Migyanko faces challenger in May primary
Incumbent Georges Township Supervisor Mark “Moose” Migyanko is being challenged this year in the May primary by Shane Wheeler Sr.
The men, both Smithfield residents who are lifelong residents have the township, will each appear on the ballot as Democrat contenders. No Republicans are seeking the office.
Migyanko said that after 20 years as a supervisor, he is not ready to step down until the work he set out to do is completed.
“If elected, I would continue to work as hard as I can for the township as roadmaster,” he said.
The township has been paving all of the roads it can afford to do, as well as keeping up on an ongoing water line project, which has been bringing city water to residents who have not had it.
“We brought water to Weaver Mill and Stagger Roads this past year,” said Migyanko. “We’ve been working well together with the community.”
Over the years of Migyanko’s service, the township also brought new sewer lines to the village of York Run.
“We will be extending those lines to Shadyside and Collier Roads when available,” he said.
There is not yet a start date for when the extension of that project would continue.
When asked why he has served the township for so many years, Migyanko said he simply enjoys helping the people.
“I enjoy it, I like to help the people and I’m out there to do what I can.”
As a veteran supervisor, Migyanko said he is proud of the many accomplishments he and other supervisors achieved over the years, including paving Cave Street in Fairchance.
“It had been many years since it was last paved, we couldn’t pave it with the rest of Fairchance because of a development there,” he said.
Wheeler said that aside from seeing improvements needed throughout the township, such as fixing the roads, he would like to use the six-year term to give something back to the community.
“It’s time to give back and take care of the people of Georges Township,” he said.
Wheeler said he would like to add things like a community park or a recreation center that could be not only for adults but also for children.
“We don’t have anything like that here,” he said. “We have to go to a different community.”
“It would be nice for the kids to give them something organized, to keep them off the street. Parents and kids could interact and be proud of their community.”
Aside from giving back, Wheeler, who ran for supervisor two years ago, said that he would like to address drainage problems along the roads.
He also has experience as a heavy equipment operator and has his commercial driver’s license to drive a truck with air brakes. He is licensed for snow removal.
Wheeler said that his previous experience working for the state Department of Transportation makes him qualified for the job.
“I am certified through the state to remove snow and how to properly lay salt and ash on the roads. I want to be a working supervisor, and nothing other than that. I want to work with the men every day to make sure everything is on the same page,” he said.
For a list of polling places for the May 21 primary, visit www.co.fayette.pa.us