Jefferson Hills council has 2 contested primary races
Editor’s note: South Hills Record is publishing candidate interviews for contested municipal and school board primary races only.
In the race for Jefferson Hills council, four Republicans are vying for three spots on the November ballot, according to the Allegheny County of Elections unofficial candidate list. On the Democratic ticket for four-year terms, Democrats Nicole Stoicovy-Ruscitto, Edward Manfredi and Karen Bucy are running for three spots on the ballot. Republican Diva Mares is the sole Republican on the ballot for a two-year term. Karen Bucy and Nicole Stoicovy-Ruscitto are running against each other for the one Democratic two-year term ballot spot.
Republican race, four-year term
David Bentz
Why did you decide to run for election? To make sure that Jefferson Hills is being served in the best way possible and help people get involved in their community.
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Our safety departments need to be consolidated and remain funded at an appropriate capacity to better serve the entire community.
Why should people vote for you? I am willing to fight to make sure that all members of the community are being best served by the council policies.
Joseph Lynch
Why did you decided to run for this election? I have envisioned the future of Jefferson Hills as a place for young families to grow, creating a partnership with our residents, and be an example of the American dream. It is my honor and duty to be the messenger reflecting our residents that we are all in this together.
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Modernizing our overall services to that will meet the demands of a rapidly growing community. This includes adapting and revamping our public safety, public works, our library, and parks and recreation; that will influence reasonable development, protecting our hidden gems, and encourage healthy and active families.
Why should people vote for you? This is not about me. This is about the residents, the supporting functions who keep our borough running, and those who volunteer their time to make our community better. They have dreams and ambition that we need to make a reality. I’m here for them … always.
Kevin Polick
Why did you decide to run for election? I have been honored by council to become a member of the planning commission, environmental advisory council, and the steering committee for the comprehensive plan. I see this election as the next rational step to continue to help advocate for the future of this borough and its residents.
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Balancing residential growth while attracting businesses. The vast acreage and farmlands are quickly being turned into housing developments. Simultaneously, business development is challenged by the terrain of the current zoning areas.
Why should people vote for you? Third-generation resident that’s been involved with many associations over the years. My professional life is well-rounded with managerial, financial, planning and technology. My desire to advocate for our community to best suit its old, new and future residents is what makes me the best candidate for this position.
John Pope
Why did you decide to run for election? My interest was piqued to seek a position on council when housing plans in the borough emerged. In fact, one was adjoining to my backyard.
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Improving municipal services and facilities while holding the line on borough taxes.
Why should people vote for you? I have been a resident of Jefferson Hills for 20 years. I am a retired Pittsburgh public school teacher and coach. My professional and personal experiences in life have taught me to effectively communicate and work cooperatively with diversified groups of individuals. My skill set equips me to serve the JH residents as a future JH council member.
Pope did not submit a photo by press time.
Democratic race, 2-year term
Karen Bucy
Party affiliation: Democrat
Why did you decide to run for election? I want to continue moving the borough in a positive direction while staying on budget.
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? The largest upcoming obstacle is maintaining quality borough services during an inflationary period.
Why should people vote for you? During the past three years, I maintained a zero borough tax increase for residents while improving the borough parks and recreational facilities. Also, I assisted in obtaining a ninth voting polling place in the borough to balance the number of voters per district. These are two examples of how I listen to residents’ concerns and issues and works for possible solutions to better Jefferson Hills.
Nicole Stoicovy-Ruscitto
Party affiliation: Democrat
Why did you decide to run for election? As a resident and 1989 graduate of the West Jefferson Hills School District, I have spent most of my life watching Jefferson Hills grow. I am running for reelection because I believe in our borough’s residents and our borough’s potential. I feel it’s more than just improving Jefferson Hills, but also the preservation of the ideals that make our borough a place where people want to live. Over my 50 plus years, I have seen an abundance of positive improvements. If reelected, I will strive to continue guiding our borough in the right direction.
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? I believe that in the face of politics people can work together with all voices being included. My intention is to bring these voices to the table. The voices can bridge the divide to build a community together. As a current council member and planning commission representative, my goal is to maintain our green spaces and unleash the borough’s potential. To me, it is of the utmost importance to provide buffers and protections for our residents. Also, I am an advocate of working with our neighboring boroughs to develop appropriate business opportunities on Route 51 and elsewhere within the borough.
Why should people vote for you? As a resident, homeowner and parent, I am passionate about preserving all that is great about Jefferson Hills. As an incumbent council member and school librarian, I have the community service necessary to lead. Every third Thursday of the month, I am available to talk in my father’s memorial George C. Stiocovy room. It is there that I will work my hardest to make sure that your voice is heard. A vote for me is not a vote for a Democrat or a Republican or special interests, it is a vote for what’s best for our borough.
Katie Green is a TribLive deputy managing editor, overseeing features as well as the Trib's weekly and monthly community newspapers and websites. A former magazine editor, she's serious about coffee, is a proponent of the Oxford comma and enjoys tracing her family tree when she has the time. She can be reached at kgreen@triblive.com.
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