A third of the nine-member Ross Board of Commissioners is now women, and the township has its first Black commissioner.
Haley Warden-Rodgers and Dwayne Lee Allen joined the board in January after winning seats in November’s election, which also saw Ward 2 Commissioner Chris Eyster and Ward 8 Commissioner Denise Rickenbrode reelected to the board.
Warden-Rodgers was elected to represent Ross’ Ward 6 after defeating appointed incumbent John Kettering in the May primary and Republican Justin Jeffrey in the general election.
She joins Sarah Poweska of Ward 3 and Rickenbrode as female members of the board.
“We are one step closer to the board reflecting our community,” Warden-Rodgers said. “I hope we can be an inspiration for more girls and women to take part in government.”
Allen, who is Black, defeated Republican Jared Miller for the Ward 4 seat previously held by Joe Laslavic.
Commissioner Dan DeMarco said he could not find any proof that Ross has ever had a commissioner of color before.
“It’s going to be great to have you,” DeMarco said to Allen.
Allen said he ran for commissioner, his first time seeking an elected office, after talking with Laslavic, his neighbor, who suggested he run and at the urging of his daughter, Zoey.
“It’s always incredible to be the first of anything,” he said. “My first thoughts were not really about my color but was more about doing what I can for my constituents and the community. That’s where my focus was.
“My goal is to bring everyone together. It doesn’t matter if you are a Republican, a Democrat or an independent,” Allen said. “My goal is to bring all of us together to be a better community.”
Common Pleas Judge Sabrina Korbel administered the commissioners’ oaths of office when the board reorganized on Jan. 5.
DeMarco was reelected president of the board in a 5-4 vote which also saw Eyster nominated for the position. Poweska remains vice president, winning a 7-2 vote with Commissioner Joe Muha.
Jessica Crawshaw, former assistant manager, was named interim manager. She replaces Ronald Borcyzk, who retired effective Jan. 9.
Crawshaw started with Ross as a receptionist in 2016. She was an administrative assistant in community development followed by executive assistant to the manager before becoming assistant manager in September 2024.
Crawshaw is the “top candidate” to become manager, DeMarco said. He said commissioners have not solicited any other applicants for the position and will need to discuss filling it permanently along with hiring a new assistant manager to replace Crawshaw.
West View Council reorganizes
West View Council has a new vice president following its reorganization Jan. 5.
Councilman William Aguglia replaces M. Kimberly Steele in the role, following her death in November.
Aguglia was reelected to council in November’s general election, along with Councilmen Bryan Kircher and James Meininger. Kircher remains president of council.
Joe Assisi is new to council. The four council candidates, all Democrats, were unopposed in November.
Council in December appointed Troy E. Holtgraver to replace Steele.
Mayor John Henry, a Democrat, also was reelected without opposition.
