Leetsdale council race has 5 candidates seeking 3 seats
The race for Leetsdale Council has five candidates vying for three four-year seats in the November election, according to the Allegheny County Office of Elections unofficial candidate list.
Candidates are Democratic incumbents Roger A. Nanni; Republican incumbent Jeffrey Weatherby; Republican challenger Debra Canney; and Democratic challengers Scott Zahner and Benjimen Frederick.
Frederick also earned enough write-in votes to be on the Republican ballot.
Here are the candidates and their responses to the election questions posed by the Sewickley Herald.
Debra Canney
Age: 65
Political party: Republican
Education: Master’s degree
Occupation: Retired
Previous public office: None
What is the most pressing issue in Leetsdale and how would you handle it on council?
Our infrastructure, along with our sewer system. Both are very outdated and need to have immediate attention. I would work as a team member to set realistic goals for our community. Our borough equipment is outdated and needs to be replaced. We are lucky enough to have employees that are here doing their job everyday. We are here to serve our community. It’s not about what we want.
Roger Nanni
Age: 64
Political party: Democrat
Education: Certified electronics technician
Occupation: Retired
Previous public office, if any: Four years on Leetsdale Municipal Authority board, and 26 years on Leetsdale council
What is the most pressing issue in Leetsdale and how would you handle it on council? The borough has many pressing issues — abandoned houses and properties, water runoff, parking problems, noise issues, traffic issues — to name a few. Which is the most pressing depends on where in town you live. As a council person, your job is to address all the issues that come before council and try to find amicable solutions trough consensus.
Jeff Weatherby
Age: 65
Political party: Republican
Education: Associates degree
Occupation: Retired respiratory therapist
Previous public office: Leetsdale council, 2012 to present
What is the most pressing issue in Leetsdale and how would you handle it on council? Leetsdale needs to continue to keep the residents of Leetsdale safe as well as keep the finances strong. Recently we have formed a committee, which includes myself among others, to work with Hussey Copper to finally get their permission for an emergency access through their property to Port Ambridge. Then for finances, we need to watch how we spend our tax dollars and be as efficient as possible with our residents hard earned money.
Scott Zahner
Age: 51
Political party: Democrat
Education: BSBA Robert Morris
Occupation: Senior staff accountant
Previous public office: None
What is the most pressing issue in Leetsdale and how would you handle it on council? The lack of transparency and integrity amongst the current council members. I want to serve the residents of Leetsdale by listening to their concerns and making an honest effort to resolve their concerns by working with council. I will work from beginning to end to resolve these issues. I am a lifelong resident who wants to continue to improve our perception within Quaker Valley.
Benjimen Frederick did not respond to multiple attempts, including via the Quaker Valley Democratic Organization, 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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