Copeland, DeBlasio candidates for Bridgeville mayor

Bridgeville’s next mayor won’t be new to the job.

Incumbent Betty Copeland, 91 who has been mayor for the past eight years, is being challenged for the position by Pasquale B. DeBlasio, 62, who was mayor from 2014 to 2017.

The Nov. 4 election is a rematch of their 2017 race, when Copeland, a democrat, defeated DeBlasio, a Republican, by 31 votes.

Here’s what they said to the Signal Item:

Betty Copeland: “I try to be a very good influence for Bridgeville, volunteering and helping everywhere I can, trying to represent Bridgeville in a positive light attending all community events and occasions of celebration.

“The Mayor of a Borough is mainly a goodwill position. As mayor, I get to vote on matters only in the case of a tie. My primary position is to oversee the police department. I work very well with all of our officers and chief. We have a very good rapport. … I meet weekly with the Chief to discuss issues and ways to improve our community.

“I believe I have brought positivity to our borough. As a member of the Pennsylvania Mayor’s Association, I attend all of their events working closely with mayors of other communities. I was nominated and won Pennsylvania Mayor of the Year. I was proud to accept that on behalf of the Borough of Bridgeville.”

Pasquale DeBlasio: “Bridgeville is truly one of the gems of the Greater Pittsburgh area — the urban heart of our suburban region. Like many communities, Bridgeville is facing more than one challenge. Flooding continues to put our homes and businesses at risk. Traffic congestion surrounds us, parking can be frustrating, and simply getting around — whether by car or on foot — can feel like a life-or-death adventure.

“My top priority is making Bridgeville safe and comfortable for our residents — whether they travel on foot, bike or in a car. Traffic, flooding, parking and development are interrelated problems which require comprehensive solutions. Those solutions don’t start in Washington, Harrisburg or on Grant Street — they start right here, with us.

“If we want to see Bridgeville thrive, we must be the driving force — the spark — that sets meaningful progress in motion. With humility and hope, I’m asking for your vote to help us create that spark!”