7 vie for ballot spots for 3 seats on Monroeville council

Editor’s note: The Times Express is only spotlighting contested races in the primary election.

Monroeville residents will have seven people to choose from in the upcoming primary election for three available seats on council.

Deputy Mayor Greg Erosenko is the only incumbent. Council members Ron Harvey, Linda Gaydos and Tom Wilson will not seek reelection.

Mayor Nick Gresock, Tax Collector Pat Fulkerson and Dennis Biondo Jr. — candidate for ward 7 council — will run uncontested.

Here are the nominees and their responses to election questions posed by the Tribune-Review.

Mike Adams

Democrat

Why did you decide to run for election?

I am familiar with municipal government, and a change is needed.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

Not to raise taxes and fees for the residents and businesses of Monroeville. With the economic impact from this pandemic, there has been talk about a future shortfall in revenues. Council will need to work together and cut unnecessary spending not layoffs to balance future budgets.

What should voters know about you?

I am a lifelong resident of Monroeville and a 1979 graduate of Gateway High School. I’ve been married for 29 years to my wife, Ronna. I was employed by the Municipality of Monroeville for 40 years in the public works department, retiring in 2019 as its superintendent, which gave me experience with the budget process of the municipality.

Milan Adams

Democrat

Why did you decide to run for election?

I decided to run for the position of Ward 1 Councilman for a simple reason. I want to help the people of Monroeville. A tradition of service to the community has been a constant in my family for generations. I know that my service as a councilman will not only give me the ability to make the Municipality of Monroeville more prosperous, but it will allow me to have a personal connection with the people of Monroeville from all socioeconomic backgrounds and improve their quality of life.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

The biggest issue that needs to be addressed in the Municipality of Monroeville is self-interest in politics. I believe that we must put a stop to elected and appointed officials who are making decisions that affect every resident in Monroeville with their own self-interest in mind. Self-interest has no place in the Monroeville Council. Council members bear an immense ethical responsibility to take in to consideration the qualifications of all potential candidates for appointed positions. A community is made better by employing the most qualified individuals to important leadership positions. Current members of council have not lived up to this standard, and it is imperative that we ensure that accountability exists for any type of unethical behavior. I can assure voters that all of my decisions will be calculated, impartial and will be made with the utmost consideration for the people of Monroeville.

What should voters know about you?

I am a lifelong resident of the Municipality of Monroeville. I am a family man with a wife that I adore, and two grown sons who also reside in Monroeville. My family roots run deep in the community. For generations, my family has played an active role in the area. I work as an aircraft maintenance technician for FEDEX. My career demands attention to detail and a sense of urgency. I must accomplish complex tasks in order to provide high quality service to accomplish a common goal. I believe that Monroeville is due for change. I visualize a municipality where law and order are at the forefront of concern. I promise to work to put an end to self-interest politics and corruption in our municipality. I am asking for your support as I run for the position of Ward 1 councilman for the Municipality of Monroeville.

Gregory Erosenko

Democrat

Why did you decide to run for election?

I have always put my country and my community first by serving in the military and the Department of Veterans Affairs. I still have a strong desire to help the residents of the 5th ward and all Monroeville citizens.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

In the current pandemic situation, maintaining a healthy economy post-pandemic needs to be a top priority. I also want to assure that Monroeville residents continue to enjoy our superior services.

What should voters know about you?

I have been married to my wife, Holly, for 37 years. I have three children and three grandchildren. I served 10 years on the Monroeville Zoning Hearing Board, four years on the Gateway School Board of Directors and 10 years as Mayor of Monroeville. I am currently serving as the Deputy Mayor and Councilman for the fifth ward. I also currently serve as Chairman of the Allegheny County Southeast Tax Commission, sit on the Allegheny County Boroughs Association Board of Directors, sit on the Pennsylvania State Boroughs Association Board of Directors and serve as Chairman of the Western Pennsylvania Mayors/Council Association.

Joseph Hyzy

Democrat

Why did you decide to run for election?

I worked for the people of Monroeville 25 years in the Public Works Department and 20 years at Monroeville Municipal Authority. I have years of voluntary services to the park and recreation department, the seniors center and 35 years for Monroeville Volunteer Fire Department. At this time, I understand what the residents of not only the first ward but all of Monroeville need. I care and listen to their concerns. I would work with Monroeville to make it a better place to live.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

No answer provided by the candidate.

What should voters know about you?

No answer provided by the candidate.

Bob Stevenson

Democrat

Why did you decide to run for election?

I’ve been on boards for Monroeville for over 10 years — the ethics board, planning and zoning and I’m currently on the Planning Commission as chairman. I think I can better serve as councilman, rather than on boards and commissions.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

The main one is trying to hold spending down. And that’s going to be an easy, good possibility due to the fact that the municipality is going to get $2.7 million in stimulus money. We can hold spending down by getting that without raising taxes.

What should voters know about you?

I have over 35 years experience in municipal and city government, and I’m a Vietnam veteran. I’ve been a Monroeville resident for 11 years. I think I have enough knowledge and experience to guide us in different directions than where we’ve been going.

John Patrick Washington

Democrat

Why did you decide to run for election?

I have been involved in the Monroeville community for over 25 years, mainly through athletic programs, and was looking for ways to participate in public service again. When I learned that the council seat in my ward was going to be available, I decided it would be a great opportunity to get involved again.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

I believe community outreach really needs to improve by actively informing the citizens of Monroeville about pressing issues, upcoming events and plans for the future of Monroeville. We need more community involvement and good feedback so that we are working together better and building on all of the positives in our municipality.

What should voters know about you?

I graduated from Gateway High School in 1986. I have a bachelor’s degree in history from the Virginia Military Institute. I was married to Pamela Pugliano in 1991, and we have never lived anywhere else. We have owned four different homes in Monroeville and raised our children, Nicolette (27) and Jack (25), in this community. I have always been involved in sales and management until I recently began my own small business as an independant contractor. I love living in Monroeville, and I am very optimistic about our future.

Len Young

Republican

Why did you decide to run for election?

I have lived in Monroeville almost all of my life. This community has been good to me, my family and friends. I feel the need to give back in the form of helping the citizens and businesses to solve their problems, present positive positions on issues that affect them and make visitors comfortable in Monroeville also.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

Fiscal responsibility.

What should voters know about you?

As a successful business owner for over 22 years, I am able to maximize efficiency of two major resources: time and money. Monroeville government is a business. There is income and expenses. As a watchdog for the Monroeville taxpayer, I will not just growl, I will bite. I have several favorite expressions that I live by: “No problem.” “You have a problem? I have a solution.” And, of course, for my wife: “Yes, dear.”