O’Hara’s Ward 4 voters will see 2 names on ballot but only 1 nominee still in the race
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Editor’s note: The Herald is only spotlighting contested races in the primary election.
According to the Allegheny County Office of Elections unofficial candidate list, there are two nominees on the ballot in O’Hara’s Ward 4 but one of them, Rebecca Brown, has withdrawn from the race. The decision came after the deadline to have her name removed from the ballot.
Rebecca Brown
“I have decided not to run for the Ward 4 council seat in O’Hara, but I was not able to remove my name from the ballot,” Brown said. “My opponent, Olivia Payne, is an excellent candidate and has a lot to offer. She will add a level of diversity to the township council that is much needed. I feel, now more than ever, representation matters, and that our council should reflect its people in all demographics.”
Olivia T. Payne
• Why did you decide to run for election?
“I moved to O’Hara with my family three years ago,” Payne said. “This was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. The community has been so welcoming. We have access to great schools and public amenities that we love. I want to be part of the O’Hara council to ensure our community continues to be clean, safe and welcoming. To also be able to work and communicate with my O’Hara neighbors on issues that need to be addressed is a great incentive. I’m also looking forward to celebrating accomplishments with council members and neighbors.”
• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?
“One of the biggest issues is stormwater management,” Payne said. “Over the past few years we’ve seen lots of flooding and land erosion. In the area where I live, we have had two or three fallen trees per year due to erosion. I would like to help come up with ways to better manage the system.”
• What should voters know about you?
“Voters should know that I’m their neighbor, I live in the community with my husband, Kirill, our two children, Lorina and Khai and our puppy, Peanut. Just like our neighbors, we want the best for the community. I am a volunteer in Southwestern Pennsylvania and believe in giving back. I have over 15 years of operations experience. I’ve created and managed organizational budgets and infrastructure, and have experience in people management.
“I currently work with tech startups helping them with customer discovery, company vision and building connections with mentors and potential investors.”