Ross Ward 1, 7 commissioner races contested
Editor’s note: The North Hills Journal is publishing candidate interviews for contested municipal and school board races only.
According to the Allegheny County Office of Elections unofficial candidate list, in the Ross Township Commissioners Ward 1 race, incumbent Daniel DeMarco is facing a challenge from fellow Democrat George Tunney for a four-year term.
The Ward 3 race is uncontested, with Sara Poweska, a Democrat, the only candidate on the ballot. There are no Republican candidates in Ward 3.
The Ward 5 race is also uncontested, with David Barkovich the only Republican on the ballot and Democrat William A. McKeller the only Democrat on the ballot.
In Ward 7, two-time incumbent Democratic Commissioner Pat Mullin is seeking another term against Democratic challenger Christopher Davidson.
Finally, in Ward 9, Joe Muha is uncontested on the Republican ticket and Chad Green is uncontested on the Democrat ticket.
Here is a closer look at the candidates and their responses to the election questions posed by the North Hills Journal.
Ward 1
Daniel DeMarco
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Why did you decide to run for election? There is unfinished business that I intend to complete. In 2020 I began discussions with our eight volunteer fire departments concerning the significant decrease and difficulty in recruiting firefighters. Covid-19 delayed action on this matter and it is a vital issue that now needs to be addressed.
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Ross Township just initiated a study in March to determine the future of the fire departments. The fire protection service is provided by all volunteers and Ross Township needs to address a significant decrease in the number of individuals willing to sacrifice their time and lives as volunteer firefighters.
Why should people vote for you? My record of attention to important issues in Ross Township speaks for itself. I spearheaded the deer population control program in 2020. It is still underway and as I stated back then, it will take time to see results, but there are plans to expand the program in 2023-2024.
George D. Tunney
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Why did you decide to run for election? To bring fresh ideas and change to Ross Township.
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Honest communication to keep the public informed of important issues that arise.
Why should people vote for you? I am a hardworking person who wants to make a positive impact on the community by listening to what the voters want.
Ward 7
Christopher Davidson
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Why did you decide to run for election? I am making a run for the Board of Commissioners because I want to ensure Ross’ citizens’ needs are met without overspending the county’s tax dollars.
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Davidson declined to answer this question.
Why should people vote for you? I have a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Pittsburgh to ensure the county’s spending stays in line. I have also worked at the University for over 18 years, currently as an administrator, creating policies, maintaining budgets, overseeing spending and hiring employees.
Patrick Mullin
Party affiliation: Democrat
Why did you decide to run for election? I am actually a two-time incumbent running for my third term. I think I’ve done a good job in my eight years in the 7th Ward. I’ve accomplished a lot in my ward between more street paving, better police service. I answer every phone call and I think that my constituents are really happy with me and most of them are the ones that talked me into running for a third term.
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? We’re moving pretty good right now. We just hired a new police chief in January, the first woman police chief in Ross Township history, Cristyn Zett. Ross Township just keeps growing and growing. We have a couple of new developments going on right now. We have one on McKnight Road. We’re going to have another on Route 19 so we’re a huge municipality and I think that there is a lot of work to be done in different areas.
Why should people vote for you? I’m a U.S. Army veteran. I’m a lifelong union member of (Teamsters) Local 249. I am the endorsed Democratic candidate.I think that my constituents know what I’ve done for the township. I’m head of the Public Works Department and we’re a great, great unit, street paving, taking care of the ball fields. During the winter we have the best service for removing snow, getting the roads open, getting them ready for school buses and road clearing in general. We have a park in my area called Denny Park. Before I was a commissioner, people didn’t even know where Denny Park was. I’ve improved the street paving in Ward 7. We have more police protection in Ward 7.
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