New faces to dot Verona Council landscape

Verona Council will be adding some new faces next year.

According to unoffical results from the Allegheny County Office of Elections in the Nov. 4 race, cross-filed candidates Kelli Rodriguez, Curtis Spurling and incumbent Trish Hredzak will join Democrat incumbent John Gemellas on Verona Council.

Gemellas, 54, was the top vote-getter earning 461 votes (24%).

He had previously told TribLive that police and public safety programs would be a priority. He wants to advocate for making investments in the borough to keep the infrastructure in good shape, find ways to attract business and economic activity to drive revenue, stay up on code enforcement, and promote the borough internally and externally.

Rodriguez, 45, earned 439 votes (22.9%).

A new face on council, she told TribLive prior to the election that she wants to focus on transparency and building trust with the public. She intends to advocate for monthly financial summaries, budget updates in plain language and public forums during budget season.

Hredzak, 41, earned 403 votes (21%).

She intends to focus on rebuilding borough leadership. Hredzak said the borough has an opporunity ensure a solid foundation as they look for a permanent borough manager and hope to attract and retain police officers with the help of new police chief Thomas Dessell.

She also wants to strengthen community relations.

Newcomer Curtis Spurling, 37, earned 349 votes (18.2%).

Prior to the election, Spurling told TribLive he wants to help with the positive direction Verona is moving in. He said he hopes to serve as a fresh voice.

Incumbent Ray Suchevich was unable to secure a seat after receiving 250 votes on the Republican ballot.