81-year-old incumbent defeats challenger, 20, in Pitcairn mayoral primary

A person’s first foray into politics is often a disappointing one.

And so it was for 20-year-old Mika Petrosky, who lost her bid to unseat 81-year-old incumbent Margaret “Betsy” Stevick in Tuesday’s Pitcairn Democratic mayoral primary.

With 100% of the vote counted, Stevick had 247 votes to Petrosky’s total of 96 with one write-in vote. With no candidates running as Republicans, Stevick, who has served as the borough’s mayor for 24 years and counting, would seem to have a clear path to reelection in November.

Stevick did not immediately return multiple calls seeking comment.

“I love this town and I know I can help it and I am helping,” Stevick told the Trib last month. “It’s become my life. It’s very rewarding. It keeps me going.”

If Petrosky had won, she would have been on her way to becoming the youngest mayor in Pennsylvania.

An IT technician, professional event photographer and third-year psychology student at CCAC Boyce, Petrosky is recovering from the mental strain of her campaign as well as the sunburn she received from standing outside the polls for the entire day on Tuesday.

“I’m kind of just chilling honestly,” said Petrosky. “Obviously, I got upset that I lost. I put a lot of effort into it but (the outcome) is what the people of our town want. The important thing is the town getting someone who they recognize as their leader and is able to do the job.”

During her campaign, Petrosky brought up concerns about drug problems and race issues in Pitcairn that she felt were not being addressed. When asked if she would be willing to share any of her ideas with Mayor Stevick, Petrosky said she is reluctant to approach her.

“I’m not going to lie. I don’t feel that Betsy would be open to listening,” said Petrosky. “If she was open to listening to what the people in our town need, I wouldn’t have run to begin with.”

Petrosky said she is going to spend some time deciding whether to run as a write-in candidate in November.

“There are some issues that need to be addressed that are never going to get addressed (otherwise),” she said. “There is a way to work together with those in our town so that we can bring our town together instead of continuing to grow that divide between people. It’s time for a new generation.”

For now, Petrosky plans to focus on her studies and her job until she decides which direction to go with her fledgling political career.

“I’m still going to continue working with the town. I do a lot of community service,” she said. “Otherwise, the main focus is how my finals are going because I just finished those last week and I’m waiting for my grades.”