Longtime incumbent faces newcomer in race for Allegheny Township supervisor

A longtime Republican supervisor in Alle­gheny Township will appear on the ballot Nov. 2 as a Democrat.

Kathy Starr, a registered Republican, lost by 42 votes to political newcomer James Morabito in the May Republican primary.

No Democrats appeared on the May primary ballot. But because Starr collected 389 write-in votes as a Democrat in the primary, she is eligible to run in the November general election as a Democrat. A township supervisor since 2003, Starr is running for another six-year term.

Morabito, 58, a business owner, said he has logged hundreds of miles campaigning door-to-door throughout the township.

He said, if elected supervisor, filling empty storefronts in the township would be his priority.

“Our township can’t continue to grow without providing commercial business options to the residents,” Morabito said. “I’ve been informed it’s not a supervisor’s job to help bring businesses back, but I strongly disagree. A supervisor’s job is to go above and beyond to make our township financially strong without raising any taxes.”

Starr, 79, owner of Five Starr Catering, said her primary issue will be to support and provide outreach to the township’s fire departments.

“My plan is to continue to facilitate synergy between Allegheny No. 1 and Markle volunteer fire departments, in order to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate efforts,” she said.

Starr said she’s working with Kiski Area School District to sponsor a Junior Fireman Club and is seeking additional township funding allowed by the 2nd Class Township Code.

Morabito owns Morabito Motors in Lower Burrell. He said that, if elected supervisor, he intends to fully support all departments, including the police, fire, road crew and municipal staff.

“I also feel there is a need to be 100% transparent with all information regarding the residents of Allegheny Township,” Morabito said. “The residents should be informed of the issues arising before anything is voted on.”

If reelected, Starr said, she’ll continue to be creative with projects and ideas to improve quality of life for township residents.

She cited two initiatives she’d like to implement: crisis intervention training for law enforcement officers and a recycling program.

“I’m qualified to serve because of my experiences, lifelong penchant for hard work, responsibility, creativity, education and dedication to my people,” Starr said.

Morabito said running an automotive business for 34 years has developed his leadership and negotiating skills.

If elected, Morabito said, he’ll “aggressively pursue” federal and state grant opportunities and be hands-on with the day-to-day township operations.

“I understand that elected officials work for the residents of Allegheny Township,” he said. “I will listen to their needs and concerns before moving forward. Together, we can make Allegheny Township great again.”

The other two members of the Allegheny Township Board of Supervisors are Rennick Steele, who serves through December 2023, and Mike Korns, whose term ends in December 2025.