5 Democrats vying for 4 primary nominations in West View
May 6—Five Democrats are vying for party nominations in the spring primary to run in November for four open seats on West View borough council.
There are no Republicans running for council in the May 18 primary.
Incumbent Mayor John R. Henry is unopposed on the Democratic ticket in the primary. No candidates are seeking the GOP nomination to run against Henry.
Seeking the Democratic nod in the primary are Matthew R. Gajtka and incumbent council members William Aguglia, Eugene Borio, Bryan S. Kircher and Robert D. Schellhaas.
Here are the responses to questions posed to the candidates:
William Aguglia
Why did you decide to run for council? I will be approaching 20 years on council. I just wanted to be involved in trying to help the community that I am proud to have lived in since 1971.
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Infrastructure, with any older community you are always trying to update your playgrounds, roadways and quality of life for all of our residents and visitors.
We apply for many grants to help with funding with all of our projects to include updating our borough the best that we can with the funding provided.
What should voters know about you? I worked at West View park in 1965 and I met and married my wife Diane. We have we've been married for over 50 years we have three children and eight grandchildren.
I was instrumental along with other council members to start our first Community Center many years ago. I am the past president of West View borough council, past vice president of West View council.
At one time held the office of vice president of West View youth football and West View/Ross baseball Association.
I currently serve as a delegate with the North Hills Borough Council of Government and Three Rivers Wet Weather. I currently sit on the board of directors for the West View Water Authority.
Eugene Borio
Why did you decide to run for council? I am running for council because I feel like I can play a more active part in serving the community. I find it is important to listen to the community's concerns and make changes to the concerns being addressed.
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? The biggest issues that I have addressed in the past as a councilman were improving the playgrounds for the children in the community and helping residents with parking issues.
The biggest issue that needs to be addressed is balancing the budget while continuing to listen to and helping residents with concerns.
What should voters know about you? I have been a councilman for seven years. Prior to that, I worked at the voting polls for five years.
I have been an active member of the West View Ross Athletic Association in the past and coached girl's fast-pitch softball for several years. I live in West View with my wife and have two daughters, five granddaughters and two dogs.
Matt Gajtka
Why did you decide to run for council? This is my first time running for political office. I believe that representation is important, and to that end, I've been disappointed to see the lack of people under 40 years old in local government.
My hope is to give a voice to a younger generation in West View, while also pushing to make the borough a better place to live for everyone.
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Partially due to its size and location among Ross Township and Bellevue, I think West View doesn't get enough recognition for its value to the North Hills community.
I would love to leverage my PR/communications background to help get the word out on what we have to offer. That's the only way we can maximize our resources.
What should voters know about you? I'm a big believer in the power of recreation, and not just for children, either. Sport has given me confidence and a career, and it makes my existence more fulfilling on a daily basis.
If I could help West View residents get out and experience their community through enhanced recreation opportunities, I would consider that a job well done.
Bryan S. Kircher
Why did you decide to run for council? As an eight-year member of the borough council, I am seeking re-election in an effort to continue to support the improvements to the borough's business district, the upgrading of parks and recreation, ongoing upgrades to the borough's infrastructure with continued support of our public services, yet maintaining fiscal responsibilities and oversight to limit any future tax increases.
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Controlling costs yet providing the same or enhanced level of services the residents expect and deserve.
What should voters know about you? I am a proud life-long resident of West View where I have raised three adult children.
I am also a business owner in West View and understand from both a resident and a business owner the ongoing needs within our small community.
Enhancing the quality of life in West View maintaining the "great place to live" ideal is my goal and what every resident would want and expect from its elected officials.
Robert D. Schellhaas
Why did you decide to run for council? My family has long been associated with West View borough. My father, Robert, was a member of council and wanted to be helpful in any way possible.
What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Infrastructure and providing a safe community for all our residents are important issues concerns of mine.
What should voters know about you? I have been a lifelong business owner in West View.
I followed in my father's footsteps and became a funeral director of Schellhaas Funeral Home along with my sons Ryan and Drew. My wife Becky and I are proud grandparents of our granddaughter Nora.
Tony LaRussa is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tony at 724-772-6368, tlarussa@triblive.com or via Twitter .
