Sharpsburg Mayor Brittany Reno resigns; letters of interest being accepted

Sharpsburg’s first female mayor has resigned with more than a year remaining in her first term.

Council unanimously accepted the resignation of Brittany Reno on Thursday, June 27.

She was not at the meeting. Her letter of resignation was obtained by TribLive after the voting session.

“I thank you all for all the work you’ve put into shepherding this town over the years and decades,” the letter read. “With a bittersweet energy, I must resign from my post as mayor effective immediately in order to focus on myself and my family.

“I know our beloved borough is in very good hands and will look forward to watching you all do your thing on behalf of the good people we represent. Thank you all for your service to the public and the planet, and for always caring about me as I’ve navigated this journey. And what a strange and beautiful journey it’s been.”

Several attempts to reach Reno before and after the voting session were unsuccessful.

Reno was elected mayor in 2021 to fill the seat of Matthew Rudzki, who didn’t seek reelection. He currently serves as district judge for the borough and several surrounding communities.

A Democrat, Reno pledged to continue improving access for people in the community to different social services and economic opportunities. Her term was set to expire at the end of next year.

Resumes and letters of interest can be submitted to the borough office, 1611 Main St.

The deadline for submissions is 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 10.

Council expects to start candidate interviews the following day and could appoint someone by its July 25 meeting.

Whoever is appointed may serve out the remainder of Reno’s term. They would have to run in next year’s election to keep the seat.

Borough Manager Christine DeRunk said she is awaiting a response from the Allegheny County Elections Division to see whether a special election is needed.

Public service

Reno was appointed to council in 2015 and was reelected. She served as council president in 2018 and 2020.

Reno founded the nonprofit Sharpsburg Neighborhood Organization in 2014 and became its full-time executive director in 2016.

Some of its initiatives include free home energy audits, paid career training and enrollment in the Triboro Civic Leadership Academy. The group also hosts community cleanups and spearheaded a nearly 2-mile walking path that highlights the historic and recreational sites in town.

Jodi Klebick took over as SNO’s executive director earlier this year.

Reno served as Southwestern Pennsylvania Municipal Project Hub’s chief executive officer and spoke at an event in February in Brackenridge of ways to improve the region.

However, she was no longer listed on the organization’s website as a member of the SWPA team.

Council President Adrianne Laing thanked Reno for her service before accepting the resignation.

“Those of you who know her know her hard work and her dedication and her commitment to Sharpsburg and her advocacy in all of her roles at SNO, on council and as mayor,” Laing said. “Her resignation will definitely be a loss to our borough, but we’re thankful for all that she’s done and we wish her the best.”

Other council members also commented about Reno’s service via email.

“The borough of Sharpsburg has been tremendously lucky to have Mayor Reno serve the borough both as an elected official and through the Sharpsburg Neighborhood Organization. I am thankful for her leadership and service to this community that she loves so much,” Councilwoman Sarah Ishman wrote.

Council Vice President Kayla Portis said Reno really loved her community. She hopes the next mayor will be a leader with relationship-building qualities, great communication and listening skills as well as an extensive knowledge of Sharpsburg.

“Brittany’s leadership, hard work and dedication to the people of Sharpsburg was truly astounding,” Portis wrote. “I admire her overall love for the borough of Sharpsburg. I hope that she is reflecting on all that she has accomplished. Thank you, Brittany Reno.”