5 Democrats vying for 3 nominations for seats on Aspinwall Council

Five Democrats will compete in the May primary for three Democratic Party nominations for seats on Aspinwall Council.

Challengers Louis Curcio Jr., David C. Brown and Mark Chimel II will vie against incumbents Heth R. Turnquist and Patti McCaffrey.

Barring any unexpected write-in campaigns, the winning Democrats could face Republicans Sharon Donnick, Timothy McLaughlin and Terry Nelson Taylor in the November General Election. Donnick, McLaughlin and Taylor are running uncontested for three GOP nominations.

Here are responses from the five Democrats to questions posted by the Tribune-Review. The Fox Chapel Herald is publishing election previews with candidate interviews only for contested municipal and school board races.

The candidates are listed in ballot order:

Louis Curcio Jr.

Age: 32

Political affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Restaurant Manager, Luke & Mike’s Frontporch in Aspinwall

Education: Fox Chapel Area High School, 2009

Political experience: First time running for office

Why did you decide to run for election?

I decided to run for council because I consider myself very blessed to have grown up in this great town. I have management experience and a passion for this town and would like to use my experiences to be a voice for the voters in Aspinwall. I feel it’s time for me to give back to the town that has given me so much.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

The biggest issue that needs to be addressed is giving a voice to every resident in this town. I strongly believe that the position of a local borough councilman is to listen and vote for what the members of the community are in favor of, rather than pushing their own personal agendas.

Why should people vote for you?

The people of this great community should vote for me because I am running with the sole intent to make this town the best it can be for every resident. We are all neighbors and it’s time to bring this town together.

Heth R. Turnquist

Age: 50

Political affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Researcher and Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh

Education: Undergraduate degrees from South Dakota State University and Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska Medical Center

Political Experience: Aspinwall Council member, chair of the Finance and Personnel Committee and a member of the Public Safety, Planning and Zoning Committees. Active member of the Aspinwall Democratic Committee and past elected committee member (District 3).

Why did you decide to run for re-election?

I’ve really loved my last four years on council. Likewise, I’m proud of what we have done together during this time. In my next term, I would be focused on further fiscally responsible updating of our aging infrastructure and improving Freeport Road’s safety and curb appeal. I’ll also continue to push for a local connection to the Three Rivers Heritage Trail.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

The problem I would have my most focus would be working to find the funding to make Freeport Road safer and more attractive to businesses, patrons, pedestrians and cyclists. Related to that would be working with other groups to address train safety in light of recent derailments in the region.

Why should people vote for you?

I’m a very results-driven person and Aspinwall can expect me to put in the time and do more than only discuss problems. I’ll work to achieve solutions. Also, in a time in our country that is fraught with political divisiveness causing governance paralysis, I feel I’ve demonstrated the ability to work effectively with any invested person or group.

Patti McCaffrey

Age: 59

Political affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Realtor with RE/MAX Select Realty Fox Chapel Office

Education: Alan Kells Real Estate School

Political Experience: Aspinwall Council, appointed in February to replace outgoing Councilman Dave Borland.

Why did you decide to run for election?

I became interested in seat mostly due to my participation on The Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee in 2019. I have been proud of the work so far and want to see the plan implemented and felt the remainder of Dave’s term was not enough time to do that so I decided to run for a full four-year term.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

One of the biggest issues facing Aspinwall is aging infrastructure, including water and sewer. Melissa Lang, borough manager, and Laura Voytko, chair of infrastructure, have worked diligently together to get some large scale projects completed. I look forward to working with them on future projects.

Why should people vote for you?

I’ve had extensive participation in many Aspinwall groups and events, such as Aspinwall Neighbors; a proud supporter of Foxwall, Aspinwall Volunteer Fire Department, Civic Association, Aspinwall Chamber and was a founding member of CERT. I’m grateful for my neighbors’ support and hope they will vote for me, and I’ll continue listening to them regarding everything Aspinwall.

David C. Brown

Age: 65

Political affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Consultant

Education: Bachelor of Science, College of William and Mary; Doctor of Medicine, Master of Science, University of Pennsylvania; Master of Arts, Master of Philosophy, Yale University

Political Experience: Member of Aspinwall Council from 2018-2022. In 2016, founded and led Priority Aspinwall, a citizen’s group that successfully opposed a development that would have substantially increased traffic on Freeport Road. For more than 20 years, worked on political campaigns for Democratic candidates at the state and federal levels.

Why did you decide to run for election?

I enjoy helping people and I enjoyed serving Aspinwall’s residents as a member of Aspinwall Council. As an elected official, I consider myself first and foremost a public servant. I’m again interested in serving the people of Aspinwall.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

Finding ways to maintain and improve our community’s aging infrastructure, including a new rescue vehicle for Aspinwall’s Volunteer Fire Department.

Why should people vote for you?

I’m a long-term resident of Aspinwall and am committed to both our community and good government. If elected, I’ll do my very best to provide Aspinwall’s residents with a local government that is truthful, competent, cost-effective, responsive and transparent.

Mark Chimel II

Age: 33

Political affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Senior Research Analyst, Carnegie Mellon University

Education: Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership, Frostburg State University; Master of Arts in Higher Education, Messiah University; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Penn State University-Harrisburg

Political Experience: Former School Director, Greencastle-Antrim School District

Why did you decide to run for election?

Since moving to Aspinwall, my wife and I have fallen in love with our town and see a long-term future here. I feel called to serve our community. While having council members who have lived in Aspinwall for many years is valuable, it can be equally valuable to have some representation from newer residents like myself.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

The implementation of the comprehensive plan is the biggest issue facing council right now. Council needs to ensure it meets current needs and anticipates future needs, while being willing to adapt where the plan may no longer meet current opinions or realities. It will be particularly important to balance the sentiments of long-time residents and new arrivals.

Why should people vote for you?

I bring a unique combination of work experience in gathering and analyzing information and strategic planning with prior local government experience and a fresh perspective and a new voice. I want to bring more voices from the Aspinwall community into council matters so that we create a future that benefits all of our neighbors.