West Deer voters will have choices in their election for township supervisors

Some West Deer residents will be given a couple options to choose from when considering their supervisors this November.

The 1st Ward and 4th Ward races are both contested by an incumbent and newcomer.

The supervisor at-large feature two new faces looking to fill one seat.

William Payne will be running uncontested for Ward 2 supervisor seat.

At large

Mark B. Schmidt, 70, will appear on the Democratic Party ticket. A West Deer resident of 47 years, Schmidt is promising that he will only serve one term if elected.

“I am for open government and support the streaming of all municipal meetings as well as allowing online participation,” Schmidt said. “I would protect township assets such as when a utility company comes in does work and leaves a shoddy repair.”

He has served on the township’s planning commission for 32 years. He said his overall goal is not to raise taxes, but he would like to see work done to attain a new home for public works, additional park and recreation lands and maintain the township’s road program.

“The township needs to be more active in applying for grants, low-interest loans and going after other available funds,” Schmidt said. He said he wants to find a way to responsibly develop the township while maintaining its “rural nature.”

“This involves proving adequate controls and updated ordinances to foster the type of development that would provide that rural feel,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt is a land surveyor and president of Hampton Technical Associates Inc. He was a member of the West Deer Township/Indiana Township Joint Comprehensive Planning Committee in 2012, West Deer Traffic Impact Committee post 2012 and a founding member of the Deer Lake Regional Revitalization Corp.

Vince Mercuri, 68, will appear on the Republican ballot. A West Deer resident of 41 years, he said the biggest issue is balancing the need for commercial and residential development, while maintaining its rural setting.

“We need responsible, accountable development to enhance our revenue base without sacrificing our rural country setting,” Mercuri said.

He said he’s made connections with state and federal lawmakers, and would use those connections to explore possible initiatives for businesses like The Main Street program, Keystone Opportunity Zones, and other tax incentive programs “if the conditions are warranted and it would benefit the West Deer community.”

When it comes to making decisions regarding projects, he plans to assess them by taking community needs and costs into account.

“I would assess the community needs versus the fiscal impact on the community, looking at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats related to the issues and needs,” Mercuri said.

He earned a Master’s of Education in counselor education from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Gannon University.

Mercuri is a retired senior healthcare executive and a part-time trainer, educator and consultant. He is a licensed professional counselor and a certified addictions counselor.

He holds a board member position in these organizations: Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry, Community Guidance, Deer Lakes Backpack Initiative, Deer Lakes Revitalization Corp., vice president of the Poppins Tags Free Store, and state Rep. Jeremy Shaffer’s Mental Health and Substance Use Task Force.

He previously served on the Deer Lakes School Board, was a member of West Deer EMS Inc. Board, West Deer T.E.C.H. Board, DARE Committee and was a Deer Lakes sports program coach.

1st Ward

Newcomer Nicole Zelen, 36, will be the Democrat on the ballot. She hopes to bring a different perspective to the board. She wants promotes learning, collaboration, and a balance of respect for West Deer’s heritage and rural character with a focus on the future.

“My campaign has centered around connecting with residents directly and encouraging open dialogue across the political spectrum,” Zelen said. “Through my psychology background and experience managing teams in various industries, I’ve developed leadership skills centered on empathy, creative thinking, and a growth mindset.”

Zelen earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. She works in marketing and is the manager of Media Activation.

Zelen is a member of the Concerned Residents of West Deer, the West Deer Democratic Committee and has volunteered for events hosted by West Deer Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 3.

She said the biggest challenge West Deer is facing responsible development. She’s hoping to collaborate with residents to develop an updated comprehensive plan.

“We should prioritize zoning ordinances thoughtfully tailored by our planning commission and residents to meet our community’s needs,” Zelen said. “A conservative and balanced approach to development would allow us to learn from other municipalities, accurately assess impact and ensure that the majority of our township will benefit.”

In order to keep up with needs of the community while limiting the burden for taxpayers, Zelen promotes thinking outside the box when it comes to funds, including proactive grant applications.

“I also see a lot of untapped potential to collaborate with our neighboring municipalities on cost sharing solutions and to learn about fiscal strategies that have worked well for others,” Zelen said.

Incumbent Jeffrey Fleming, 63, is on the ballot as a Republican. Having lived in the community for over 50 years, he said the biggest issue facing West Deer is managing economic growth.

“It’s imperative to work together to achieve responsible residential and commercial growth while protecting and preserving our green spaces, farmlands, recreation areas and golf course,” Fleming said. “Working collaboratively and having open discussions with our constituents are essential for achieving successful outcomes and results.”

Fleming said he stands firmly against raising taxes. He said the township strives to manage its budget without asking residents to pay more.

Fleming has over 40 years of experience in professional leadership as CEO, president, vice president and manager for heavy highway and utility project management. He’s CEO of SLB General Contracting.

He is a member with West Deer Master Park Planning, representative for North Hills Council of Governments and West Deer Parks and Recreation Committee chairperson. Fleming also volunteers for the township’s community days and coaches various sports teams.

Fleming said he takes pride in being approachable and dependable.

“Twelve years ago, I personally funded and led the restoration of the fields at Bairdford Park and the Nike Site, as well as emergency flooding work at the old township building,” Fleming said. “Because giving back isn’t just a value, it’s a responsibility and a proud commitment that I’m exceptionally honored to uphold.”

Both candidates emphasized their support the township’s emergency services.

4th Ward

Incumbent Josh Wiegand, 44, is a lifelong West Deer resident. He has several large concerns about the ongoing development, recent zoning ordinance changes, public safety recruiting and retention and what he says were missed grant opportunities.

“My goal is to improve the efficiency of our township services, seek alternative funding through grants to keep taxes stable and restore trust in local government,” Wiegand said.

Wiegand said structure repairs for safety and longevity, improvements to road, bridge, and transportation infrastructure and up-to-date essentials for vehicles are worth investing in to maintain public safety.

“My goal is to work with community stakeholders to create a strategic plan for future needs and apply for federal, state, and county grant funding to offset cost increases for new projects or services,” Wiegand said.

He said he has 20 years of experience utilizing grants and alternative funding to purchase equipment and fund community projects.

Wiegand has been a volunteer firefighter for 30 years with West Deer Volunteer Fire Company No. 3, and fire chief for 17 of those years. He’s also served as the township’s emergency management assistant coordinator for 25 years, and has been an emergency medical technician with West Deer EMS for 24 years. He’s also the founding member of the Deer Lakes Regional Revitalization Corp.

David Harrison, 64, will be on the Republican ticket. A 35-year resident of West Deer, Harrison previously served as a township supervisor, from 2022 to 2024.

He said he plans to uphold the standard of managing the township’s budget without asking residents and businesses to pay more in taxes.

“West Deer Township is the best kept secret in Allegheny County,” Harrison said. “I want to be involved in continuing to help West Deer move into the future responsibly, while maintaining our unique rural appeal.”

Harrison said responsible growth is top priority.

Harrison earned a bachelor’s degree in civil mining engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. He co-owns a vibration and sound consulting firm, Terra-Mechanics Inc. He is a member of planning commission, vice chair of Deer Lakes Regional Republican Committee, an executive board member of Deer Lakes Regional Revitalization Committee, executive board member of International Society of Explosives Engineers and vice president of ISEE’s Pennsylvania Chapter.