Vandergrift Council on Monday appointed Daisha Clayton to the seat left vacant by the resignation of Karen McClarnon last month.
Clayton said she wanted to join council because she has a vested interest in the borough.
“I reside here. I work here. My children go to school here. I love this town and want to be a part of its overall betterment,” said Clayton, who grew up in Vandergrift.
Clayton was sworn in by Vandergrift Mayor Barb Turiak to complete the two years left on McClarnon’s term. Her service on council will officially begin in January.
Clayton, 43, is a fourth grade teacher at Kiski Area East Primary School in Vandergrift and a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
She said that although she is new to politics, she’s “willing and eager” to learn.
As a newly appointed councilwoman, Clayton said she’s interested in tackling neglected and nuisance properties.
“There are so many beautiful well-kept homes in this community. So many of us take pride in our homes. These eyesores take away from our town’s charm,” Clayton said.
Another issue on Clayton’s to-do list is addressing opportunities for Vandergrift’s youth.
“I would like to see more recreational outlets for our young people and more opportunities for them to be involved,” she said. “I want our young people to take pride in our community.”
Clayton served as pool manager for more than a decade at the Joseph A. Petrarca Memorial Pool at Veterans Memorial Park in Allegheny Township.
Pointing to positive trends in Vandergrift, Clayton praised the new businesses opening downtown.
“We recently gained a new hair salon, boutique, brewery — among many others,” Clayton said. “We have great places, new and old, to dine and shop. I’m hoping for more of this in the future.”
Noting that she was appointed and not elected to finish the two years left vacant by McClarnon, Clayton had a message for residents: “I want the people of Vandergrift to know that I’m working for them. I’m open to their concerns.”
Turiak, whose term as mayor ends in January, was the other applicant for the council position. She ran a write-in campaign in November’s election for mayor, which was won by Lenny Collini.
