Incumbent Leechburg mayor to face primary challenge from councilwoman

A Leechburg councilwoman is running against the incumbent mayor in the Democratic Party primary May 16.

Leechburg Mayor Tony Roppolo is seeking election to the position he was appointed to last March, while Councilwoman Doreen Smeal is trying again to become mayor.

After the death of Mayor Wayne Dobos last year, Smeal and Roppolo both sought to be appointed by counci to replace him.

Smeal and Roppolo tied in council’s initial vote; Roppolo ultimately got the nod based on his experience. Roppolo previously served on council in 1996 and was elected to an earlier stint as mayor in 2010.

In October, Smeal was unanimously appointed to council after the resignation of Ruth Bender.

Now, they are seeking to be elected to serve what would have been the last two years of Dobos’ term.

In Leechburg, the mayor presides at council meetings and is in charge of the police department. The mayor has the ability to suspend police officers, determine police schedules and hours and perform marriages.

The mayor doesn’t vote on council actions — except to break a tie.

The mayoral opponents, both Leechburg natives, said there is no animosity between them in this campaign.

Smeal has resided in her late grandfather’s home since 1984.

Roppolo calls Leechburg “his town.”

A priority for Roppolo is safety.

“We can start with safety and security of our community, drug enforcement, sidewalk upgrades and getting our police force up to full strength, for starters,” Roppolo said.

Roppolo is hopeful Leechburg voters will allow him to continue his mission of serving.

“I will appreciate the opportunity to continue to do so should it be the choice of the electorate to again enable me to sit at the mayor’s chair,” Roppolo said.

In addition to his mayoral duties, Roppolo serves as vice chair of the Armstrong County Tax Collection Committee and is the borough’s pension plan administrator.

Smeal said her priorities include attracting new businesses, jobs and tourists to Leechburg.

“I want to show how my loyalty to Leechburg over the many years of volunteering and my life experiences will direct us into a more thriving town,” Smeal said.

Smeal described herself as “highly motivated” and decided to run for mayor because she wants to find lasting solutions to problems.

“I believe in serving others, and this position would help me give back on a larger scale,” Smeal said.

Smeal has volunteere for numerous Leechburg organizations, including the Leechburg Area Community Association, the Clothing Closet and church council at First Lutheran Church, American Legion Auxiliary, Veterans Military Banners, Pink Day and Leechburg Public Library.

“My No. 1 priority is to help guide Leechburg into the future while keeping our quaint town a gem,” Smeal said. “I want the community to be seen for what it’s worth by improving upon the foundation laid by our past community leaders.”