Sharpsburg council election results pending write-in certifications
May 20—There will be at least one new face on Sharpsburg council next year after residents cast their votes in the May 18 primary.
According to unofficial results from the Allegheny County Office of Elections, incumbent Kayla Portis was the top vote-getter on the Democratic ticket with 394, followed by newcomer Carrie Tongarm with 326 and incumbent Karen Pastor with 325 votes.
With four open terms on council and no Republicans on the ballot, the top three nominees are all but secured a spot on council.
The fourth seat, however, appears to be up for grabs.
Democratic nominees Brian Kozera and Taylor Pecze earned 197 votes and 194, respectively, but there were 226 write-in ballots cast.
A person needs only 10 write-in votes to get on the ballot.
It is likely that incumbent Brad Truman, who campaigned as a write-in after a paperwork snafu tossed him from the ballot, received enough votes to put him in fourth place.
Also, there were 153 write-in votes on the Republican side which means a race could be on tap for fall.
The county is expected to certify results in coming weeks.
Portis, who was appointed earlier this year to fill a vacancy, said it is an honor to seemingly be elected to her first full term.
She is the first Black council person in borough history.
"I am the first but definitely not the last," Portis said, with a nod to the words made famous by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris.
"I have always believed that representation matters," she said. "We need everyone's voice to be heard."
Tongarm, new to politics, said the race was, at times, contentious and exhausting but also worth it.
Tongarm is among the first openly LGBTQ people to win a nomination for borough council.
"I look forward to solidifying these historic wins in the general election," Tongarm said.
The candidate plans to focus on spurring momentum in civic engagement.
"People are concerned and paying attention like never before," Tongarm said. "I want to focus on making the engagement with the council easier, accessible and more transparent."
Tongarm said priorities will also include residents' concerns heard during door-knocking. They include parking, public activities and youth engagement.
"Mostly, I am going to spend time in the community and continue building relationships with those I will be serving."
Tawnya Panizzi is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tawnya at 724-226-7726, tpanizzi@triblive.com or via Twitter .
