4 Democrats, 2 Republicans vie for ballot spots in Leet commissioners race

Editor’s note: The Sewickley Herald is only spotlighting contested races in the primary election. Other race previews will run in future issues.

According to the Allegheny County Office of Elections unofficial candidate list, in Leet, four Democrats and two Republicans are vying for two spots on the ballot for each political party — Republican Jeff Besong withdrew from the race too late for his name to be removed from the ballot. The only incumbent in the race is board of commissioners president Donna Adipietro.

Here are the nominees and their responses to the election questions posed by the Sewickley Herald.

Donna Adipietro

Democrat

Why did you decide to run for election? I am running for reelection for a second term; I have been serving as board president for the past two years. It’s been my absolute pleasure to bring Leet Township into its current state of fiscal responsibility, the building of bank balances that provides Leet with a financial cushion that’s never been achieved in prior years; the start of a comprehensive plan; bringing our police department up to date in challenging times; assisting with the procurement of our new township building; and looking ahead to lower the tax burden on our residents. The list goes on and on … and there is still work to be done!

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Currently, Leet is involved with the proposed plan for the Quaker Valley High School. Many people don’t understand that this is not something that can be determined by one’s personal opinion or belief of whether or not a new school should be built, but rather it is determined by our ordinances, the zoning hearing board and the professional experts that are working on behalf of all Leet Township residents. I understand the concerns of all involved and we as commissioners must make sure that any determination made is done based upon the safety, health and welfare of our residents.

What should voters know about you? I’ve resided in Leet for more than 34 years. I worked in Osborne Elementary, the Jr. High to MS and the last part of my long irreproachable career at the high school. It was an amazing career that lasted over 23 years. I was union president and vice president on a rotation basis for more than 10 years, doing the hard work of contract negotiations, employee discipline or mediation to find a fair solution.

I served in the voluntary position of emergency management coordinator from 2004 through 2016. I also served on the board of the Quaker Valley Ambulance Authority for 19 years.

I am one on one with residents. I’ve been invited to their homes when there’s an issue, long discussions on the phone, and have met with residents at the Township building for personal meetings regarding questions about Township operations. I am an active member of the Quaker Valley Council of Governments along with being on the Leet Township planning commission.

Daniel M. Peluso

Democrat

Why did you decide to run for election? It is important to support our local communities by contributing our time and ideas, and in Leet Township, the board of commissioners needs to work to better represent all of the township’s residents fairly and transparently.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? The proposed Quaker Valley High School development. This generational project will be nearly 100% in Leet Township, and residents of Leet need their board of commissioners to be both proactive and impartial with regards to the development’s impact on our neighborhood in terms of traffic, environmental impact, and how it will affect our quality of life for years to come.

What should voters know about you? I grew up in the Quaker Valley community, as did my wife, Jessica. We decided years ago that this is where we would live and raise our three children. I describe myself professionally as an artist/contractor and I have worked on creative public, private and personal projects in our community for over 20 years.

John Stephansky

Democrat

Why did you decide to run for election? To bring transparent fiscal and fiduciary accountability to the taxpayers of Leet. It is the responsibility of local government to be good stewards of taxpayers’ monies and to be held accountable to the taxpayers on how their tax dollars are spent.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? There are many challenges facing the township and I think it is imperative to be open-minded and respectful of all members of council and taxpayers alike. Council should be working in a collaborative manner and to represent the taxpayers’ best interests.

What should voters know about you? I proudly served in the United States Marine Corps and I am a Vietnam veteran. I have a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in business administration. I have resided in Leet for 45 years and served with integrity on council for 28 years. I held senior-level positions in the private industry, and I am currently retired. I bring the experience and background to serve. I have core values, the skills, the experience, integrity and commitment to serve the interests of all citizens of our community as I have done in the past and will continue to do if elected.

William S. Wanto Jr.

Democrat

Why did you decide to run for election? I decided to run for commissioner right after retiring as police chief. I’ve grown quite attached to the community and it’s very difficult to just walk away. Also, I feel strongly that I can provide some leadership to the current board.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? One of our biggest challenges ahead is the potential of having the new Quaker Valley High School in Leet. This brings about many decisions and will require proper attention to detail.

What should voters know about you? Having served the community for over 30 years, I feel I can bring a common sense, professional approach to this issue.

Rody Nash

Republican

Why did you decide to run for election? I believe we all should contribute some sort of public service and it has been a while since I have.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? I think there should be fair representation of all Leet Township residents, and the bureaucratic workings of our township should be transparent and should follow the municipal rules. Both of these goals should be standard operating procedure and easy to accomplish for the board of commissioners.

What should voters know about you? I am a civil engineer and have been a builder and developer in the local area for the last 30 years.

Stephanie Turner

Republican

Why did you decide to run for election? Our residents are not being heard. I want to be their voice that pushes for things to change and rebuild our community.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Bringing the community together is a big priority for me. I believe that starts with giving a voice to community members that goes beyond one-way communication lines. We need to empower and entrust our residents with honest, transparent communication and foster an inclusionary environment for the betterment of our community.

What should voters know about you? I was born and raised in Leet Township, the place where I’ve chosen to raise my growing family. I want my girls to grow up how I did — playing in the creek and running around until the street lights come on. I want my family and yours to enjoy all of the things our community has to offer.