Plum Council members Majernik, Schlauch attend Republican National Convention
Two members of Plum Council attended the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last week, where Donald Trump officially became the party’s nominee for president for a third time with a new vice president candidate in Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance.
Councilman Dave Majernik was a delegate for a fourth time and attending his third convention. Councilman Steve Schlauch, chair of the borough’s Republican Committee, attended as his guest.
Neither attended the rally in Butler Township on July 13 where Trump survived an assassination attempt. While Majernik said he did not attend because he would be traveling to the convention, Schlauch said he was going to go but could not make it.
Had he attended, Schlauch was going to be in a VIP section near Trump. One rally attendee was killed and two others were injured.
“In a way, I guess God was looking out for me,” he said.
Schlauch described the convention atmosphere as upbeat and excited.
“The party is unified. I’m strongly confident that Trump’s going to win in November. I’m totally confident,” he said. “God is in control. The only reason Trump made it out alive is because of God. Trump is the right man for the job and the right man to get this country back on track.”
Majernik described it as optimistic and enthusiastic.
“We all believe that President Trump can win,” he said.
Marjernik said there was a sense of unity at the convention that wasn’t there when Trump was first nominated in 2016.
“Everything is falling into place for President Trump,” he said. “I think there’s such a sense of optimism. I hope we don’t become too complacent. We still have to work hard to win.”
Brian C. Rittmeyer is a TribLive reporter covering news in New Kensington, Arnold and Plum. A Pittsburgh native and graduate of Penn State University's Schreyer Honors College, Brian has been with the Trib since December 2000. He can be reached at brittmeyer@triblive.com.
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