am not only a commissioner but I also serve on our planning board. For the last 10 years, even before I was a commissioner, I attended planning committee meetings on a regular basis. I plan to continue to monitor the type of development that is occurring in our township, especially since we have hundreds of acres that will most likely be developed in the coming years. Responsible and quality development is the only type of development I will support. I will only vote for projects that will enhance the beauty and uniqueness of our township.

Tim Downey Jr.

Age: 61

Education: Chartiers Valley graduate

Occupation: Realtor for more than 20 years

If elected, what is a long-term goal?

Supplemental funding for Collier EMS, three fire departments, and Collier Parks/Recreation. In addition to current dedicated funding, offset taxpayer costs by working through grant funding, private and corporate donations. We get a significant amount of support from our local businesses, corporations, private individuals and nonprofits with the potential for more cooperation. Work with developers, local, county, and state officials in continuing to provide adequate programs and facilities to benefit everyone from our youth to our seniors in the quality of life Collier Township has to offer.

How do you plan to address growth in the township?

Thank you for your consideration in this respected position of Collier Township Commissioner. We share common goals and values of the continued growth and care of the resources in our treasured community. With our developing community still evolving, we need to focus on clear and responsible spending while maintaining our growing infrastructure. In addition to attracting businesses into our commercial and industrial corridors, establish guidelines for developers to extend the utilities to the border of their developments not to bypass existing homes and future developments. Utilize impact fees for improvement of adjacent roads, intersections and infrastructure.

Mark Lewis

Age: 66

Education: College

Occupation: Retired Facilities Director

If elected, what is a long-term goal?

To improve roads and infrastructure to accommodate the inevitable growth, along with addressing the power grid disruptions in the Rennerdale area to ensure these residents do not lose power for days when the power goes out. Traffic in the Kirwan Heights area needs to be addressed due to the congestion, we cannot just keep “dumping” more traffic into this already congested area, and speeding throughout the township has become unacceptable.

How do you plan to address growth in the township?

We need to ensure that the township grows at a rate that the township and taxpayers can afford. The taxpayers income, especially the senior citizens and retirees, is already stretched to the max. To ensure these individuals can continue to live in their homes that they paid for all their lives, the township needs to address that with no or little tax increases.

Julie Murphy

Age: 61

Education: MBA from Carnegie Mellon University; BS Industrial and Systems Engineering from North Carolina State University.

Occupation: Fortune 200 Executive and former S&P 500 Chief Human Resources Officer; currently Executive-in-Residence and Adjunct Professor at University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Business.

If elected, what is a long-term goal?

To champion a collaborative effort among Collier’s residents, fellow commissioners, and township leadership to shape a bold and inspiring vision for our community’s future. This vision will be supported by clear strategies, well-defined priorities, and a time-bound action plan — ensuring that every decision we make is transparent, accountable and aligned with what matters most to our residents.

How do you plan to address growth in the township?

Collier’s population has grown 70% in just two decades — proof that people want to live here. However, growth without vision risks eroding the unique appeal that drew us in. My plan is to champion smart, purposeful development that protects our safety, preserves our green spaces and strengthens our sense of community. From thriving businesses to vibrant parks to progressive neighborhoods, I’ll work to ensure Collier grows with intention and heart — so future generations inherit a township that’s bigger and better.

Karianne Suter

Age: 50

Education: Bachelor of Science in Education

Occupation: Elementary teacher for Chartiers Valley School District

If elected, what is a long-term goal?

To continue guiding Collier Township’s growth in a responsible and sustainable way — ensuring that as we develop, we also preserve and protect the green spaces that make our community special. I want to maintain strong, collaborative relationships with our township employees so they have the support and resources they need to serve residents effectively. Above all, I am committed to being fiscally responsible while prioritizing the safety, well-being, and quality of life of everyone in our community.

How do you plan to address growth in the township?

I believe growth in Collier Township should be about more than just numbers — it’s about creating a community where families want to stay for generations. I want to see our township continue to grow responsibly, with a focus on safety, smart planning, and maintaining the strong sense of community that makes Collier such a great place to call home. My goal is to ensure that as we welcome new families, we preserve what makes our township special, so current and future residents are proud to call Collier Township home.

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