4 candidates in 2 wards in race for Ross commissioner
Ross Township’s odd numbered ward seats were up for election this year, but only two wards have contested races. In Ward 1, Daniel DeMarco received both Democrat and Republican nods in the primary and is unopposed.
In Ward 3, Democrat Sarah Poweska is the only candidate on the ballot.
In Ward 7, Patrick Mullin also won both party’s primary nominations and is unopposed.
Ward 5 has David Barkovich facing William A. McKeller and in Ward 9, Joe Muha is running against Zebulon E. Plotnick.
The terms are four years.
Here are the candidates’ biographical information and their responses to this question posed by the Tribune-Review: On July 17, Ross commissioners hired Jordan Sager as the township’s social services coordinator. His job is to provide comprehensive social services to residents in Ross and individuals identified by the police department, one of the few in Allegheny County to have a social worker performing this work. In your opinion, is this a worthwhile expenditure? Why or why not?
Ward 5
David Barkovich
Age: 48
Political party: Republican
Education: Doctorate in educational leadership; masters of arts in teaching; masters of science: psychology in education; bachelor of arts: communication rhetoric; National Board certified teacher
Occupation: School counselor at North Hills High School
Previous public office: Declined to answer
Ross Township possesses a highly talented and highly dedicated police force. The addition of a social services coordinator will only enhance their ability to provide responsive and responsible services. I’ve met Jordan Sager and after speaking with Chief Zett and Deputy Chief Kohlhep, I’m confident that Jordan’s experience and education will be an asset to the Ross police force and the citizens of Ross. I work in a similar profession and therefore I know firsthand how valuable of a partner a social services coordinator can be for our residents.
William A. McKellar
Age: Declined to answer
Political party: Democrat
Education: North Hills High School graduate; Community College of Allegheny County degree in administration of criminal justice; Allegheny County Police Academy Act120; Dickinson College Sheriff Certification Act2; Allentown Police Academy School Resource Officers Training (SRO);
Occupation: United States Army Veteran-Military Police Airborne-Cold War Europe; retired Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office detective/sergeant; retired North Hills School District director of safety and security (SRO)
Previous public office: Finishing my first term as Ross Township Commissioner of the 5th Ward
As chair of public safety, I spearheaded the social service coordinator position. It is a valuable tool for our police department and community. When police respond to calls that are social issues related, the coordinator can assist helping these individuals with need service that they might not be aware are available to them. The coordinator is also available to our residents when called upon for social service issues. You will see more police departments and municipalities move toward this valuable service.
Ward 9
Joe Muha
Age: 64
Political party: Republican
Education: B.S. metallurgical engineering, Carnegie-Mellon; M.S. Materials Science, Pitt; M.B.A. Chapman University
Occupation: Quality Manager
Previous public office: North Hills School Director.
The idea of providing social services has been debated and certainly there has been no agreement on whether it is effective. Normally I would not be in favor of a township such as Ross taking this on. However, there is grant money available for this so I am OK with it. However, at the end of this period, when Ross would need to take on all the responsibility, we need to objectively evaluate this position. Too often government positions become permanent with little or no evaluation. We need to sit down and determine: did this position add value to community? If no, we need to eliminate the position. If yes, we still need to determine if this should be a Ross Township position or would it be more effective and efficient to do this on a county-wide basis, or perhaps regional basis such as some areas are doing with their police forces.
Zebulon Plotnick
Age: 38
Political party: Democrat
Education: BS in nuclear engineering
Occupation: Engineering manager
Previous public office: None
Yes, it is a worthwhile expenditure. A dedicated social services coordinator provides residents of Ross Township with a resource to help find the support they need. It also helps police officers navigate circumstances they encounter where law enforcement action isn’t the appropriate response.
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