The commissioners’ race in Ross has two wards with multiple candidates, and two wards uncontested, according to the Allegheny County Office of Elections’ unofficial candidate list.

In Ward 2, Chris Eyster and Eric Ticjak are vying for the open four-year seat.

Ward 4 is uncontested, with Joseph Laslavic as the only candidate on the ballot. Likewise, in Ward 6, Jason Pirring is running unopposed.

In Ward 8, Matt Kruth and Denise Rickenbrode are both running for the open four-year seat.

Ward 2

Submitted by the candidate Chris Eyster  

Chris R. Eyster

Age: 61

Political party: Democrat

Education: J.D. from University of Pittsburgh, B.A. from Gettysburg College

Occupation: Commissioner 2nd Ward, Ross Township; criminal defense attorney

If elected, what are two short-term goals? To work with township officials and employees in a collaborative effort to fix the problems in the police department, and to secure funding for improvements to major roadways and intersections in Ross, such as McKnight Road.

If elected, what is one long-term goal? To assure responsible commercial development while preserving the integrity of our residential areas.

How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? I appear regularly at community events, I respond to emails and phone calls and I encourage my constituents to apply for township positions.

Submitted by the candidate Eric Ticjak  

Eric Ticjak

Age: 60

Political Party: Republican

Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing from Robert Morris University

Occupation: Comcast engineering

If elected what are two short-term goals? I will begin by building a working relationship with the other commissioners. My initial goal will be to learn about the open projects in the township. Where is our money being spent? Are there other sources of funding that may offset expenditures? What plans are on the horizon?

Transparent government: It is essential that the residents and our business community are made aware of plans that impact our township. Each resident, especially those directly impacted, should be given advance notice of voting so that there is ample opportunity to have their concerns addressed.

If elected what is one long-term goal? Budget taxes: It will take time but I would like to see the Ross Township “Rainy Day Fund” restored to previous levels without raising taxes. Chipping away at our budget surplus has the potential to force us to make difficult decisions. Restoring a budget reserve fund will allow us to respond to true township emergencies. Furthermore, I believe strongly in a vibrant business community.

How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? When a resident attends a meeting and chooses to speak about an item that is on the agenda, the commissioners are directed not to respond or answer the residents directly. We miss an opportunity for an inclusive, two-way exchange of ideas.

I would like to institute an automated dialing system just like our schools use to notify parents of snow days. Why not notify the residents of the next upcoming meeting dates and major topics? Posting a recorded version of our meetings on YouTube would also make our meetings more accessible.

Lastly, for residents of Ward 2, I would implement an email distribution list that would provide meeting highlights and upcoming events. I would also make myself available for informal Q&A sessions designed to disseminate, as well as collect information.

Ward 8

Submitted by the candidate Matt Kruth  

Matt Kruth

Age: 41

Political party: Republican

Education: M.S.Ed., Duquesne University; B.A. political science, Grove City College

Occupation: Teacher at Pittsburgh Public Schools for 17 years

If elected, what are two short-term goals? My top priority is addressing the issues within our police department that have recently been made public but have been ongoing and unaddressed for years. I have been a vocal advocate of addressing these issues from the onset of my campaign. Another of my immediate priorities is to bring transparency back to the township. This can be done in simple ways like live streaming and recording public meetings, but it also requires a more deeply rooted belief that I hold which is elected officials represent and work for the taxpayers.

If elected, what is one long-term goal? To continue to be the township that residents want to live in, and businesses want to come to. The key to doing that is keeping taxes low for our residents and attracting new and unique business to the area. Our goal should be to strive for fair development deals that lower our tax burden, but not at the expense of overdeveloping our township. By adhering to our ordinances, we can make sure that any future development is done correctly without the need for excessive variances that pose environmental risks to our current residents and businesses. Doing this will continue to make Ross an ideal community for future generations.

How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? For residents to have a voice, they need to be aware of the current issues in the township. One way to do that is to have an active social media presence that alerts them to things that are going on in our community. The most effective way to involve residents in the decision-making process is through direct communication either face to face, via email or by phone. If elected, I would institute a “Coffee with the Commissioner” event on a regular basis to listen to the concerns of the residents.

Submitted by the candidate Denise Rickenbrode  

Denise Rickenbrode

Age: Declined to answer

Political party: Democrat

Education: BSBA in marketing, minor in management from Robert Morris University

Occupation: Senior software developer/project manager 25 years with SAS Institute

If elected, what are two short-term goals? I will ensure development does not cause unnecessary disruption and discord. There are commercial properties available to accommodate new business without disturbing the lifestyles of residents or causing destructive landslides. I can successfully pursue developing abandoned commercial properties to increase our tax revenues, which will keep our property taxes low.

I will increase transparency and communication.

If elected, what is one long-term goal? I will work towards improving the aesthetics, accessibility and traffic conditions around businesses, such as those in the Babcock Boulevard corridor.

How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? To reach residents entirely, multiple forms of communication are warranted. This year, the developer of BJ’s Warehouse requested a noise ordinance variance that would allow construction at any hour of the night and day. I made residents aware of this request by posting to our neighborhood Facebook page, sending emails to neighbors by using a listserv, and personally contacting three apartment building managers surrounding the development. My efforts also included knocking on doors and leaving letters with the homeowners living directly across the street from the site. I also believe in the benefits of providing town hall meetings as a way for residents to understand issues and take part in the solution process.

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