Anthony Bisesi appointed as Ward 9 Ross commissioner

The Ross Township Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on Jan. 31 to appoint a new commissioner for Ward 9, filling the vacancy left by previous commissioner Jack Betkowski.

Betkowski resigned on Jan. 3 after being elected to the Allegheny County Council in the November election to represent District 1.

There were three candidates for the board to choose from to fill the open seat: Zebulon Plotnick, Anthony Bisesi and Joseph Muha. Interviews with the candidates were held during the Jan. 18 meeting.

Commissioner Pat Mullin nominated Bisesi, and the move was seconded by commissioner Chris Eyster. Bisesi was chosen in a vote of 6-1, with all in attendance voting yes except for commissioner Denise Rickenbrode.

Commissioner Jason Pirring was not in attendance.

Bisesi was promptly sworn in by Judge Richard G. Opelia.

“I am extremely honored to be appointed as Ross Township’s 9th Ward Commissioner,” Bisesi said. “I have always taken great pride in being an active member of our community, particularly with our youth organizations. I look forward to continuing and expanding on that work as a commissioner.”

Bisesi will hold the seat until Dec. 31, 2023.

Additional appointments were completed during the meeting.

Rick Avon was reappointed to the building code appeals board for a three-year term ending on Dec. 31, 2024.

Casey Sample was reappointed to the Northland Public Library board for a five-year term ending on Dec. 31, 2027.