McCandless race brings 2 Republicans, 1 Democrat to town council

Two Republicans and one Democrat won seats Nov. 7 on McCandless Council in races for three contested ward seats, according to unofficial results from the Allegheny County Board of Elections.

Republican Doug Arlow defeated Democrat Claire Buonocore, 729 to 700, in Ward 1; Democrat Nicholas Giorgetti took the Ward 3 seat over Bryan Snyder, 841 to 785. And Republican Joe Wall defeated incumbent Kathleen Roppa, 780 to 755, in Ward 5.

Uncontested incumbent Patricia Cloonan maintains her seat in Ward 7.

The results are unofficial until they have been certified by the Board of Elections.

These new council members will join Michael Tarle of Ward 3, Robert “Jack” Casey of Ward 2 and Jack Singer of Ward 4. There are seven wards in McCandless.

Mary Ann Eisenreich of Ward 1 did not seek re-election and her term expires the first Monday of 2024.

“I am honored, humbled, and extremely grateful for the faith that the voters in Ward 5 have given me. I will work diligently to exceed their expectations and will address the issues of the campaign. I would like to congratulate my opponent, Dr. Kathleen Roppa on a race well-run, and for her contributions to the Town of McCandless during her tenure on Council,” Wall said.

Giorgetti said he was honored to be elected to represent the community where he grew up.

“My family has been in this area for five generations, and I look forward to hopefully raising a family here myself one day. I could not have done this without the help of my family, my friends, and the amazing citizens of McCandless. I look forward to getting to work to make McCandless an even better place to live and bringing a new energy and ideas to town council,” he said.

“I am very excited to represent all constituents of Ward 1 on McCandless Town Council,” Arlow said. “I want to personally thank all of those that have helped and supported my candidacy for this position. I am humbled by the trust I have received from voters to serve as their advocate and voice on town council.”

Several ongoing issues in McCandless include residential concern about possible development of the area along Ingomar Road heading into North Park, though the town hasn’t reported any applications being submitted to redevelop that area.

Council also has to manage a current $26.8 million dollar budget for 2023, with a $28-plus million budget being proposed for 2024 with no tax increases. It includes more support to the McCandless Franklin Park Ambulance Authority and continued investment in the three local volunteer fire departments and Northland Public Library.