What are top priorities for Erie County Council candidates ahead of the primary?
As the legislative body of county government, council is responsible for passing the county budget; serving as a liaison between county departments or authorities and the public; overseeing county elections; supervising the Erie County Human Relations Commission; and the governance of Pleasant Ridge Manor, the Erie County-owned skilled nursing facility.
Three council seats will be on the ballot in the May 20 primary election.
Here's a quick look at the candidates and their goals.
Democrats James DePalma and Jim Wertz are competing for their party's nod to run for the 2nd District council seat. Republican Renee Vendetti is running unopposed.
The seat has been held by Democrat Andre Horton, who's serving his third term and is term-limited.
The 2nd District runs east from the Millcreek Township line across the city's bayfront to the Harborcreek Township line. The district includes all of Erie's first ward, parts of the second, third and fourth wards and Lawrence Park Township.
Democrat James DePalma
Age: 61
Education: Academy High School
Work experience: Retired. Erie Water Works, Erie Public Works
Family: Divorced, two children
DePalma said he wants to increase public safety and well-being by combating drug issues in Erie County.
"I also want to work to reduce homelessness in the community," he said. "If elected, I plan to work together with colleagues, county programs, and other elected officials to solve problems in a collaborative manner in order to come up with resolutions that best serve Erie County.'
Democrat Jim Wertz
Age: 46
Education: Edinboro University, the American University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Work experience: Professor of broadcast journalism and digital media at PennWest-Edinboro; chairman of the Erie County Democratic Party from 2018 to 2023. Former news videographer, editor, newscast director and production manager at Erie news stations
Family: Married, three children
Wertz said his top priority would be "protecting the essential county services that people across the 2nd District and Erie County rely on every day."
"That includes supporting public health, ensuring the safety of children and seniors and strengthening services for veterans," he said. "I'm also committed to safeguarding our democracy. Erie County has become a model for election administration across the commonwealth, and I'll work to preserve that model of integrity and accessibility of our elections as we continue to modernize our systems. Ultimately, my goal is to make county government the most responsive and transparent it can be.'
Republican Renee Vendetti
Age: 64
Education: Tri State Business Institute
Work experience: Retired. More than 30 years in accounting
Family: Single, two children
Vendetti said her goal is to watch over how taxpayers' money is spent.
In the 4th District, Democratic incumbent Jim Winarski is running for a second term. He'll face a challenge from Democrats Carl Anderson, Marcus Jacobs, Michael Keys and Kevin Pastewka.
The 4th District comprises much of Southeast Erie, in addition to Wesleyville Borough and portions of Millcreek.
Democrat Jim Winarski (incumbent)
Age: 62
Education: Holy Rosary Grade School, Tech Memorial High School.
Work experience: More than 40 years in automotive industry (manager Ras Auto body for 44 years), 12 years on Erie City Council; Erie County Council, 3 ½ years
Family: Married, four children
Winarski stressed the importance of collaboration between council and the administration. He also said he doesn't want residents to be hit with hefty tax increases every year.
"What we need to do is create a tax structure with a small yearly increase as compared to a higher increase every three or four years," he said. "Also, we must utilize any and all grant money possibilities to the best of our abilities to help save the county money."
Winarski said he also wants all county properties assessed and to find solutions to the emergency medical services crisis.
Democrat Carl Anderson
Age: 58
Education: Mercyhurst University, Gannon University
Work experience: Former financial advisor, former County Council chairman, self-employed historical researcher
Family: Two children
Anderson said he will work every day to be "a champion to bring fairness, equity, transparency, fiscal responsibility, collaboration, unity and integrity to our county government."
"I'm ready to return to Erie County Council with renewed energy and a bold vision for progress," he said. "I will continue the fight and champion for all the people of Erie County, with such programs that promote opportunities for youth ― the Community College, Police Athletic League (PAL) ― as well as achievable community development ― data centers and Coke plant remediation ― not failing economic development."
Anderson also stressed a commitment to Pleasant Ridge Manor and the Area Agency on Aging, protecting seniors, blight removal, the Erie County Health Department and EMS and volunteer fire fighters.
Democrat Marcus Jacobs
Age: 24
Education: Penn State Behrend
Work experience: Borough manager of Wesleyville, vice president of Young Erie Professionals
Family: Single, no children
Jacobs said he aims to support small businesses, expand economic opportunities and encourage local housing initiatives. He also aims to streamline government processes, cut red tape and empower community-based entrepreneurs and builders, according to his campaign.
In addition, Jacobs aims to support, not control, local Fire/EMS. Jacobs plans to advocate for county-level programs that back first responders through tax relief, stronger recruitment efforts and cost-effective regional partnerships to enhance service across departments.
Democrat Michael Keys
Age: 58
Education: Gannon University
Work experience: Security and private law enforcement, former Erie City Council member, U.S. Army veteran
Family: Married, five stepdaughters
Keys said he intends to "connect the three underserved areas of District 4" and foster collaboration between East Millcreek, Wesleyville and southeast Erie for their mutual benefit. He also said he wants to update aging infrastructure with a focus on parks and public spaces. Other goals include economic development that creates high paying jobs and effective delivery of social services. He also said he intends to use his relationships and experience with local elected officials and stakeholders to drive investment in District 4.
Democrat Kevin Pastewka
Age: 57
Education: Indiana University of Pennsylvania, SUNY Buffalo
Work experience: Semi-retired. Vice Chairman of the Erie County Democratic Party, former treasurer of the party
Family: Single, one daughter, three grandchildren
Pastewka said his main priorities would include maintaining a fully funded public health department, enhancing educational opportunities with a focus on the Community College and fighting for democratic values.
"I believe the best way to facilitate these goals is collaboratively," he said.
In the 6th District, incumbent Republican Charlie Bayle will square off against Republican challenger Scott Rastetter.
District 6 encompasses several municipalities across the southern and eastern reaches of Erie County.
Republican Charlie Bayle (incumbent)
Age: 52
Education: High School
Work experience: Retired, U.S. Army and Pennsylvania State Police. Former school police officer, incumbent County Council member, active in youth coaching
Married, three children
Bayle said he will continue to push GAP funding for municipal infrastructure and an EMS authority.
"GAP has been a way to unlock significant funding from the state and others," he said. "Helping provide a match has helped communities address problems that have existed for decades."
As far as EMS, Bayle said he doesn't want the county to operate EMS but fund it appropriately.
"Municipalities don't have the ability to levy a fee the way the county can," he said. "I'll continue to push for these projects and more to be funded by Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority money. The money was promised to taxpayers, not NGOs."
Republican Scott Rastetter
Age: 71
Education: Broward College
Work experience: Semi-retired, owner of Scott's Carpet Showcase; former Erie County councilman
Family: Formerly married, one child, two grandchildren
Rastetter said his priorities are retaining population and attracting new citizens by "promoting our assets and delivering the necessities to build on."
"Namely, availability and ease of transportation, education, health and all details that are involved," he said. "When I was on County Council, I know we did a good job and made good progress for our community. The future is coming fast, quit wasting time."
A.J. Rao can be reached at arao@gannett.com. Follow him on X @ETNRao.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie County PA Council: Who's on the ballot in the May primary?
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