4 Ross commissioner seats up for reelection, only 1 race has primary challenge

Three of the four Ross Township commissioners who are up for reelection this year will not face a challenge for their party’s nomination in the May 18 primary.

Three candidates — two Democrats and a Republican — are running in the primary to fill a vacancy for the fourth seat created when the 8th Ward incumbent commissioner decided not to seek reelection.

Ross has a nine-member board of commissioners elected by ward. Representatives for the even-numbered wards are up for reelection this year.

Ward 2

Incumbent commissioner Chris Eyster, a Democrat, is not facing a challenge for his party’s nomination in the primary, and no Republicans are on the ballot.

Eyster was appointed in February by unanimous vote to fill a vacancy in Ward 2 created by the resignation of Steve Korbel, who served as the board president. Eyster was the Ward 2 representative for two terms before deciding not to seek reelection. Korbel won the vacant seat in 2013.

Ward 4

Incumbent Democrat Joe Laslavic has no challengers in the primary for his bid to win the party’s nomination to run for a second, four-year term.

No candidates are seeking the Republican nomination in the 4th Ward.

Ward 6

First-term Democrat Jason Pirring is running uncontested in the primary for his party’s nomination.

No Republicans are on the ballot for the party’s nomination to run for the 6th Ward seat in November.

Ward 8

Two Democrats are running in the primary to get on the ballot as the party’s nominee to fill the seat in November.

The winner in the primary will face off against Republican Matt Kruth, who is running uncontested in the GOP primary this spring.

The incumbent, Commissioner Frances Salachup, is not seeking reelection. Salachup was appointed in July to complete the unexpired term of Jeremy Shaffer, who was resigned because his family moved out of the township.

Here are the responses to questions posed to the two candidates seeking the Democratic nomination in the primary.

Lauren Hergert

Why did you decide to run for commissioner? I want to help my neighbors and community, especially through these difficult times. I want to bring my passion, community involvement and experience working in government for over a decade to the table to help my neighbors make our piece of the world the best that it can be. I want to offer that passion to the community that I love by fighting to keep fair property taxes, improve infrastructure and preservation of our beautiful parks and green spaces. I know how vital local government is and recognize how important it is to have well-intentioned, qualified people in these roles. I understand that it takes a collective team of individuals who think differently and come from different, diverse backgrounds to lead a community thoroughly and successfully.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? The global pandemic has negatively impacted our economy in a way that has not been seen in our lifetime. I have first-hand insight into the devastating effect that covid-19 has had on small businesses, bars and restaurants. These local businesses generate tax revenue that goes back into our municipality and are a crucial component to a healthy local economy.

Over-developing our township by adding subdivisions is not the way to make up for a loss in tax revenue.

Ross Township is an area that is prone to landslides. Removing our remaining green spaces will put our community at risk for costly infrastructural repairs at the expense of the taxpayer.

Adding more developments that take away our green spaces without addressing our issues with infrastructure is not only costly to the taxpayer but a public health and safety concern.

What should voters know about you? I always knew I wanted a career helping others. I realized that I could effectively help people by working in local government. I currently work in the Allegheny County Treasurer’s office and serve as a member of the Ross Township Planning Commission.

I have training in nonviolent crisis intervention. I earned my associate degree in criminal justice at West Virginia Northern. I attend Duquesne University, and I am pursuing a master’s in organizational leadership.

I enjoy volunteering my time helping friends and loved ones who need something I can assist with. If I am unable to help them directly, I find the help they need elsewhere.

It is my way of putting positive energy back into this world, and I genuinely enjoy doing it. I am an advocate for people and always have been. I am devoted to our township and to the people who live here.

Denise Rickenbrode

Why did you decide to run for commissioner? Ever since (Gov. Tom) Corbett investors became the new owners of the Northway Mall and Elementary parcels, I have been involved with protecting my community.

Every time development plans were being discussed in zoning, commissioner and planning board meetings, I was there, and I rallied my neighbors to fill the room so township officials were aware of resident perspectives. By coming prepared to these meetings with well-informed arguments, I’ve been successful at bringing more greenery, noise buffers and sidewalks to Browns Lane for our community.

I have been told that I’ve been carrying on the role of a commissioner for years without realizing it. Now, I am ready, willing and able to officially wear the title and elevate residents’ voices among Ross Township officials.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? I will ensure development does not cause unnecessary disruption and discord. There must be a balance between the benefits of new business revenue and the cost to residents directly affected. There are numerous commercial properties currently available to accommodate new business without disturbing residents’ lifestyles or causing destructive landslides.

The old Sam’s Club parcel on McKnight Road is an excellent example. With years of experience collaborating with businesses on all levels of management, I successfully can pursue such inquiries.

We also need better transparency and communication between residents and government. No one should be caught off guard by changes that impact them. It will not happen under my watch. Earlier this year, residents of the Mews and Chappell Hill were unaware that a rezoning request was happening near them. I knew this was wrong, so I created a map and distributed the information to ensure full transparency.

What should voters know about you? I’ve lived in Ross Township for more than 30 years with my husband, Jim, and we raised our daughter Vanessa here. I have a vested interest in this community. I intimately understand the problems we face and the assets Ross Township has to offer.

Like my neighbors, I enjoy living in a desirable neighborhood amongst a respected school system and shopping corridors and accessing beautiful parks and athletic fields.

I’m dedicated to enhancing these assets and ensuring our community benefits from them for generations to come.

My 37-year-long career in corporate sales and marketing analytics has also given me the skill set a commissioner needs. I have a B.S.B.A. from Robert Morris University and am a senior software developer at SAS Institute, a global analytical software company. This gives me the ability to create manageable solutions while considering varying perspectives and avoiding unintended consequences.

Transparency starts with me.