West Deer supervisors look to get more young people involved in politics, government

Arlind Karpuzi was elected to the West Deer Board of Supervisors when he was 21 and became its chairman at 23.

Karpuzi, now 25, brought a different perspective that, among other things, led the township to create a text-messaging service for residents to receive township updates. The move made the local government more accessible.

Now Karpuzi is trying to make local government more accessible in another way, heading an initiative to get young people in Allegheny County more involved in government and politics. He is encouraging young people to start off by running for municipal offices.

Karpuzi knows first-hand how daunting it can be run for office, but said he was fortunate to know people who had previously run for office who were willing to guide him through the process.

“I don’t think that’s a typical resource for some of the young people,” Karpuzi said.

West Deer Democratic Committee Chairman Brandon Forbes said Karpuzi is trying to make sure young people get the information they need to run for office and get involved at the municipal government level.

“I’m in full support of him wanting to recruit and get the information needed for young people to get involved,” Forbes said.

Karpuzi has been working with those on different committees and commissions in West Deer and Deer Lakes School District but wants to expand his focus to areas elsewhere in Allegheny County.

He said he plans to build a coalition of younger residents in Allegheny County that crosses party lines and assists members in their involvement.

There will plenty of opportunities to try to get involved and elected this year, a municipal election year.

In West Deer, the board of supervisors has three open seats available for the upcoming election: District 2, District 4 and the at-large seat. The tax collector position is also open, according to Township Manager Daniel Mator.

Tuesday was the first day to circulate and file nominating petitions.

Information regarding the Allegheny County elections, including important dates, fees and forms, can be found on the county’s website.