2 Republicans vie to replace Democratic Harrison commissioner

May 6—Two political newcomers are facing off in the Republican primary to replace a Democratic Harrison commissioner who is not seeking reelection.

Jim Erb is opposing Dylan Seelnacht in the May 18 primary for the 4th Ward seat now held by township Commissioners Chairman Bill Heasley.

No candidates will appear on the Democratic primary ballot.

After serving two four-year terms, Heasley said he's not running again because he is an advocate of term limits at all levels of government.

Heasley said he has a campaign sign for Erb in his yard and is leaning toward supporting him. He said he does not know Seelnacht that well.

Another incumbent supervisor, Gary Lilly, 78, a Democrat representing the 2nd Ward, also is not seeking reelection, citing his age. Democrat Jeffrey C. Reynolds and Republican Jamie Nee are unopposed in the primary for that seat.

Harrison has five commissioners and five voting wards. Seats held by Charles Dizard (1st Ward), Eric Bengel (3rd Ward) and Gary Meanor (5th Ward) will be up for election in 2023.

Erb, 48, is a native of the township's Natrona neighborhood. He's the seventh of eight siblings and a 1992 Highlands graduate. He earned an associate's degree in business management from New Kensington Commercial School in 1994. He also served in the Army Reserves in a six-year program that started in 1991.

He and his wife, Alma, have two children, ages 11 and 6.

Public safety is important to Erb, who has been a firefighter since joining Hilltop Hose in 1994. He has been director of Citizens Hose Ambulance Service since 2008.

"I'd like to see a bit more interest and possibly more financial assistance toward the EMS service from the local municipal government," Erb said.

Erb said he also would want to work with PennDOT and Allegheny County to examine speed limits on roads in the township, because of the crashes he has seen.

"We need to put more pressure on these different, larger agencies, from PennDOT to Allegheny County Public Works, to spend more time on the northern end of the county," he said.

Erb said he also is concerned about rental properties being inspected every three years as the township requires.

"I'd like to make Harrison Township a place where people want to stay and raise their kids," he said.

Seelnacht, 28, grew up in Brackenridge and has lived in Harrison for about four years. He graduated from Highlands in 2011 and attended Clarion University.

He and his wife, Ashley, have two children, ages 8 and 6, and the couple runs Seelnacht Iconic Interiors, a specialty cabinet and interior design business.

Seelnacht took an interest in the revitalization of the Harrison, Brackenridge and Tarentum area and started a Facebook group that led to in-person meetings of residents before the covid pandemic. He sees running for office as a way to be involved in the changes people are looking for instead of just talking about it.

"I've lived here my whole life. I have two children growing up here. I want to see the town do well," he said. "I just want to do my part to make it a better place."

While supporting local business is a big issue for Seelnacht, he said that as a commissioner, he would be a representative of the residents, which requires listening. In knocking on doors during the campaign, he said road maintenance has been a common concern he's heard.

"People want more transparency, and they want people to be more up front with them. That's a big goal of mine," he said.

Brian C. Rittmeyer is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Brian at 724-226-4701, brittmeyer@triblive.com or via Twitter .