Contested races for commissioner seats in Shaler Wards 5, 7

Shaler Township’s odd numbered wards have seats up for election this November, but only Wards 5 and 7 have contested races.

In Ward 1, incumbent Frank Izzo won both the Democrat and Republican nominations in the primary and is unopposed.

It’s the same situation in Ward 3 with incumbent and current board president David W. Shutter.

In Ward 5, incumbent Susan H. Fisher faces newcomer Christopher Squire and in Ward 7, newcomer Chris Chirdon is running against incumbent and current board vice president Bill Cross.

All terms are four years.

Here are the candidates’ biographical information and their responses this question posed by the Tribune-Review: In August, Shaler commissioners narrowly approved a zoning ordinance amendment adjusting the definition of “family.” Previously, the ordinance limited a property owner to having up to three unrelated disabled people occupying a residential dwelling. The amendment allows up to six unrelated disabled people to live together in a residential dwelling. Is this a good idea and why or why not?

Ward 5

Susan H. Fisher

Age: Declined to answer

Political party: Republican

Education: Shaler High School; home economics education Mansfield University; educational leadership Carlow University; Local Government Academy of Southwestern Pennsylvania

Occupation: Retired Shaler Area Educator for 35 years – teacher and preschool instructor, activities director, and homecoming coordinator

Previous public office: Declined to answer

This subject is pending litigation and for that reason I cannot comment on the amendment. As a Shaler Township commissioner, I try to make well informed decisions by keeping in mind what is best for the township and the 5th Ward constituents, which I am proud to serve.

Christopher Squire

Age: 54

Political party: Democrat

Education: B.A (Dickinson College, 1991), M.P.M. (Carnegie Mellon-Heinz School of Public Management, 2000)

Occupation: High School German teacher

Previous public office: Declined to answer

It is important to listen to everyone’s concerns when it comes to housing in our community. This new ordinance is an equitable approach to the complex challenge of finding housing for the most vulnerable in our communities. As a township commissioner, I will work diligently to help all community members feel safe and secure. Ward 7.

Ward 7

Chris Chirdon

Age: 50

Political party: Democrat

Education: MEd in social and comparative analysis in education 2013, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Education with a supporting field course concentration in municipal governance, policy analysis, and strategic planning in GSPIA’s Center for Metropolitan Studies

Occupation: Senior Program Implementation Specialist with the program evaluation and research unit at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy

Previous public office: Appointment to the Shaler Planning Commission

I have noticed that residents generally express three primary concerns regarding the recent change in Shaler Township’s zoning policies: the impact on neighborhood character, safety and equity. While I am in support of the township’s decision, it’s clear that there’s more policy work to be done to balance residents’ concerns with the need to establish future care homes.

Bill Cross

Age: 59

Political party: Republican

Education: University of Pittsburgh BS, computer science

Occupation: Chief operating officer, PC Doctor — IT Managed Services

Previous public office: Commissioner since 1996

This is a complex issue which is currently in litigation. Yes, I thought it was a good idea to approve this change in compliance with the Federal Fair Housing Act.