Vandergrift Councilman Pete Basile resigns for health reasons

Former Vandergrift Councilman Pete Basile told the Tribune-Review on Friday that he resigned from his elected position for health reasons.

A retired Westmoreland County assistant police chief, Basile, 58, was elected in November 2017 to a four-year term. He also was a part-time Vandergrift police officer for 34 years.

His resignation from council took effect immediately.

Basile said his recent health issues, about which he did not disclose details, haven’t stopped him but they have slowed him down. The health issues also played a part in the decision by he and his wife, Nicole, to sell SweetLane Chocolate Shop in December.

As a borough councilman, Basile was chairman of the buildings and grounds committee and the parks and recreation committee, which included the borough’s park system and the pool.

“I feel like I’m letting people down, but you have to take care of yourself first,” he said.

Basile said he was most proud of his work in helping to secure about $100,000 in grants last year for roofing, lighting and a police car.

Recently, he had been working on a $200,000 grant application for a state Department of Community and Economic Development grant to pay for renovations at the Vandergrift pool. He also assisted in converting an old tennis court along Jackson Avenue into a skate park.

“I did the best I could with what I had,” Basile said. “But don’t worry, I will still be around.”

Candidates looking to fill Basile’s seat should contact the borough office at 724-567-7818.