5 Republican candidates running for 4 Whitehall council spots on the ballot

Editor’s note: South Hills Record is only spotlighting contested races in the primary election.

According to the Allegheny County Office of Elections unofficial candidate list, in Whitehall, five Republicans are running for four spots on the ballot — incumbent Linda Book, John Paravati, Harold Plusa, Stone Sobieralski and incumbent William Veith.

Democrat Kathy DePuy is running unopposed in the primary.

Incumbent Mayor Jim Nowalk, a Democrat, is running unopposed in the primary. He will face Republican Chris A. Mooney in the November election.

Here are the Republican council nominees and their responses to the election questions posed by South Hills Record.

Linda Book

Why did you decide to run for election? I want to continue to provide Whitehall residents the best services they deserve in our police department, public works department, parks and recreation and Whitehall Library, along with strong support for our dedicated Whitehall Volunteer Fire Department.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? To continue providing those services to Whitehall residents with responsible planning and budgeting during the uncertainties of the pandemic.

What should voters know about you? As a Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs member of the board of trustees and board of directors, I work to provide updates to our borough regarding training and education and utilize the opportunity to reflect on state-level discussions of the important issues to Whitehall, such as grant availability, infrastructure, police radar and veteran benefits, just to name a few.

As an Army veteran, I am proud to continue working annually with our Whitehall resident veterans and Whitehall Lions Club to provide the annual venue in honoring our veterans on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

John Paravati

Why did you decide to run for election? So that I may continue to maintain and enhance our community for residents of today and tomorrow to enjoy. I will monitor our tax revenue to make sure it is spent wisely and work with the council to meet the borough budget without increasing taxes. I feel that the communication to the residents for the new pool project was done poorly, and I will commit to a more transparent board and better communication if elected.

What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? I have always been in support of our police and while the current police contract is expired, I will work with other council members to renew the contract while considering the impact on our tax dollars. As a former commissioner for Baldwin Township, I helped in successful negotiations with two police contracts.

The amount of traffic and speeding through our community is concerning to residents. I will suggest alternatives to reduce speeding and traffic for pedestrian and driver safety.

What should voters know about you? I was a former Baldwin Township commissioner for eight years, I know what it takes to be a voice for residents. I have no personal agenda and have always based my decisions on what’s best for our community and if elected will always continue to do so.

Harold Plusa

Why did you decide to run for election? As a Whitehall resident and homeowner for 22 years, I have pursued my interest and involvement in borough affairs as a member of the Whitehall Environment Action Committee (formerly Wildlife Management) and, prior to the pandemic, regularly attended borough council meetings.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? I am an advocate for term limits for all elected executive positions and legislative bodies, including borough council. Our council needs a combination of experience and fresh, new ideas. The most significant issue facing the borough today is replacing the borough swimming pool. My wife, Lynn, and I have discussed this with family members prior to responding to the borough survey. To the best of my knowledge, decisions regarding the pool will have been made prior to the election. A swimming pool is an important component to any community.

What should voters know about you? I am a lifelong resident of Allegheny County (excluding active military service). A graduate of South Hills High School and Duquesne University, I’m married with grandchildren in Baldwin Whitehall schools. I have more than 20 years of military service, Army and Army Reserve, as a unit commander, staff officer and assistant professor of military science. I’m a member of the American Legion, the Reserve Officers Association, Veterans Breakfast Club and a Whitehall Library discussion group organized for World War II veterans. I have more than 30 years of experience in human resources management and information systems, and I am a Republican Party committeeman for Whitehall Borough and Allegheny County.

Stone Sobieralski

Why did you decide to run for election? Whitehall is an outstanding community to be a part of. I would like to help contribute to the continued success of the borough.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Fiscal responsibility. The borough had an operating deficit in 2019 of $1.2 million. The council’s number one job is to spend money responsibly and as efficiently as possible, which I would be committed to. Property taxes also need to remain the same since they have not gone up in 16 years. As big projects start to be mentioned, it is more important than ever to have someone on council that will consider the financial positions of the Whitehall residents.

What should voters know about you? I am hardworking and dedicated to helping my community.

William Veith

Why did you decide to run for election? I’m seeking my fourth term to continue to keep Whitehall Borough one of the most respected boroughs in the state.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? One of the biggest challenges we face is maintaining our wonderful community resources and amenities without increasing taxes.

What should voters know about you? I have lived in Whitehall for the past 31 years, serving on many committees both locally and statewide.