Leet commissioner race has 6 candidates for 3 seats
Leet Board of Commissioners’ race features six candidates vying for three four-year seats in the upcoming November election, according to the Allegheny County Office of Elections unofficial candidate list.
Candidates are incumbent and commission president Martin McDaniel, incumbent and vice president Carolyn Verszyla, former commissioner Donna Adipietro, newcomer Katherine Longwell, newcomer Martin Zimmel and Lynn Truskie.
Here are the candidates and their responses to the election questions posed by Sewickley Herald.
Donna Adipietro
Age: Declined to answer
Political party: Democrat
Education: Declined to answer
Occupation: Retired
Previous public office: Leet commissioner 2018-2022, two years as board president, township emergency management coordinator for 16 years, board of Quaker Valley Ambulance Authority for Leet for 19 years.
What is the most pressing issue in the township and how would you handle it as commissioner? My first focus is reestablishing the trust, reputation and financial stability of our township.
If re-elected, I will once again work closely with our manager and Leet departments to establish a conscientious and thoughtful approach to spending. During my tenure, we achieved the largest savings in Leet history.
When elected to the board, I will speak up when poor decision making takes place, especially when it threatens the financial stability of our community.
Katherine Longwell
Age: 52
Political party: Republican
Education: Declined to answer
Occupation: Small business owner, volunteer firefighter and swift water rescue team member
Previous public office: Leet Township Civil Service Commission
What is the most pressing issue in the township and how would you handle it as commissioner?
My greatest concern for the residents of Leet is the impact of the QVSD project. The Leet Board of Commissioners have a duty to ensure the safety of life and property to all who live, visit and touch the township. I agree that a new high school is needed however I am not convinced that the proposed site off of Camp Meeting Road is the best location. The land has been labeled as “unbuildable.”
Martin C. McDaniel
Age: 76
Political party: Won Democratic and Republican nominations in the primary
Education: Bachelor of arts degree in political science. Master of public administration degree in urban executive management
Occupation: Retired
Previous public office: Served as municipal manager for 30 years for several communities. Presently serve as the president of the Leet Township Board of Commissioners
What is the most pressing issue in the township and how would you handle it as commissioner? Former Chief Michael Molinaro was appointed by former President Donna Adipietro, former Commissioners Erika Oslick and Jim Janaszek. Commissioner Carolyn Verszyla and myself voted no because there was no advertising for candidates, interviewing or background investigation. Molinaro was fired by the new board for numerous infractions . Legal expenses stemming from this hiring have cost the taxpayers. I promise nepotism and corruption will not happen on my watch.
Carolyn Verszyla
Age: Declined to answer
Political party: Republican
Education: Licensed multi-lines insurance agent
Occupation: Retired township manager
Previous public office: 16 years as commissioner
What is the most pressing issue in the township and how would you handle it as commissioner? Continue to ensure honest, transparent spending of the taxpayer checkbook. Prevent abuse, such as when former board, initiated by Commissioner candidate Donna Adipietro, approved a payment of $30,000 paid to (buyout former police chief) Bill Wanto … he then filed to run for commissioner the next day. We currently have a non-political board serving Leet with respect and honor and in compliance with the law.
Martin Zimmel
Age: 65
Political party: Democrat
Education: Quaker Valley graduate 1975, Community College of Allegheny County associate degree 1977
Occupation: US Army military police/investigator 1977-1980, police officer Allegheny County 1980-2008 retired, Crescent Township police chief 2010-2016, Ambrige school resource officer 2016-2023, Sewickley Police Department 2008-present
Previous public office: None
What is the most pressing issue in the township and how would you handle it as commissioner? I believe the most pressing issue in the township is the chief of police position. This position has been occupied on an interim basis since April 2022.
With my many years of law enforcement experience, as a commissioner, I would collaborate with the chief and the officers to move the department forward in a positive and professional direction.
Zimmel declined to submit a photo. Lynn Truskie, a registered Independent, declined to participate.
Michael DiVittorio is a TribLive reporter covering general news in Western Pennsylvania, with a penchant for festivals and food. He can be reached at mdivittorio@triblive.com.
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