3 newcomers will join reelected incumbents on Vandergrift Council next month

Vandergrift Council will welcome three new faces when it first meets in 2022 on Jan. 3.

Daisha Clayton was appointed Dec. 6 to fill a seat left vacant by the resignation of Karen McClarnon last month.

Recently elected to four-year terms on council, Democrat Marilee Kessler and Republican Jody Sarno may be political newcomers, but both said they’re ready to serve.

“My campaign slogan has been ‘One Person Can Make a Difference,’ and I’m looking forward to helping build a spirit of community and teamwork to tackle whatever issues lie in front of us,” said Sarno, 47.

Kessler, 71, is a longtime community volunteer who has served with numerous local organizations, including Casino Theatre Restoration and Management, the Vandergrift Improvement Program and the Vandergrift Business Association.

She grew up in East Vandergrift and is employed as a real estate agent.

Her first issue as councilwoman is tackling blight in the borough.

“The creeping blight we see in some areas — we need to develop ways to effectively enforce the ordinances already in place,” Kessler said. “This will promote our town as a good place to own a home and to ensure that owners of investment properties are responsible.”

Sarno moved from South Bend, Ind., 25 years ago. He works as a certified orthotic specialist.

He said Vandergrift is a town worth preserving and investing in.

Sarno said he plans to be accessible to his constituents via his Sarno for Vandergrift Council Facebook page. “I want to stay in touch with the people of Vandergrift,” he said.

Sarno intends to focus on Vandergrift’s youth, with an emphasis on making sure the town and parks are a safe place for kids to enjoy.

He founded a youth-mentor volunteer group called Vandergrift OWLS that promotes kindness, safety and positive play among children in Vandergrift area parks. Sarno said promoting unity among fellow council members is a priority.

“We have more in common than what may separate us. We should focus on what binds us together,” Sarno said. “Common goals and a combined effort — I think that’s going to be critical as we move forward into a new year.”

Kessler aims to promote inclusion and transparency.

“We are a community of multiple generations, and we need to be proactive for all of our residents,” Kessler said. “The key to all of this is open communication.”

The three newcomers will join reelected incumbents Democrat Christine Wilson and Republican Tom Holmes.

Councilman Lenny Collini was elected mayor, defeating outgoing Mayor Barb Turiak.