4 newcomers vie for 2 open seats on Pine Township Board of Supervisors

Voters in the Pine Township will be asked to select from among four political newcomers to fill two vacancies on the five-member board of supervisors after incumbents Michael Dennehy and Ed Holdcroft decided not to seek reelection. Dennehy serves as the board chairman and Holdcoft is the vice chairman. Those seeking the seats, according to the Allegheny County Office of Elections unofficial candidate list, answer a few questions and explain their goals for the office.

Jeffrey Hyams

Party: Democrat

Age: 47

Education: Master’s degree in computer science

Occupation: Robotics engineer

If elected, what are two short-term goals? First and foremost, I will endeavor to make good, evidence-based decisions on everything from construction approvals and zoning issues to snow removal and garbage collection. I will work hard to manage the every day decisions and execution of my job as supervisor, including attending all meetings and ensuring that everyone has a voice and is heard. In support of this, I will also engage with the people of the township to find out what issues are most affecting them and find out solutions to these issues. In support of this, over the last two years, I have been part of the township zoning planning committee that built the recommendations for the new zoning rules that were recently approved. I took into that committee feedback from residents that I heard when I ran for supervisor in 2019 and ensured that their issues were represented in the new zoning rules.

If elected, what is one long-term goal? I think one of the biggest problems facing our communities is divisiveness. We need to start working to build back trust within the community and between each other. The best way to do this is to engage in intelligent and rational discussion. It is possible to disagree on topics without screaming and yelling at each other and possible to listen to rational issues and work to solve them in rational ways.

How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? I have regular email contact and if elected, will enable a website where the community is able to send me comments and issues that matter to them. As their representative, it is incredibly important to listen and take in all issues to be able to decide the best solutions to the township’s problems. I have always been open to personal discussions and will be available at township events and after meetings.

Audrey Mackie

Party: Republican

Age: 38

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Edinboro University

Occupation: Operations manager, Daqulente Paving

If elected, what are two short-term goals? My first goal is to listen and learn. I am coming into this race with experience in administration, operations and parenting three young boys. Multi-tasking, organization and responsibility are traits that are crucial to my everyday life. There are a team of experts within the Township of Pine that range from the employees of the different township departments, existingboard members, the emergency and first responder teams, and the maintenance and operations crews. I will acclimate myself to their perspectives of the community and bring in my knowledge and understanding of what the residents want and need. Second, I want to establish an open line of communication with the residents of Pine Township. It is important to me that every resident in this community understands what is happening where they live. I want to enrich our community and be a voice for them on the board of supervisors.

If elected, what is one long-term goal? Living in Wexford all my life I have seen this area develop and grow to what it is today. I have a true appreciation of where I come from, and I want to contribute to the area’s future. Our township is rich with history, a genuine sense of community, and a bold projection towards the future. Once elected I want to assess the current and future needs of residents in the township. While residential and business growth are important fiscal pieces that have kept our taxes low and provide funding to the township, I firmly believe we must update the township ordinances to secure a future for the residents that is not riddled with over population, strained school systems and overburdened infrastructure.

I would like to designate more green space while maintaining private property owners’ rights. It is not an easy task, but I am up for the challenge.

How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? Social media, email and newsletters are key to my communication efforts. I want to be accessible and keep the residents of the Township informed on matters of the board. As a parent of three young boys time is limited and I am always on the go. I know many young families are residents of the township and I serve as a volunteer on different boards and committees and often utilize social media and direct emails to get the message out.

For those residents that do not use electronic forms of media, I would like to set up quarterly listening sessions for the township residents. Often the public comment session of a board of supervisors meeting may not serve as the best time to listen to the residents of the township. I strive for the community to feel they are engaged in the decision making that happens within Pine.

Albert Villanueva

Party: Democrat

Age: 48

Education: Master’s degree in business administration

Occupation: SAFe Agile Scrum Master/business analyst

If elected, what are two short-term goals? Provide reasonable resolutions on community concerns. Evaluate and advise on commercial and residential development projects.

If elected, what is one long-term goal? Deliver responsible oversight of the Pine Township’s budget for all programs and services.

How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? I will continue to collaborate with colleagues, the community and business owners in my neighborhood and at community events. I will also encourage my constituents to attend the Board of Supervisors meeting to share their Pine Township concerns.

Casey White

Age: 41

Party: Republican

Education: Pine Richland High School, Class of 1999; Lehigh University, Class of 2003, Bachelor of Science; Duquesne University School of Law, Class of 2007: Juris Doctor

Occupation: Attorney

If elected, what are two short-term goals? My first short-term goal is to address the immediate needs of both the Northern Regional Police Department and the Wexford Volunteer Fire Company. My objective is to continue to help provide adequate resources for continued public safety. I would also like to build upon the fact that Pine Township has been a model community for safety and emergency preparedness. A safe community is the foundation for a strong and united neighborhood. My second short-term goal is to make the citizens of Pine Township aware that I am there to address any of their immediate concerns. I will open a line of communication so that they can share their thoughts, ideas, and questions directly with me. As a public servant, understanding and meeting the needs of the community is a top priority.

If elected, what is one long-term goal? During my 25-plus years as a township resident, I have watched the Pine Community Park grow to become the heart of our community. While being fiscally responsible and cognizant of environmental factors, I believe that we should continue to improve the park to suit the needs of all residents and visitors. As a long-term goal, I believe it is very important to continue developing, expanding, and enhancing our walking trails, sidewalks, and all parks. I have learned firsthand how sidewalks and walking trails can bring different segments and neighborhoods of our community together.

How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? I will engage with constituents through all forms of communication available. I plan to listen to all their suggestions, ideas and input to help resolve issues based on their needs and the desires of our community. There will not be any decisions made on a personal agenda.