Democrats Phillip Toney and Nicholas DiCarolis won two seats on New Kensington Council, according to unofficial results from the Westmoreland County Elections Bureau.

In the three-candidate race for two seats, Toney had collected 1,800 votes, DiCarolis 1,534.

Republican Chase Balla had 1,238.

Toney, 70, and DiCarolis, 37, will take the seats of council members Todd Mentecki and Corey Pistininzi, who did not seek reelection.

Mayor Thomas Guzzo, a Democrat, was unopposed.

Retired after 40 years of working for New Kensington’s water authority, Toney believed his reputation in the community and knowing a lot of city residents may have made him the top vote-getter.

“I’d like to think everything I’ve accomplished in my life paid off,” Toney said. “I think that’s a big part of it, and some of the ideas I threw out on the table. It’s an uphill battle, but I’m willing to go in and try.”

Toney said priorities include supporting the fire department, EMS and the street department. Also top of mind is improving New Kensington’s downtown and supporting the businesses there.

Toney thanked the community and the candidates.

“It was a nice, clean election,” he said. “I want to put a ‘thank you’ out for putting their trust in us to help move the city move forward.”

DiCarolis, 37, is a principal in Penn Hills School District.

“I’m ready to get started. I’m ready to get to work,” DiCarolis said. “I’m ready to collaborate with the mayor and the rest of council and hopefully make positive changes and continue the city’s positive growth.”

DiCarolis held off on sharing priorities until having discussions with city officials.

DiCarolis believes New Kensington is on an upward trend, and he wants to that continue.

“I want to give back to the community and make a positive impact to the city my family has been a part of for five generations,” he said.

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