With primary win, councilwoman poised to become Leechburg's 2nd female mayor

New female leadership appears to be on the horizon in Leechburg.

Councilwoman Doreen Smeal, 69, scored a victory on the Democratic and Republican primary elections in the race for mayor, all but securing a victory in November. The only thing that could stop her from winning is somebody mounting a successful write-in campaign, and those are very rare.

Once elected, she will be the second female mayor to serve the borough.

“I spent the day at the polls, and I was just thrilled with the different conversations I had with different people. When I got the numbers, I was overwhelmed. That made me feel really good. Many of the voters told me, ‘It’s time to have a woman in there as mayor,’ ” Smeal said.

Jane Favero, Leechburg’s first female mayor, broke a 151-year run of male mayors when she was elected in 2001. She praised Smeal’s accomplishments and determination in pursuing the mayorship.

“I would encourage all females to get involved in politics. I like to see that gender come forward and put their views first,” Favero said. “You can make a difference in your own municipality.”

Smeal garnered 82 Republican write-in votes to incumbent Mayor Tony Roppolo’s eight votes in the primary.

She earned 99 Democratic votes and Roppolo garnered 70, according to results certified by the Armstrong County Elections Bureau.

“I’m a mother, grandmother, on so many committees, and I want to be involved in Leechburg with as much as I can and to give back. I’m very good with networking,” she said.

Councilman Chuck Pascal praised Smeal’s volunteering dedication.

“The people of Leechburg know Doreen as someone who treats everyone with respect, and that she’s involved in giving her time to nearly every organization and event that makes Leechburg a better place, and, obviously, we all appreciate her,” Pascal said. “As mayor, she’ll be the face of the community and will continue to promote a positive image of our town.”

The two-year term of mayor is an uncompensated position, and the primary duty is to oversee the police department.

Smeal said she already is in conversations and interactions with the police department and plans to take a course in mayoral leadership.

She will run unopposed on the ballot in November and is expected to be sworn in during a council meeting in January.

She will replace Roppolo, who was appointed in March 2022 after the unexpected death of Mayor Wayne Dobos.

“I want change. I have wanted to be mayor. I was told I didn’t have enough experience, so when the opportunity arose to serve on council I did so I could get my experience,” Smeal said.

Leechburg always has been home for Smeal, a retired PNC banking professional. She lives in a house on Canal Street previously owned by her late grandfather.

An active volunteer in numerous organizations, Smeal said her multitasking abilities will be of great value as mayor.

Her campaign focused on promoting Leechburg as a tourism destination and on ways to attract new businesses.

Smeal volunteers with the Leechburg Area Community Organization, Leechburg Public Library, Clothing Closet at First Lutheran Church, Leechburg Area Museum & Historical Society, Leechburg Food Bank and the American Legion Auxiliary.

She is working with Councilman D.J. Zelczak to obtain grants to fix, repair and update aging sidewalks in the borough.

“We have a lot of bad sidewalks, not all of them, but some of them are really bad,” Smeal said.