Local municipal races summarized
More than a dozen area political hopefuls will square off in the May 15 primary election in several Fayette County races for municipal seats. Here is a list of some of the candidates competing in next week’s primary.
Franklin Township
A political hopeful will attempt to unseat a current Franklin Township supervisor in the upcoming primary.
Challenger Edward Rowan will battle incumbent candidate Melvin E. Lerch Jr. for the Democratic nomination in an attempt to become the next supervisor.
Whoever wins the primary will face Republican challenger Tom McCracken in November. McCracken is running unopposed in the primary for the Republican nomination.
Nicholson Township
In Nicholson Township, Richard A. Jarrett will square off against Charles McClain for the Democratic nomination for township supervisor.
The men will vie for one open seat on the three-person supervisor board. Township supervisors serve a six-year term.
Ohiopyle Borough
Incumbent Connie Smithberger is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination for Ohiopyle Borough Council in the May 15 primary election.
On the Republican ballot, four candidates will compete for three nominations. Running are: Joyce Adams, Elizabeth M. McCarthy, Katherine R. McCarthy and Jeanette Twerdesky.
Council members serve a four-year term.
Springhill Township
Two men are vying for the Democratic nomination for township supervisor in Springhill Township.
Paul M. Dunham will square off against Henry McClain on May 15. The supervisors will govern the township which includes the villages of Gans, White House and Friendship Heights.
Stewart Township
Incumbent Mark F. Stephans will try and hold off challenger John Burnsworth for the Democratic nomination in Stewart Township on May 15.
An issue facing Stewart Township supervisors in coming years will be finding alternative fiscal sources to offset property tax loses created by Ohiopyle State Park. The park occupies more than 14,000 acres in the township and supervisors have complained about difficulty trying to maintain municipal roads.