Aspinwall Council welcomes new members, appoints new leadership

Aspinwall Council added new members and new leadership to start the new year.

Mayor Joseph Noro swore in newcomers Mark Chimel II and Louis Curcio Jr. to their first four-year terms at a reorganization meeting Jan. 2.

Incumbent Heth Turnquist was sworn in to his second term on council. He would later be appointed vice president.

“I’m excited to have the honor and looking forward to continue to working with the residents of Aspinwall to keep augmenting what’s good about the town, and keep working on the changes we’ve been talking about over the last few years,” Turnquist said.

Jeff Harris was appointed president. He also is in his second term on council.

“I thank council members for giving me this honor,” Harris said. He also pledged to make sure borough employees have the tools they need to do their job.

Curcio and Chimel were the top two vote-getters in the November election. They replace former council President Tim McLaughlin and Councilwoman Patti McCaffrey, who both lost reelection bids in a race for three seats.

Both hope to learn and serve their borough well.

“I have a deep passion for this town and the residents of it,” Curcio said. “I can’t wait to be able to help the people of this amazing town and continue to make Aspinwall one of the best places to live, not only in the state but in the country.”

Harris and Turnquist said they are open to sharing their experiences with the newcomers and help get things done.

“It’s what all other councils have done before,” Harris said. “You’ve got to mix some experience in with some new folks and get them up to speed in how we operate — making sure you’re in a committee talking about your specific situations, bringing that to council with an opinion and a thought to solving problems.”

Committee appointments are expected to be made within the next few weeks.

“The new people have displayed a lot of enthusiasm for representing Aspinwall,” Turnquist said. “I’m really excited to have them on board.”

Council reappointed Melissa Lang O’Malley as borough manager/secretary/treasurer. Attorney Steve Korbel was retained as borough solicitor.

Martone Engineering remains Aspinwall’s engineering firm. Ryan Santelli was appointed zoning officer/code enforcement/building inspector.

Council’s voting sessions remain the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the borough building, 217 Commercial Ave.