New appointee to East Vandergrift Council aims to stay with write-in campaign

East Vandergrift Council last month named Jeremy Manners to fill a vacant seat. While his appointment lasts through December, Manners aims to stay on council with a write-in campaign in the Nov. 2 election.

The seat became open after the July death of council member Bonita “Bonnie” Bober, who was also a longtime volunteer in the borough.

“We’re pleased to have Jeremy Manners fill the council seat left vacant with the passing of Bonnie Bober. We look forward to working with him,” said borough Secretary Kristen Sarno. Alex Hansen also applied to be appointed to the seat.

Raised in Washington Township, Manners, 41, is a lifelong resident of the Alle-Kiski Valley. He lived in Vandergrift before moving to East Vandergrift eight years ago.

“Bonnie was very well-loved and very active on council,” Manners said.

Describing his priorities for office, Manners said he wants “to see the parks become more of a focal point. I want to get more community involvement.”

Noting that East Vandergrift is a compact and walkable community, “Everyone is really close here,” he said.

Manners intends to organize more community events, and bring back favorites like Ethnic Days, once an annual East Vandergrift tradition. He said he plans to organize fundraisers to help spruce up the borough’s parks.

“I hope I can retain my seat. To the best of my knowledge there’s no one else running,” he said.

Manners, who holds a culinary arts degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, works as a supervisor at CVS Specialty Pharmacy. A Mason, he is a member of Apollo Lodge #437 and Syria Shriners of Pittsburgh.

East Vandergrift’s other council members are Christopher Zelonka, Dave Groholski, Becky Majersky, Debra Lynn Kukalis, Karen Virostek and Dion Urban.

Zelonka, Kukalis and Majersky are on the ballot for the four council seats up for election next week. Manners, if he gets enough write-in votes, would fill the fourth seat.

Council members are paid a monthly stipend of $45.