Challenged Fawn supervisor David Norris withdraws from primary

A Fawn supervisor whose candidacy for reelection was challenged on the grounds he does not live in the township has withdrawn from the primary, according to Allegheny County Elections.

Township resident Tracy Volk filed an objection to Supervisor David Norris’ candidacy on the basis that Norris, a Democrat, has lived in DeLand, Fla., for more than a year and has not lived in Fawn for almost two years.

According to a list of municipal primary objections, Norris withdrew from the primary.

Al Opsitnick, assistant solicitor for Allegheny County, said Norris withdrew Monday by faxing a signed and notarized withdrawal form.

In addition to his residency, Volk’s objection argued Norris should be removed from the May 18 primary because the person who circulated his nomination petition is not a registered Democratic voter, as required, and because Norris did not personally appear before the notary who notarized his petition and other documents.

Volk, whose objection to Norris’ candidacy was scheduled to be heard Friday, declined to comment on Norris’ withdrawal.

Norris also said he had no comment.

Volk’s attorney, Craig Alexander, said it was encouraging that Norris withdrew.

“It’s common knowledge throughout the township that Mr. Norris no longer resides in Fawn and hasn’t in well over a year,” Alexander said. “However, my client is curious to see whether Mr. Norris will attempt to participate in township meetings from his Florida home, as he has done for the past year, in light of this admission and his withdrawal of his candidacy.”

In addition to the seat held by Norris, Fawn Supervisor David Montanari, a Republican, is up for reelection this year.

According to Allegheny County’s unofficial list of primary election candidates last updated Monday, in addition to Montanari, candidates for supervisor in Fawn are Paula J. Legge and Daniel R. Selfridge Jr., both Republicans. Selfridge’s party affiliation initially was listed incorrectly and was due to be corrected, a county spokeswoman confirmed Tuesday.