May 13, 2007 By Patty Yauger 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE TWP. – A local businessman and a political newcomer will challenge the incumbent for the Democratic nomination for a position as a Connellsville Township supervisor in the May 15 primary election. Rodney Allen, owner of Miedel’s Restaurant and towing, recycling and demolition businesses, and Irvin Shipley III, a Precision Casting of Greensburg employee, are seeking the post now held by Supervisor Chairman Donnie Hann of Poplar Grove.

With no Republican candidates vying for the position, the Democratic candidate receiving the nomination will virtually secure the seat, provided there is no challenge in the fall.

Hann said that he is anxious to be a part of the progress that is now taking place in the township.

“We had a rough couple of years, but now we are moving forward,” he said. “I’m not ready to retire yet, and I’d like to think that along with supervisors Sally Stoots and Charles Basinger, we could make things a little better.”

Hann said that the most significant improvements during his first term include several storm water management projects, the purchase of a new truck, construction of a salt shed and installation of two new roofs on township-owned buildings.

“There is still work to do, and I’d like to help,” he said.

Shipley, who resides with his wife in the Hillcrest area, said that he was urged by longtime township tax collector Wayne Opperman before his death in March to pursue a position on the panel.

“It is easier to sit back and criticize what’s being done, instead of being part of the solution,” said Shipley. “I think I can be a part of the solution for some of the problems facing the township.”

Shipley cites out-of-control spending, excessive cell phone usage and the failure to keep tabs on those residing in rental properties as a few of the problems he would tackle as a supervisor.

“Our spending rivals a township three times our size,” he said. “Everyone (on the township payroll) has a cell phone. There’s no accountability for those renting property. A per capita tax imposed on those (renting property) could help lower taxes.”

A goal, said Shipley, is to eliminate township-related property taxes through an Emergency and Municipal Service Tax (EMST). If enacted, the tax would replace the Occupational Privilege Tax and is limited to $52.

Shipley said that he would advocate a “Redd-Up Campaign” similar to the one implemented in Pittsburgh by the late Mayor Bob O’Connor.

“I think there are a lot of places with junk around them and a lot of abandoned cars that need to be cleared out,” he said, adding that he would opt not to receive compensation for holding a supervisor position. “I believe I have some good ideas.”

Allen, who resides along Breakneck Road, could not be reached for comment.