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.

Submitted by the candidates Debra Canney  

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 Both are very outdated and need to have immediate attention.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 Our borough equipment is outdated and needs to be replaced.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.

Submitted by the candidates Roger Nanni  

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.

Submitted by the candidates Jeff Weatherby  

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.

Submitted by the candidates Scott Zahner  

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.

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