Sharpsburg Mayor's race sees 2 Democratic nominees vying for top office

Editor’s note: The Herald is only spotlighting contested races in the primary election.

Sharpsburg residents will have the chance to vote-in a new mayor this year as current Mayor Matt Rudzki exits his post. According to the Allegheny County Office of Elections unofficial candidate list, there are two Democratic nominees seeking their party’s candidacy in the primary election May 18. Both currently serve as members of borough council. They are Brittany Reno and Joe Simbari. There are no Republicans on the spring ballot.

Here are the nominees and their responses to election questions posed by the Tribune- Review:

Brittany Reno

Q: Why did you decide to run for election?

A: “Since serving on borough council since 2015 and being unanimously elected and reelected council president since 2018, I have seen the incredible power of showing up to conversations, listening to everyone with an open mind, doing research and not being afraid to stand up for people who aren’t at the table.

“I am running for mayor for the same reasons I served two terms in AmeriCorps working with foster kids aging out of the system; worked for years fundraising for programs for youth, veterans and people with disabilities; volunteer on nonprofit boards around Sharpsburg; and work in nonprofit community development — because I love to help people, because I want to make the world, and specifically Sharpsburg, a better place for all of us to live, and because I believe that people who care and are willing to put in the work can make a difference in the lives of others.”

Q: What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

A: “Solving big issues requires big, collaborative efforts, so expanding resident engagement and involvement in the civic process is a necessity. Addressing flooding and related economic/environmental burdens on residents and businesses is critical, which is why I have made it a priority to get Sharpsburg in the Community Rating System program to improve flood preparation/mitigation and lower flood insurance costs across town.

“Improving the quality of our housing while maintaining affordability is key as the region sees property values soaring, so our continued involvement in the Tri-COG Land Bank and the City of Bridges Community Land Trust is a priority.

“And, in a town with a great Main Street business district and large number of seniors, kids and residents without cars, improving walkability with safer crosswalks, better sidewalks and riverfront trail access will bring more family-friendly businesses, local jobs and tax revenue back to Sharpsburg while improving public health.”

Q: What should voters know about you?

A: “I love Sharpsburg and the people who call it home. From the narrow alleyways to the industrious, entrepreneurial history of our community, I know that Sharpsburg is truly one-of-a-kind. The way that neighbors know and care about each other, pulling together in times of need — despite differences in lifestyles or politics — is unlike anything I’ve experienced before.

“I know that this kind of culture, which isn’t born overnight but passed down and instilled over generations, is what makes Sharpsburg so special.

“I believe strongly that people suffering through hard times deserve a hand up so that they can reach their potential, and that supporting our neighbors ultimately results in a safer and healthier community for all of us. People should know that I love this town to the core of my heart, and I will do anything to make it an even safer and more wonderful place to live.”

Joe Simbari

Q: Why did you decide to run for election?

A: “I decided to run for mayor because I have lived in Sharpsburg my entire life. No one knows this town better than I do.

“The mayor has one primary duty, to oversee the police department. Now, more than ever, we need real leadership in our police department.

“When I hear ‘defund’ the police, I respond with invest in the police. When your police know the residents and the residents know the police, then we have an environment of mutual trust and respect. Having that environment creates a community where everyone feels safe to live, work and worship.

“I am Sharpsburg, and I will invest in our town and our police so that everyone feels that sense of comfort.”

Q: What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

A: “I’m not sure there is “one biggest” issue. However, as I said at March’s council meeting, there seems to be an air of mean-spirited dialogue in Sharpsburg — the sense of fighting a struggle where there is no fight. We need less hate and name-calling and more love and understanding.

“I think it is a sad day in Sharpsburg when you have a difference of opinion and that difference immediately translates into a battle and an assault on an individual’s character. You can’t just put up a sign in your yard that says ‘Sharpsburg is for Everyone’ when you really mean ‘Sharpsburg is for Everyone as long as You Agree With Me.’

“I am Sharpsburg. I live it, I always have and I always will.

“My Sharpsburg is for everyone and everyone has the freedom of their own opinions.”

Q: What should voters know about you?

A: “Voters should know that I am not a politician. I am not looking to be the mayor of Sharpsburg as a resumé-builder. I will never be looking to politics as a means of income or as a career.

“Know that I am a real person with raw feelings and emotions. I am happy when things are going well, and I get mad when someone inaccurately portrays who I am. I am Sharpsburg.

“I will represent everyone, no matter what party you are with or who you think should be president of the United States,. I am not part of any movement, and I have no hidden agenda. My agenda is making every resident of Sharpsburg proud to call Sharpsburg home.”