There are three open spots for four-year terms on Whitehall Borough Council, and five Democrats and five Republicans are on the primary ballot.
Voters can vote for three of five Democrats: Beth Lynn Eicher, Philip J. Lahr, Tristian Lucchetti, Glenn Nagy and Lacey Thomas.
On the Republican ticket, voters will choose three out of five candidates: Sean Crane, Bob McKown, John Paravati, Jeremy Rose and Jesse J. Siefert.
Democrats
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Beth Lynn Eicher
Why did you decide to run for election? As a mom, I’m running for the community that welcomed me as a child 30 years ago. My main priorities are to save our parks, public safety and bring collaboration to local government. We need next-generation leadership to tackle these important issues, and I am ready to be part of the solution!
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Incumbents and committees often overlook community stakeholders, excluding them from conversations. Let’s start with town-hall meetings in the community room that include live streaming. Second, all committees must be open and inclusive, empowering new members as they become involved. Finally, elected leadership must pledge to be accessible and engaged with the community.
Why should people vote for you? I don’t have all of the answers, but I will ask hard questions. My professional journey has taught me the importance of collaboration and sharing. In the words of Mr. Rogers, “look for the helpers.” I intend to call upon my fellow neighbors and work with them to find solutions.
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Philip Lahr
Why did you decide to run for election? To continue to keep one of the finest boroughs in Allegheny County safe and well-managed.
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? It is important to finalize the swimming pool and continue to oversee the new projects that will enhance Whitehall Borough and benefit our residents.
Why should people vote for you? I have been an elected official serving our residents for 28 years and a volunteer of Whitehall Fire Company for 53 years. I was the catalyst to see that our new police station was built. As a member of Whitehall council, I also made sure the new fire station was built and ensured financial support to Whitehall Fire Company, purchasing equipment for the volunteers. I also secured $1 million in grant money over a few years from state legislator Harry Readshaw.
Tristan Lucchetti
Why did you decide to run for election? I decided to run for election after hearing so many in our community being unhappy with the direction of the current council. Whether it was building a pool without enough community input, to not working with community partners to improve our parks, there has been a lack of partnership and transparency with the people of Whitehall. I want to change that.
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? The distrust of the current leadership group. Whether it hastily made plans for a pool renovation or a parks plan that did not effectively bring in key community partners, the poor communication of Whitehall Borough leaders has created an atmosphere of distrust.
Why should people vote for you? I will bring a reasonable voice for families to council. I will prioritize responsible growth and spending in my decisions. I want to make council be more transparent in their decisions and discussions so residents can be better engaged and have a better understanding of the direction Whitehall is going.
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Glenn Nagy
Why did you decide to run for election? To continue the work I began when first elected in 1996, to help provide the best services and facilities possible for the residents of Whitehall at a fair and reasonable cost, including police, fire, EMS, public works, recreation, library and borough staff.
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? As with all of us in our own homes and businesses, there is a constant effort to work within the constraints of ever-increasing costs for everything we do to maintain the services and facilities we have all been accustomed to in Whitehall.
Why should people vote for you? As I have for the past 27 years, I am asking for my fellow residents to allow me the honor to serve the residents of Whitehall for four more years. I believe we have been good stewards of our resident’s tax dollars and provide a great standard of living.
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Lacey Thomas
Why did you decide to run for election? To be more involved in my community and to make sure that every voice is heard and valued. Additionally, I want to ensure that when a decision is made in our borough that will impact us all, the entire community’s needs are considered.
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Lack of communication and transparency with borough decisions. Residents deserve to be informed of issues and choices affecting the community in a clear and timely manner.
Why should people vote for you? The residents of Whitehall deserve a voice on council that will bring a fresh perspective to making decisions. As a mom of two active children, I want to help ensure a vibrant future for them and our entire community through timely communication, decision-making transparency, and modernization of borough operations.
Republicans
Sean Crane
Why did you decide to run for election? I am driven by my belief in our community’s potential and the need for fresh ideas and perspectives. I am committed to making our borough a better place to live, work and play through positive change and meaningful action.
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Lack of transparency in decision-making. As a council member, I would prioritize transparency and ensure that all meetings are video livestreamed, major decisions are communicated to the community, and citizen feedback is actively solicited and considered.
Why should people vote for you? As a lifelong Whitehall resident, my family’s business instilled in me values of hard work, customer service and community engagement. I am passionate about public safety and preserving our parks for all to enjoy. If elected, I will be a dedicated voice for citizens and their concerns.
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Bob McKown
Why did you decide to run for election? I am running for borough council to continue my service to the community that I have grown up in and continue to live in. I want to ensure the taxpayers of Whitehall receive the best borough services, public safety, public works, recreation, library and administrative services while maintaining low real estate taxes for the residents.
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Whitehall council will need to continue its prudent and fiscal responsibilities in its management and oversight of the borough’s activities. This will ensure a stable tax base that is utilized to fund the borough’s operations. Current issues are our soon-to-be-completed swimming pool complex, our sanitary and storm sewers improvements to reduce and stop flooding.
Why should people vote for you? I ask for residents to vote for me so I may continue to serve our community with my experience, licensing (CPA) and education. I will ensure fiscal responsibility for the taxpayers and that we maintain the services and amenities that Whitehall residents have come to expect.
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John Paravati
Why did you decide to run for election? Our citizens should be able to voice opinions on important matters; two-way communication is needed. Most current council members have lost touch with Whitehall residents and aren’t in tune with what best serves them. Overspending must stop.
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Public safety should always come first; as such, our fire and police departments are a priority to me. There is currently limited manpower during the day in fire response; this is unacceptable. I fully support the Duty Shift Program, which would help increase fire alarm response time for our fire department.
Why should people vote for you? One hundred percent transparency is needed from the board to its community; I will provide livestreaming for public meetings. As a former (eight-year) Baldwin Township commissioner, I know how to be a voice for our residents of all ages and will always base my decisions on what’s best for our community.
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Jeremy Rose
Why did you decide to run for election? I decided to run for election to provide transparency and fiscal responsibility to the citizens of Whitehall. Currently, decisions are being made without and against input from the citizens of the community. Youth sports have lost multiple fields at borough parks over the past few years because of council decisions.
What is the biggest issue that need to be addressed? Transparency, fiscal responsibility and public safety. Decisions should be made in plain view of the citizens. Expensive capital projects to the borough should have more input from the citizens and a fair bidding process.
Why should people vote for you? I will listen to and address the concerns from the citizens of the community. I will be fiscally responsible with the citizens’ tax dollars. I will help ensure that public safety will receive support and funding from council. I plan to build a stronger community for all generations of Whitehall.
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Jesse Seifert
Why did you decide to run for election? I’m running for Whitehall Council for many of the same reasons that Whitehall Borough seceded from Baldwin Township in 1948. I believe in unwavering support for our public safety departments and the need for substantial upgrades to our parks and recreation facilities.
What is the biggest issue that need to be addressed? I believe there is a season to everything in life and those that have served on council for many years need to pass the torch to the next generation. Whitehall Borough has an extraordinary history and substantial foundation, but it is time for change, improvements, advancement and a younger perspective for the future.
Why should people vote for you? I’ve spent 20+ years working in EMS, 17 years serving the residents of Whitehall Borough at MRTSA and seven of those years as Deputy Chief. I’m heavily involved in community sports and non-profits, I’m an entrepreneur and business owner. I believe my experience can bring fresh ideas that will allow Whitehall to thrive, attracting young families and retaining established families.
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