Contested commissioner races in Shaler Wards 2 and 4

In the Shaler commissioners’ race, David Mizgorski will face newcomer Frank Jans in Ward 2, according to the Allegheny County Office of Elections unofficial candidate list.

In Ward 4, Conrad Wagner faces Matthew Theil for one seat.

James Boyle is running unopposed for the open seat in Ward 6.

Here are the candidates and their responses to the questions posed by Shaler monthly.

Ward 2

Frank Jans

Age: 65

Political party: Democrat

Education: Masters degree in counseling

Occupation: Psychiatry service line director, Allegheny Health Network

If elected, what are two short-term goals? Greater community involvement in the township’s decision-making process. Enhanced collaboration with existing community groups, business leaders and neighboring municipalities, the school district and the creation of routine issue-based forums. Small, achievable projects – like the creation of an ecodistrict and/or a community task force to create a community development corporation to further fund, invest and innovate around community-based issues such as infrastructure, sustainability, economic revitalization and a community center.

If elected, what is one long-term goal? Design and develop the Jeffery School property into a fully operational Shaler Township Community Center. Developing a green building community center that can serve all ages is the top priority of residents in Shaler. Given the township’s recent acquisition of the property, this is a one-time chance to make a major impact.

How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? Enhanced amplification of my existing social media, hosting open issues-based forums; having regular open dialogue with community leaders (e.g., businesses, school board, nonprofit organizations; community groups (Kiwanis, rotary, area sports groups, Century Club, AARP, Garden Club) and our constituents.

Submitted by the candidate

David Mizgorski

David Mizgorski

Age: 54

Political party: Republican

Education: Shaler Area High School, United States Marine Corps, Carpenters District Council Apprenticeship Program, Community College of Allegheny County, Local Government Academy

Occupation: Operations project manager

If elected, what are two short-term goals? Public Safety: The first duty of a township commissioner is to ensure the safety of citizens and the community at large. This is not a short-term goal or a long-term goal — this is the main goal. Protecting our residents by providing a highly trained and well-equipped Police Department, Fire Departments and EMS is of the utmost importance. Parks Recreation: We have established in our township budget a five-year comprehensive plan to renovate and upgrade our parks and recreation facilities. This process began with updates to Kiwanis Park and Crawford Pool and is ongoing at Fawcett Fields and Eagle Canyon Trail. The completion of these projects is a short-term goal.

If elected, what is one long-term goal? Fiscal responsibility and balanced budgets. As elected officials, we have an obligation to our residents to utilize their tax money responsibly. In my three years on the Shaler Township Board of Commissioners, we have passed balanced budgets every year. We also carry no municipal debt and have a fully funded pension plan, which does not require any taxpayer funding.

How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? I am currently available and accessible to constituents on a daily basis. As a lifelong resident of Shaler and a volunteer for several organizations, I interact with residents in person throughout our community all the time, even at the grocery store. I am available by phone, email and on social media. The township also provides information on our website, social media and in our quarterly publication.

Ward 4

Matthew Thiel

Age: 45

Political party: Republican

Education: Electrical engineering, University of Pittsburgh; MBA Carlow University; masters in management and technology, Carlow University

Occupation: President of AUMA Actuators Inc. in Southpointe.

If elected, what are two short-term goals? Partner with community members and leaders to enhance local programs for the children and adults in our community through work with our local library, community volunteer groups such as the Glenshaw Century Club, or with the public and private schools in the area. Support our local police, EMS and volunteer fires services not only with the equipment that they need to continue to provide excellent service to our community, but also with the soft skill training they need to do their jobs safely and effectively

If elected, what is one long-term goal? Research state/federal grants and PPP (public-private partnerships) opportunities that can be used to improve Shaler through enhancements in community parks or programs and by attracting new businesses to the area. These programs can be used to keep our tax base low while providing new retail options or park/community improvements for our citizens.

How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? I am a true believer in an open-door policy with my employees and will carry this through in public office. Not only will I be available via phone/email, but I will establish office hours where I will make myself available to the members of the community. People can stop by and have one-on-one discussions on topics important to them. Having open dialogue allows you to get the heartbeat of the community and hear the issues and concerns.

Submitted by the candidate

Conrad Wagner

Conrad Wagner

Age: 67

Political party: Democrat

Education: North Catholic High School, Rosedale Technical College

Occupation: Owner/president, Wagner’s Service, Inc.

If elected, what are two short-term goals? Creating opportunities to increase community involvement and input in local government, perhaps through the formation of a formal citizen advisory committee that could provide different perspectives and recommendations regarding current and future facilities, programs and activities to attract and retain residents and businesses in the township. Encouraging and promoting greater community involvement with our local fire departments and EMS. These great organizations need volunteers and community support now more than ever so that they can continue to provide their invaluable service to the residents of Shaler at little cost to the township, keeping our taxes low and our access to quality safety services readily available. As a life-long Shaler resident, I appreciate all of the benefits that the township has to offer, such as affordability, safety and a sense of community, and preserving and extending those benefits to all residents now and in the future will be my priority.

If elected, what is one long-term goal? Development of a Shaler Township Community Center and enhancement of all our township park and community facilities. Shaler residents have seen the benefits of these types of facilities in surrounding municipalities and deserve to have a space that can serve all ages in an updated, environmentally-friendly, convenient location within the township. The recent purchase of the Jeffery School property provides an opportune occasion to make this type of center a reality, while also enhancing the existing Kiwanis Park facility.

How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? I am fortunate to have the opportunity to interact regularly with many residents through my involvement in a variety of events and organizations, including Undercliff Volunteer Fire Department and my current position on the township planning commission. As commissioner, I am committed to remaining involved with these organizations and the community through the transition from the planning commission to board of commissioners so that I can continue to hear and understand the concerns of our residents face-to-face. As a small-business owner, I can always be reached through my business, as well as by phone or through the township office. I can also currently be contacted via my website, www.ConradWagner.com. I will work for the people of Shaler and be readily available to my constituents at all times.