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Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
What are top priorities for Erie County Council candidates ahead of the primary?
Serving on Erie County Council is no small task. 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@ 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?
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Erie Democratic candidates cast their early primary ballots
Erie County Democratic candidates took to the Erie County Courthouse to participate in early voting for the primary election. Ballots were cast Tuesday afternoon by Jim Wertz and Perry Wood, among other candidates. Gannon University students showcase geographic information system projects The campaign manager for Jim Wertz and Perry Wood said having the candidates cast their ballots shows the importance of voting and making your voice heard at the polls. 'It's important to have this opportunity because come May 20, something might happen, anything could happen,' said Chelcie Alcorn, their campaign manager. 'If you live or work or play downtown, coming to the courthouse and just getting this done is a really easy way to get your vote cast.' Lake Erie Lights returning for summer 2025 marking 10 years of PI Lighthouse tours For all your election news, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Voters meet Erie Democratic candidates at forum
It was a night of mixing food and politics on Parade Street Wednesday night. A political forum was held at the Anna Purna Kitchen on Parade Street on Wednesday evening The event was part of an effort for new immigrants to the city to get a chance to speak with those running for office in this year's primary. Included in Wednesday night's discussion were Democrats Daria Devlin running for mayor, Jim Wertz running for county council, and Perry Wood running for Erie County Executive. Organizers said among those groups were Bosnians, Afghans and Iraqis, among others, with questions for the candidates. 'Got to make sure we talk to everybody, and these are people who are part of the community, who have lived in the community, started businesses in the community, and to make sure that Erie is a part of their lives,' said Preston Nouri, the event moderator and organizer. Nouri told us candidates from both parties were invited, but only Democrats showed up. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former Erie Democratic chairman Jim Wertz announces run for Erie County Council
Jim Wertz, the former chairman of the Erie County Democratic Party, announced Wednesday his candidacy for Erie County Council. Wertz, an Erie resident, will run for council's 2nd District seat, which is held by Democratic Councilman Andre Horton. Horton, who's serving his third term, is term-limited and cannot run again. He's endorsed Wertz's candidacy. More: Republican Dan Laughlin re-elected Pennsylvania state senator for 3rd term 'I've never been afraid to take on the issues and policies that often leave many people overlooked and underrepresented in our community, and I'm extremely proud of the work I've done on County Council over the past 12 years,' Horton said in a news release. 'I've also had the privilege of partnering with Jim Wertz on many critical issues over the years. As my term on County Council comes to an end, I know the work must continue and there is no one I trust more to carry out that work than Jim. He shares my commitment to justice, equity and opportunity for all, and I am proud to endorse him as he steps up to lead Erie County toward a stronger future.' The 2nd District encompasses Lawrence Park township and northern Erie, including the city's first and fourth wards, and parts of the second and third wards. Wertz, a professor of broadcast journalism and digital media at PennWest-Edinboro, was most prominently the chairman of the Erie County Democratic Party from 2018 to 2023. He's also worked as a news videographer, editor, newscast director and production manager at Erie news stations. Wertz previously ran for the Pennsylvania State Senate in 2024, losing to incumbent Republican Dan Laughlin. Wertz is a graduate of Edinboro University and holds graduate degrees from The American University in Washington, D.C. and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He lives in Erie's West Bayfront neighborhood with his wife, Kim, and their three children. County government woes: What's Erie County's tax rate? Council, Brenton Davis disagree A.J. Rao can be reached at arao@ Follow him on X @ETNRao. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Democrat Jim Wertz announces run for Erie County Council
