2 Greensburg councilmen announce reelection campaign

Two Greensburg city councilmen are getting an early start in their campaigns to keep their seats, this week announcing a joint re-election bid.

Gregory Mertz and Donnie Zappone — both Republicans — are in the final year of their first term on council. The pair plan to start circulating petitions next week to ensure their spot on the ballot in May’s Republican primary.

In their announcement, Mertz and Zappone touted council accomplishments over the last four years — especially an overhaul of the city planning office designed to reduce red tape for property owners and developers.

“Making important changes in the planning office and becoming a friendlier place for businesses and property owners is just the start,” Zappone said in a statement. “We need to continue taking on the challenges Greensburg faces, but we still have a lot of work left to see our goal through.”

The coronavirus pandemic has made it more difficult for the city to achieve its goals, particularly those involving economic growth. Mertz said he wants to help get Greensburg back on track.

“2020 has been a difficult year for everyone in the city,” Mertz said in a statement. “We started making a lot of progress prior to the pandemic. I would like to be a part of the team that helps our businesses and residents out of these challenging times.”

Numerous vacant and dilapidated buildings on Greensburg’s South Pennsylvania Avenue have been renovated and occupied in the last few years.

Mertz and Zappone said they hope to encourage similar development on Main Street and other areas of the city.

Mertz, 36, is a copywriter and volunteer Greensburg firefighter. On council, he is director of public works.

Zappone, 35, works as operations manager for his family’s businesses: Zappone Auto, Zappone Towing and Zappone Mini Storage. On council, he is the director of administration, development and public operations.

They are running for the only two seats up for grabs this year.