Former family therapist seeks GOP nomination for Greensburg mayor

G. Domenic Spino, a former family therapist and health care administrator, is seeking the Republican nomination for Greensburg mayor in the May 16 primary.

Spino, 52, is the program director of Dr. Spino Kids, a charitable organization that operates in the area and is affiliated with Humanitarian Social Innovations, based in Bethlehem, Pa. Spino said the organization is named for his father, the late Greensburg physician Dr. Pascal D. Spino, and has a mission of “bringing mindfulness and mentoring to a vulnerable population.”

He said the organization’s “exploratory programs” include a trip for local youths to Hawk Mountain in Eastern Pennsylvania.

Citing a record of public service that helped him build relationships with organizations in the community, Spino said he is running for mayor to address and resolve “the current and future challenges for Greensburg.”

He suggested establishing a Greensburg youth forum and holding monthly mayoral meetings throughout the city “to improve discussions.”

Spino said he “respects and supports” the work of first responders, including Greensburg firefighters and police officers. If elected, he said he would be “a diplomatic leader with public safety, economic development and fiscal responsibility at the forefront.”

He said the city’s public safety professionals should have monthly “supervisory and personal case management meetings oriented to the professionals’ needs to be effective and well.”

Earlier in March, incumbent Mayor Robb Bell voted with city council members to engage the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association to help evaluate candidates to succeed former police Chief Shawn Denning. Denning resigned after being arrested Jan. 24 on federal charges of serving as a go-between in purchases of drugs from California.

The mayor and council also approved a discipline and retirement agreement with patrol Officer Regina McAtee, who was suspended over an undisclosed personal issue.

Spino cited blight removal and development of small neighborhood businesses among other issues he wants to give attention to while “keeping taxes lower.” He suggested the need for improved communications with property owners.

A 1993 University of Pittsburgh graduate, Spino’s past roles include health care administrator at St. Anne Home, family therapist with Pressley Ridge, executive director of the Turtle Creek Watershed Association, workforce coordinator with ResCare, Westmoreland County Children’s Bureau task force member and public liaison, adjunct instructor at Seton Hill University and Westmoreland County Community College, medical ethicist with the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases and regional fund representative with the Fresh Air Fund.

A lifelong Greensburg resident, Spino is married with three adult children and two granddaughters.

In his bid for mayor, Spino has been endorsed by District 9 of the Westmoreland County Republican Committee.

Greensburg Salem School Board member Jonathan O’Brien also is seeking the Republican nomination for mayor.

Jerry Vernail, a former Greensburg police detective, is challenging Bell in the Democratic primary.